News News from Ghana

The latest news news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

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French police detain 14-year-old after shooting at Aubagne school

French authorities have launched an investigation into a suspected case of attempted murder after a 14-year-old student shot two senior staff members at a school in Aubagne, southern France. The incident resulted in the immediate detention of the minor following an attack that has shocked the local school community. Both the school's headteacher and a teacher were wounded during the shooting and were subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries. Details emerging from the investigation reveal that the teenager used a hunting rifle to carry out the attack. To bypass security and avoid suspicion, the student reportedly concealed the weapon inside a guitar case before entering the school premises. Once inside, he fired at least four shots, specifically targeting the lower limbs of the victims. Medical reports indicate that while both the headteacher and the teacher suffered significant injuries to their legs, they are currently receiving professional care. The motive behind the shooting remains a central mystery for investigators. The local prosecutor stated that the 14-year-old has been uncooperative regarding his reasons for the attack, showing no intention of explaining his actions to the police. Despite the lack of an immediate explanation, authorities have clarified that the incident appears to be an isolated act and was not connected to the broader school protests currently occurring across France. In the aftermath of the violence, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement expressing his solidarity with the victims and their families. The President also commended the quick thinking and decisive actions of the school’s staff during the crisis, noting that their response was instrumental in preventing further harm to other students or personnel. As the legal process begins, the focus remains on the psychological state of the suspect and the circumstances that allowed him to bring a firearm onto the campus.

Mawutor Agbavitor, Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, being taken through a programme by a learner at the school
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Ziope community inaugurates GH₵820,000 self-help projects

Residents of Ziope in the Agotime-Ziope District have achieved a significant milestone in local development by inaugurating a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre and a mechanised borehole. Built at a combined cost of GH₵820,000, these essential facilities were financed and constructed through the community's own self-help initiatives. The official unveiling took place during the annual Ziope Ngoryiza development festival, a celebration that highlights the progress and cultural heritage of the area. The newly commissioned ICT centre is designed to bridge the digital divide in the district. It features 40 modern computers and is supported by 24-hour internet connectivity, providing students and residents with reliable access to global information resources. Community leaders and local officials expressed confidence that the facility will drastically enhance digital literacy and provide a conducive environment for research and academic advancement within the Ziope township. Beyond the technological boost, the mechanised borehole addresses critical water needs, ensuring a more stable and hygienic supply for the community. During the inauguration ceremony, leaders emphasized that the success of these projects was rooted in the collective spirit and financial contributions of the residents. They used the platform to call for continued unity, urging the community to sustain this momentum for future projects, including a proposed expansion of the local health clinic to better serve the growing population. District officials praised the Ziope community for taking charge of its development agenda, noting that such proactive efforts often serve as a catalyst for additional government intervention and support. While advocating for strong community ownership, officials also reminded the residents of the importance of maintaining the new infrastructure. By ensuring the longevity of the ICT equipment and the water system, the community can maximize the long-term socio-economic benefits of their hard-earned investment.

Data Protection Commission clamps down on organisations breaching regulations, microfinance firm and health facility referred to police for prosecution
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Data Protection Commission refers health facilities to police for prosecution

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has referred several health facilities and a microfinance firm to the police for prosecution following a compliance enforcement exercise in Accra. This action, taken under the mandate of the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), highlights the commission's commitment to ensuring that institutions handling personal data adhere strictly to regulatory requirements. During the operation, the DPC identified multiple organizations that had failed to maintain valid registrations or meet their financial obligations to the state. Among those cited during the enforcement drive were two hospitals found to be operating with expired data protection certificates. Additionally, a clinic was flagged for significant compliance issues, including the failure to pay mandatory regulatory fees. The Commission’s officials emphasized that simply registering with the DPC is insufficient; organizations must actively maintain their status and fulfill ongoing legal obligations to ensure the privacy and security of the sensitive information they manage, particularly in sectors as critical as healthcare. The referral to the police marks a shift toward more stringent enforcement measures as the DPC seeks to protect the data rights of Ghanaian citizens. Commission representatives noted that inspections will not be limited to the healthcare and finance sectors but will expand to other industries in the coming months to ensure nationwide compliance. Organizations across all sectors are urged to review their current data protection status immediately, as the DPC warned that further legal actions will be initiated against any entity found in breach of Act 843.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II starts restoration of 153-hectare Jimi River site
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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II starts restoration of 153-hectare Jimi River site

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has officially launched a significant land and water restoration project at the Jimi River near Obuasi. This initiative is focused on reclaiming approximately 153 hectares of land that has been severely damaged by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. During the launch, the Asantehene personally planted trees to mark the commencement of the restoration works, which are organized under the broader Green Ashanti Initiative. The primary goal of this pilot project is to protect and secure a vital water source that provides for more than 200,000 residents in the Obuasi area. The project utilizes a specialized six-step rehabilitation model designed to ensure the long-term recovery of the river's ecosystem. This comprehensive approach addresses the severe ecological degradation caused by illegal mining activities, which have long threatened the quality and availability of water in the region. The restoration effort is being undertaken in close collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti and various government officials, representing a partnership between traditional authorities, the private sector, and the state to combat environmental destruction. Beyond the immediate recovery of the Jimi River, this initiative serves as a model for future environmental conservation efforts across the Ashanti Region. By spearheading this exercise, the Asantehene has emphasized the critical role of traditional leadership in environmental stewardship and the protection of natural resources. The successful rehabilitation of these 153 hectares is expected to provide a framework for restoring other degraded lands in Ghana, ensuring that clean water and healthy forests remain accessible for future generations.

Rev. Stephen Wengam (3rd from left), General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, introducing Rev. Dominic Yeo (2nd from right), Chairman, World Assemblies of God Fellowship, to President John Dramani Mahama (right) during the event. Looking on are the Executive Committee members
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Assemblies of God opens 10th World Congress in Accra

The 10th World Assemblies of God Congress has officially opened in Accra, marking the first time the global gathering has been hosted on the African continent. The three-day event has drawn more than 10,000 delegates from over 100 countries to the Ghanaian capital. Under the theme "Commissioned: One Mandate, Every Nation," the congress serves as a platform for international fellowship, knowledge sharing, and strategic discussions regarding church leadership and global missions. President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama attended the opening as Special Guests of Honour. Addressing the congregation, Rev. Dominic Yeo, the Global Chairman of the Assemblies of God Fellowship, expressed deep appreciation for Ghana’s role in hosting the significant congress. President Mahama reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the event, highlighting its importance in advancing the Christian faith and fostering regional ministry initiatives. The congress features a series of specialized sessions focused on church growth alongside evening revival rallies that are free and open to the general public. These evening events will include performances by renowned gospel artists, including Joe Mettle and Sinach. Beyond its spiritual focus, the congress is expected to provide a boost to the local economy, with delegates filling hotels and engaging various services throughout their stay in Accra.

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Houthis attack Riyadh international airport killing Pakistani national

At least one person has been killed and 11 others injured following a rocket attack by Yemeni Houthi rebels on King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh. The Iran-backed group claimed responsibility for the assault, describing it as a response to ongoing Saudi military operations. The victim of the attack was identified as a Pakistani national, highlighting the direct impact of the regional conflict on foreign residents within the kingdom. This strike marks a significant escalation in hostilities, representing the second major assault on Saudi infrastructure within a 48-hour window. According to reports from the Ghana News Agency, a previous attack resulted in the deaths of 12 people and left over 300 others injured. A Houthi military spokesperson stated that their operations are specifically targeting critical infrastructure and airports in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes. In the immediate wake of the airport attack, Saudi forces reportedly conducted multiple airstrikes on Houthi positions in northern Yemen’s Saada province, where the rebel group also claimed to have downed a Saudi drone. The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from the R4 Group, an alliance comprising Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. The group characterized the strike as a violation of national sovereignty and a direct threat to civilian safety and international aviation. Meanwhile, intense ground fighting continues within Yemen, particularly in the Taiz region, as local government forces engage Houthi fighters for control of the area. The resurgence of these high-profile attacks underscores the fragility of previous truce agreements and the persistence of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. As Saudi Arabia intensifies its response in Saada, international observers expressed concern that the cycle of retaliation could further destabilize the Middle East. The ongoing conflict, involving multiple regional powers, continues to complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a lasting peace in the Arabian Peninsula.

Kwesi Pratt Jnr supports ban on preaching in commercial vehicles
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Kwesi Pratt Jnr supports ban on preaching in commercial vehicles

Kwesi Pratt Jnr, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, has expressed strong support for a proposed ban on preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles. Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Pratt argued that commuters should not be forced to endure unsolicited religious messages or prophecies during their travels. He emphasized that shared public transport spaces must respect the individual rights of all passengers, regardless of their religious beliefs. Pratt specifically criticized the practice of some preachers who deliver frightening messages about potential road accidents. He noted that such sermons impose undue fear on passengers, especially during long-distance trips where travelers may already be experiencing significant stress. According to Pratt, the introduction of accident prophecies is an unnecessary burden on the public, and he questioned the audacity of individuals who impose their beliefs on others in a confined space. Drawing on constitutional principles, the veteran journalist highlighted that the 1992 Constitution of Ghana guarantees freedom of conscience. He argued that this right allows individuals to choose their own beliefs without being subjected to the religious expressions of others against their will. Pratt further suggested that allowing diverse and often conflicting religious messages in public transport could lead to confusion and tension among passengers of different faiths. The debate over preaching in trotros and long-distance buses has long been a point of contention in Ghana. While some view it as an essential part of the social and spiritual fabric, Pratt maintains that the rights of the passenger to a peaceful journey must take precedence. He called for stricter enforcement of regulations to ensure that commercial vehicles remain neutral spaces where the privacy and comfort of every traveler are protected.

A composite graphic featuring a stack of shiny gold bullion bars on the left and the official GoldBod logo on the right. The right side has a dark green background with the text 'GOLDBOD GHANA GOLD BOARD' accompanied by a sun-like star emblem.
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Ghana Gold Board partners with military for GH₵35m forest reclamation

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has joined forces with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Engineer Regiment to launch a GH₵35 million land reclamation project within the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve. This initiative is designed to restore a significant portion of the forest that has been severely degraded by illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. The project targets approximately 60 hectares within Compartment 161 of the reserve, aiming to reverse the ecological damage recorded over the past several years. The collaboration leverages the technical and engineering expertise of the military's Engineer Regiment to execute the heavy-duty restoration work. Key activities planned for the site include the backfilling of dangerous mining pits, the stabilization of disturbed soils, and the construction of efficient drainage systems. These structural interventions are critical to mitigating the environmental hazards posed by open pits and preventing further soil erosion in the area. Beyond land restoration, a primary objective of the GH₵35 million investment is the protection of vital water resources, specifically the Tano River. Illegal mining operations in 2021 and 2022 led to rampant runoff and pollution, threatening the water quality and local biodiversity. By stabilizing the landscape and managing drainage, the project aims to shield the river from further siltation and chemical contamination, thereby safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem. Once the physical reclamation and landscape preparation are completed, the Ghana Gold Board will hand the site over to the Forestry Commission. The final phase of the restoration will involve reforestation efforts using indigenous tree species to return the area to its natural state. This multi-agency approach highlights the government's commitment to sustainable resource management and the restoration of Ghana's ecological heritage in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

Nsawam High Court stops Osenase Homecoming over security risks
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Nsawam High Court stops Osenase Homecoming over security risks

Justice Paul Oduro of the Nsawam High Court has issued an order halting the Osenase Homecoming event, which was scheduled to take place from October 12 to October 18, 2026. The ruling follows an application from the Ghana Police Service, which raised concerns that the gathering could trigger violence due to a volatile, long-standing chieftaincy dispute within the community. The court determined that there was a substantial risk of a breach of the peace if the event were allowed to proceed as planned. In delivering the judgment, Justice Oduro noted that the organisers failed to comply with the Public Order Act, which requires formal notification to the police before holding such an assembly. Although the organisers characterized the homecoming as a charitable initiative, the court found that the nature of the activities suggested a traditional festival. Justice Oduro emphasized that such an event would likely attract large crowds, creating a dangerous situation given the active tensions between rival factions in the township. The Ghana Police Service argued that proceeding with the homecoming would jeopardize public safety, stating they had limited resources to manage potential unrest if clashes erupted. This judicial intervention supports a prior directive from the local Municipal Security Committee, which had already placed a ban on social activities in Osenase to prevent an escalation of hostilities. The court's decision effectively reinforces those security measures to maintain order and protect residents from potential violence.

A close-up portrait of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He is wearing a white polo shirt with blue and black stripes and has a serious expression.
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Bernard Antwi-Boasiako pleads not guilty to GH‵30m Exim Bank fraud

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of fraud and money laundering. Appearing before Justice Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit on October 12, 2026, the politician rejected allegations that he defrauded the Ghana Export-Import (Exim) Bank of GH‵30 million. The case involves an amended charge sheet filed by the prosecution, which asserts that Wontumi used forged documents to secure funding for a farming project that was never executed. The defense, led by lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, has consistently maintained that the dispute is civil rather than criminal. Atta Akyea revealed that recent attempts at plea-bargaining with the state ended without success because the terms offered were unfavorable to his client. The defense argues that the matter centers on a loan dispute that should be resolved through financial reconciliation, emphasizing that a failure to repay a loan should not be equated with criminal wrongdoing such as forgery or causing financial loss to the state. Despite the request for bail by his legal team, the court ordered that Wontumi be returned to prison, where he is currently serving a 20-year sentence for a previous, separate conviction. The prosecution alleges that the funds were obtained under false pretenses for an agricultural initiative that existed only on paper. While the amended charges focus on a GH‵30 million figure, some defense arguments referenced a specific loan component of GH‵14.3 million as part of the broader dispute. The proceedings have been adjourned to October 27, 2026, for a Case Management Conference. This upcoming phase will allow the court to outline the timeline and procedures for the trial as the state prepares to present evidence regarding the alleged money laundering and document forgery. The outcome of the case is being closely watched due to the high profile of the defendant and the substantial amount of public funds involved in the allegations.

Lands Commission launches online search service in 10 regions
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Lands Commission launches online search service in 10 regions

The Lands Commission of Ghana has launched a new online search service to allow prospective land buyers to verify property details and ownership electronically. Currently available across 10 regions, including Greater Accra and the newly created regions, the initiative aims to streamline the land verification process and reduce the prevalence of fraudulent transactions and litigation in the real estate sector. The digital transition allows for a more efficient way to confirm land details before any financial commitments are made. Under the new system, buyers are no longer required to visit the commission's offices physically to initiate a search. Instead, they can submit site plans and pay the necessary search fees via mobile money platforms. Once the process is completed, the commission issues electronic reports that confirm the legal status of the land and the legal authority of the seller. Acting Deputy Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Raphael Hokey, emphasized that conducting these searches is an essential step for buyers to avoid competing claims and potential financial losses. The introduction of the online service comes as the commission seeks to address deep-seated issues in Ghana’s land administration, particularly regarding customary and family-owned lands. Mr. Hokey noted that poor record-keeping, unclear boundaries, and the lack of formal registration for allodial interests frequently lead to family disputes and the phenomenon of "double sales." He pointed out that many customary landowners have failed to document their holdings properly, making it difficult for buyers to establish who has the rightful legal authority to sell a specific parcel of land. To mitigate these risks, the Lands Commission is urging the public to engage in thorough due diligence before making any payments. This includes performing official searches, physically inspecting boundaries, and verifying the identities of representatives for customary lands. The commission has also established a complaints center to handle public inquiries directly, advising citizens to avoid using unauthorized intermediaries who often facilitate fraudulent deals. This digital shift is part of a broader effort to modernize land records and improve the ease of doing business in Ghana’s property market.

Upper East Regional Police arrest 16 suspects at Gbane mining site
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Upper East Regional Police arrest 16 suspects at Gbane mining site

On October 13, 2026, the Upper East Regional Police Command, in a joint operation with military personnel, arrested 16 suspects at the Gbane mining site in the Talensi District. This security intervention was launched to restore peace and order following escalating tensions between local communities and mining enterprises operating in the area. The sweep involved multiple police units and the military to secure the volatile mining enclave. During the raid, security forces recovered a significant cache of ammunition and illegal substances. Specifically, the police seized 104 live AA cartridges and 37 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, alongside various pieces of equipment belonging to a local mining firm. A separate intervention by the military team during the same operation led to the arrest of six additional suspects, bringing the total number of live cartridges recovered during the day's activities to 209. The Upper East Regional Police confirmed that all 16 suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations. The Command has indicated that the suspects will be processed for court appearances in the coming days. This crackdown follows a period of friction in the Talensi District, where community-level disputes over mining rights and environmental impacts have frequently challenged local security and necessitated a higher security presence. Following the successful operation, police and military patrols have been intensified across the Gbane mining site and surrounding communities to ensure public safety and prevent further disturbances. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order, urging both residents and mining companies to resolve grievances through legal channels while security forces remain on high alert to respond to any threats in the region.