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.

Supreme Court stays promotion order for 40 police chief inspectors
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Supreme Court stays promotion order for 40 police chief inspectors

The Supreme Court has granted a stay of execution on a Court of Appeal judgment that ordered the promotion of 40 police chief inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). The ruling, delivered by a panel presided over by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, suspends the enforcement of the earlier judgment pending the final determination of an appeal filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Attorney-General. The court held that the officers would experience less inconvenience from a stay compared to the potential administrative disruption the police service would face if the promotions were executed and later overturned. The legal dispute originated from a 2021 special promotion exercise and amnesty program intended for police officers who had obtained university degrees. The 40 plaintiffs, led by Chief Inspector Christopher Okpattah, initiated legal action after being excluded from the exercise despite holding the necessary qualifications and seeing junior colleagues elevated. While the Kumasi High Court initially dismissed their case, the Court of Appeal overturned that decision on January 27, 2026, directing the police administration to promote the affected officers. Legal representatives for the officers, including lawyer Anne Kekeli Agbetsiafa, noted that the protracted nature of the case has taken a significant toll on the group. One of the 40 officers has died since the legal battle began, and several others are now on the verge of retirement. Despite the Supreme Court's decision to halt their promotions for now, the legal team expressed hope that the final resolution would eventually favor the officers. The court indicated that the officers could still be compensated or have their ranks restored if the IGP’s appeal is ultimately unsuccessful. This stay of execution reflects the ongoing complexities within the Ghana Police Service regarding personnel management and promotional practices. The Supreme Court's intervention aims to preserve the status quo until the legal merits of the IGP's appeal are fully examined. The case is scheduled to return to the Supreme Court for further proceedings on October 29, where the substantive issues regarding the 2021 promotion criteria and the eligibility of the chief inspectors will be addressed.

A group of approximately twelve young men are seen lined up against a light blue wall during what appears to be a law enforcement operation. Most of the individuals are shirtless and have their heads bowed toward the wall in an outdoor courtyard setting.
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Ghana authorities arrest 19 in Sasaabi cybercrime and trafficking raid

Ghanaian authorities have arrested 19 individuals in Sasaabi, an Accra suburb, during a coordinated international crackdown on cybercrime and human trafficking. The operation, known as "Joint Disruption Week," was a collaborative effort involving Ghana's Cyber Security Authority, the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The raid targeted an organized scam center that officials say defrauded international victims and exploited trafficked individuals to carry out illicit activities. During the raid, security forces identified 117 victims of human trafficking at the Sasaabi facility, many of whom are Nigerian nationals currently awaiting repatriation. Beyond the human cost, investigators identified 89 specific fraud victims who lost approximately $8.3 million to the criminal network. Authorities also seized 303 electronic devices, including computers and mobile phones, which are being processed for forensic evidence to identify further suspects and victims. The operation was part of a broader global initiative that resulted in a total of 28 arrests across Ghana and Nigeria. Private sector participation was also central to the effort, with Meta announcing the removal of more than 3.7 million fraudulent social media accounts linked to these scam networks. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies identified more than $11 million in potentially freezable funds associated with the criminal syndicate's operations. Representatives from the UK’s National Crime Agency emphasized that these operations are crucial for dismantling sophisticated networks that target citizens in the UK and US. Officials noted that the scam centers often rely on extreme human exploitation, forcing trafficked persons to work under duress. The Cyber Security Authority and its partners have urged the public to exercise caution regarding online investment opportunities, stressing that international cooperation remains the most effective tool in combating the rising threat of global cybercrime.

Emmanuel Kwofie jailed three months for assaulting wife in viral video
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Emmanuel Kwofie jailed three months for assaulting wife in viral video

The Agona Nkwanta District Court has sentenced 30-year-old Emmanuel Kwofie to three months in prison with hard labour after he was filmed assaulting his wife in a video that went viral on social media. The presiding judge, Kuma Selorm Dzata, delivered the sentence on October 14, 2026, after the accused pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him by the police. The court's decision followed a swift investigation into the incident which sparked significant public interest across the Western Region. The case originated from a confrontation on October 8, 2026, in Domeabra, near Agona Nkwanta. Kwofie, a local farmer, reportedly accused his wife, Diana Mensah, of infidelity before launching a physical attack. The assault was captured on camera and widely shared online, leading the Western Regional Police Command to track down and arrest Kwofie on October 12. The footage showed the intensity of the violence, which only ended when a bystander intervened to rescue the victim. Following the assault, Diana Mensah was rushed to the Agona Nkwanta Polyclinic for medical attention. She received treatment for various injuries sustained during the attack while the police finalized their case against her husband. The swift prosecution and sentencing of Kwofie highlight the judiciary's efforts to address domestic violence and the role of social media evidence in securing convictions for physical abuse within the home.

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 GEXIM Bank fraud

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the prominent Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party known as Chairman Wontumi, has pleaded not guilty to five criminal charges involving a GH₵30 million facility from the Ghana Export-Import (GEXIM) Bank. Appearing before Justice Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit on October 12, 2026, the accused denied allegations of defrauding by false pretenses, forgery of documents, and money laundering. The prosecution alleges that Antwi-Boasiako utilized falsified paperwork to secure funding for a large-scale farming project that was never actually executed. The court hearing proceeded following the submission of an amended charge sheet by the state. His legal counsel, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, maintained that the dispute is civil in nature rather than criminal. Atta Akyea argued that the case centers on a loan agreement and that the inability to repay should be resolved through financial reconciliation. The defense also revealed that earlier plea-bargaining negotiations with the state had collapsed after failing to reach mutually agreeable terms, reinforcing their stance that the matter is a commercial debt issue. Despite an application for bail from his legal team, Antwi-Boasiako remains in custody as he is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for a previous, unrelated conviction. Justice Abdul-Baasit has adjourned the case to October 27, 2026, for a Case Management Conference. This trial continues to attract significant public interest due to the political profile of the accused and the substantial amount of state-owned capital involved in the allegations.

Solomon Asamoah loses Supreme Court bid to halt $2m SkyTrain trial
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Solomon Asamoah loses Supreme Court bid to halt $2m SkyTrain trial

The Supreme Court has dismissed an application by Solomon Asamoah, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), which sought to halt his ongoing trial in the $2 million SkyTrain financial loss case. A five-member panel of the apex court ruled on Monday that there were no sufficient grounds to intervene in the trial court's proceedings or to quash the decision requiring Asamoah to open his defence. The ruling effectively clears the way for the criminal trial to proceed against Asamoah and his co-accused, former GIIF Board Chairman Prof. Ameyaw Akumfi. Asamoah’s legal team had filed a certiorari application to challenge a previous ruling by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay of the High Court. They argued that the presiding judge had exceeded her jurisdiction and demonstrated potential bias during her evaluation of a submission of no case to answer. The application also raised concerns regarding altered bail conditions, which the defence claimed prejudiced Asamoah's position. However, the Supreme Court found these claims of jurisdictional excess and judicial prejudice to be unfounded, upholding the High Court's authority to continue with the matter. The Deputy Attorney-General opposed the application, maintaining that the accusations against the trial judge were meritless. The state’s case alleges that Asamoah and Prof. Akumfi caused a $2 million financial loss to the state by authorizing the release of funds for the proposed Accra SkyTrain project without obtaining the mandatory board approvals. Despite the disbursement of these funds to South African investors, the project never broke ground, leading to the current charges of misusing public funds. Both accused persons have maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings. With the Supreme Court's decision, the stay of proceedings has been lifted, and the trial is set to resume at the High Court. Solomon Asamoah is now expected to begin his defence and respond to the evidence presented by the prosecution. The case continues to be a significant focal point in the government's efforts to hold officials accountable for the management of state-owned investment funds and the failed execution of high-profile infrastructure projects.

Danso Family warns Dansoman residents against fraudulent land notices
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Danso Family warns Dansoman residents against fraudulent land notices

The Danso Family and the Dansoman Divisional Stool have issued a formal warning to residents of Dansoman Estates regarding misleading land-related notices being circulated by an entity calling itself the Sempe Customary Land Secretariat. In a statement issued by Nii Kojo Danso II on October 13, 2026, the family and the stool authorities cautioned the public against complying with invitations from this group to update land documents or pay ground-rent charges. They asserted that the group has no legal authority to make such demands and that its actions are intended to misinform property owners within the Dansoman enclave. According to the statement, the purported secretariat has been actively circulating invitations to residents, suggesting a requirement to re-verify or update their land documentation. The Danso Family clarified that these notices are misleading and do not constitute proof of ownership or legal standing. They emphasized that legitimate land ownership and administration in the area are governed by specific laws and have been subject to various court rulings, which the family claims support their rightful oversight of the lands in question. Residents have been advised to exercise extreme caution and to avoid treating any correspondence from the Sempe Customary Land Secretariat as legally binding. The Danso Family urged property owners to seek independent legal advice and to verify their land titles through official channels before making any payments or releasing sensitive documentation. They encouraged residents to preserve all their original land documents and ignore the unauthorized directives, highlighting the potential for financial loss if property owners comply with the fraudulent demands. This development highlights the ongoing complexities of land administration in Accra, where overlapping claims between stools and families frequently lead to public confusion. The Danso Family and the Dansoman Divisional Stool maintained that they remain committed to protecting the interests of residents and ensuring that land transactions follow established legal procedures. They reiterated that any legitimate administrative changes or ground-rent collections would be communicated through recognized and lawful channels rather than through unofficial circulars.

Tema artisans protest alleged sale of land near Cocoa Processing Company
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Tema artisans protest alleged sale of land near Cocoa Processing Company

Artisans in Tema have staged a protest against the purported sale of land near the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) to a private developer, reportedly a Chinese national. The demonstrators, who claim to have operated on the site for over 26 years, are calling for urgent government intervention to prevent their displacement from the industrial zone. The protest highlights growing tensions in the hub between long-term informal land occupiers and new private property developers. Speaking on behalf of the group, spokesperson Emmanuel Abdul-Salam emphasized that the land has served as their primary place of business for nearly three decades. According to Abdul-Salam, the artisans are currently facing persistent harassment and the immediate threat of eviction from the individual claiming ownership of the property. He argued that rather than selling such parcels to private entities, the government should secure and utilize the space to support local artisanal work, which provides vital services to the surrounding industrial community. The dispute has already transitioned into a legal battle, with Abdul-Salam noting that the ownership matter is currently before a court. Despite the ongoing litigation, the artisans claim they are being pressured to vacate the premises before a verdict is reached. They are urging the administration of President John Mahama to step in and protect their livelihoods while the court determines the rightful status of the land, maintaining that the sale threatens the economic stability of hundreds of workers. As the legal process continues, the artisans have vowed to remain on the land to protect their interests and equipment. The situation remains unresolved as the community awaits a response from the Tema Metropolitan Assembly or the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. This incident underscores the broader challenges of land tenure and industrial zoning in Tema, where competing interests between established local tradesmen and new private investors frequently lead to public demonstrations.

Fishing communities petition President Mahama to revoke gold licenses
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Fishing communities petition President Mahama to revoke gold licenses

The Association of Artisanal Fishing Communities has petitioned President John Mahama to immediately revoke all licenses granted for offshore gold exploration in Ghana's territorial waters. The group expressed grave concerns that such mining activities pose an existential threat to the marine ecosystem and the long-term survival of coastal towns. By calling for an immediate halt to these operations, the association aims to protect the biodiversity of the sea, which serves as a primary source of livelihood for millions of citizens. A central grievance raised in the petition is the complete lack of consultation with local stakeholders. The fishers noted that the government and relevant regulatory bodies issued exploration licenses without engaging the communities that would be most directly affected by offshore dredging and drilling. This exclusion, they argue, violates the principles of inclusive governance and ignores the traditional knowledge held by those who have managed these waters for generations. Beyond environmental destruction, the association highlighted the potential for a severe economic downturn within the fishing industry. The group warned that exploration could lead to the destruction of critical fish breeding grounds, causing a collapse in fish stocks. Such a scenario would not only impact active fishermen but also disrupt the entire value chain, including thousands of women who work as fish processors and traders. The loss of these jobs would devastate household incomes across the coastline. The petition also framed the issue as a matter of national food security, noting that fish remains a vital and affordable source of protein for the Ghanaian population. The association urged President Mahama to prioritize environmental health and sustainable resource management over short-term mineral extraction. They concluded by stressing that the preservation of Ghana's marine resources is a duty to both current and future generations, calling for a policy shift that favors the protection of the blue economy.

Gender Ministry supports four sisters rescued from sexual abuse
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Gender Ministry supports four sisters rescued from sexual abuse

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has intensified its support for four sisters who were rescued and placed in a safe shelter following allegations of sexual abuse by their father. The ministry is currently providing the siblings with a comprehensive package of psychosocial support and academic care to aid their recovery from the trauma. This intervention is part of the state's broader mandate to protect vulnerable children and provide a secure environment for victims of domestic violence. A recent assessment conducted by Malonin Asibi and a team of ministry staff revealed that the girls have shown marked improvements in both their emotional well-being and their academic performance since entering the shelter. During the visit, the ministry officials presented a donation of essential items to the facility to assist in meeting the girls' immediate needs. The siblings expressed their profound gratitude for the personal concern shown by the Minister, noting that they finally feel safe and supported in their new environment. Beyond providing immediate care, the MoGCSP is working closely with the Judiciary and the Ghana Police Service to monitor the legal aspects of the case. The ministry is advocating for an expedited legal process to ensure that justice is served swiftly and that the sisters can eventually be reunited with their mother. Officials emphasized that the safety and long-term stability of the children remain the primary focus as they navigate the complexities of the judicial system.

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Assemblies of God mandates resignation for pastors entering politics

The Assemblies of God, Ghana, has reaffirmed its constitutional requirement that pastors must resign from their ministerial roles before participating in active partisan politics. General Superintendent Rev. Stephen Wengam stated that this directive is essential for maintaining the spiritual integrity of the church and ensuring that the pulpit is not used for political campaigning. The policy serves as a clear boundary between religious leadership and political activism, ensuring that the church remains a neutral sanctuary for all believers.\n\nRev. Wengam explained that the mandate is designed to preserve unity among church members who hold diverse political views. By requiring pastors to step down before entering the political arena, the church prevents potential internal divisions and ensures that its leadership remains focused on its primary spiritual mission. This regulation has been a consistent part of the church’s governance and is strictly enforced, particularly during national election seasons to maintain neutrality and respect for all congregants.\n\nThe church continues to encourage its members to exercise their civic rights and participate in the democratic process, but it maintains that those in ministerial office must choose one path. Rev. Wengam noted that this clear separation helps the church avoid the politicization of its administration. This approach ensures that the clergy’s influence is directed toward spiritual growth rather than being tied to partisan interests, which could alienate segments of the congregation.\n\nIn addition to these internal policy reinforcements, the church is preparing for a significant international milestone. Ghana is set to host the 2026 World Assemblies of God Congress from October 14 to 16. This event will be the first time the global congress has been held on the African continent, underscoring the prominent role and growing influence of the Ghanaian branch within the global Assemblies of God fellowship.

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ICE agent shoots man during targeted arrest operation in New York

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and injured a man during a targeted arrest operation in New York, sparking significant public outcry. The incident, which occurred in the presence of a five-year-old child, has drawn sharp condemnation from local and state leaders. Federal officials have described the individual as a criminal with a prior history and maintained that the agent fired because they felt their life was in danger during the confrontation. While the man was transported to a hospital for treatment, the child remained physically unharmed. According to reports from the Ghana News Agency, federal authorities stated that the agents involved were unaware of the child's presence at the time of the shooting. The agency defended the conduct of its officers, attributing the escalation of the encounter to the suspect's actions. However, the shooting has reignited tensions between federal immigration enforcement and New York's local government, which has long been critical of such operations within the city's jurisdiction. Local and state leaders expressed immediate outrage following the event, citing the traumatic nature of a shooting occurring in front of a minor. Some officials have utilized the incident to call for an end to ICE operations in the city, arguing that such enforcement tactics jeopardize community safety. As the suspect recovers in the hospital under federal custody, the incident remains a focal point for debates regarding immigration policy and the safety of law enforcement procedures in urban environments.

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National Security clears La beachfront structures amid ownership dispute

On October 2, 2026, National Security operatives oversaw the demolition of several business structures along the La beachfront in Accra. The operation has sparked significant controversy and legal debate, as affected business owners and the La Traditional Council challenge the state’s grounds for the exercise. The demolition has resulted in substantial financial losses for local entrepreneurs who have operated at the site for decades under various commercial and management agreements. At the heart of the dispute is a 1967 land acquisition where the state purportedly took over the area for the Accra–Labadi Trade Fair. However, subsequent agreements have complicated the state's claim of exclusive control. A 2002 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Tourism and the La Traditional Council established a framework for joint management of the beach, defining revenue-sharing and operational rights. Furthermore, commercial agreements signed in 2007 and 2008 between Hotel Investments (Ghana) Limited and La Pleasure Beach reinforced the belief among operators that their occupation was lawful and regulated. Legal analysts have pointed to a history of court interventions and conflicting state documents that suggest a complex landscape of property rights. While the state cites the original 1967 acquisition to justify the clearance, the existence of formal MoUs and lease-like arrangements suggests that the occupiers were not mere squatters. The sudden use of bulldozers, overseen by National Security rather than municipal authorities, has raised questions about whether due process was followed and if the rule of law was bypassed in favor of force. The demolition carries significant risks for the government regarding potential compensation claims. If the courts determine that the demolition was unlawful or that the occupiers held valid interests under the 2002 and 2007 agreements, the state could be held liable for institutional damages. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in Ghanaian land management, where historical state acquisitions often collide with modern commercial developments and traditional heritage rights, leaving businesses vulnerable during enforcement actions.