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.

Sprinter bus overturns at Sege leaving 22 passengers injured
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Sprinter bus overturns at Sege leaving 22 passengers injured

Twenty-two people sustained various degrees of injury on October 9, 2026, when a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus overturned near Sege in the Greater Accra Region. The accident, which occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., was triggered by a sudden tyre burst that caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. All victims, including the bus driver, were immediately transported to the Sege Polyclinic for medical treatment.The bus was traveling from Aflao in the Volta Region toward Accra when the incident took place. According to eyewitnesses, the left rear tyre of the vehicle burst while it was in motion, causing it to veer off the road and flip. Personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service arrived at the scene shortly after the crash to coordinate rescue efforts. Local residents also played a crucial role in assisting the injured passengers and securing the scene before the arrival of formal emergency services.Reports from the site highlighted the heavy load carried by the Sprinter bus, with significant quantities of goods packed both in the boot and on the roof. Eyewitness Evans Doetse Huago noted that the excessive weight might have contributed to the tyre pressure issues that led to the burst. While the injured were being treated, a nearby welder assisted the police in safely transporting and securing the passengers' goods, while authorities managed the removal of the damaged vehicle to clear the roadway.This accident has renewed concerns regarding vehicle maintenance and the dangers associated with overloading public transport. Authorities frequently caution commercial drivers against exceeding weight limits, which puts undue strain on tyres and compromises vehicle stability. The condition of the 22 injured passengers continues to be monitored at the Sege Polyclinic as police conduct further investigations into the crash.

A close-up photograph of a dark wooden judge's gavel resting on a sounding block. The image represents the judiciary and is typically used to illustrate court-related news stories and legal rulings.
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Romanus Bangter fined GH₵7,200 for gold shop break-in

The Tarkwa Circuit Court has ordered Romanus Bangter, a 19-year-old small-scale miner, to pay a fine of GH 7,200 or face a two-year prison sentence. The ruling follows Bangter's conviction for breaking into a gold buying shop located at Wassa-Nkran. The defendant pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful entry and causing damage when he appeared before the court, leading to the immediate imposition of the financial penalty. The incident took place on July 18, 2026, targeting a shop owned by Mathias Dagwine. According to the prosecution, Bangter’s illegal activities were interrupted after a witness spotted him at the premises and promptly alerted the owner. Acting on this tip-off, Dagwine and the local unit committee chairman mobilized to apprehend the teenager before handing him over to the police authorities. During the subsequent investigation, Bangter confessed to the crime and cooperated with law enforcement officers. He reportedly led investigators back to the crime scene, where he provided a step-by-step demonstration of how he gained access to the shop and the damage he caused during the break-in. This admission of guilt formed the basis of the prosecution's case, which the court accepted in its entirety. The court's decision provides a strict choice for the young miner: he must either settle the GH 7,200 fine or serve the full two-year term of imprisonment. The case underscores the vigilance of local community leaders and residents in Wassa-Nkran in protecting local businesses, particularly gold buying outlets which remain frequent targets for theft in mining districts.

Two women stand smiling in a professional office setting in Ghana. The background features the Ghanaian flag, the national Coat of Arms, a portrait of President John Mahama, and the logo for International Justice Mission (IJM).
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Ghana achieves Tier 1 status in 2026 U.S. trafficking report

Ghana has attained Tier 1 status in the U.S. Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, marking the country’s first achievement of the highest possible ranking. This upgrade signifies that the government fully meets the minimum international standards for the elimination of human trafficking. Gender Minister Dr. Naa Momo Lartey announced the recognition, which represents a substantial improvement in the nation’s anti-trafficking efforts compared to previous reporting cycles. The advancement follows a year of intensified enforcement and judicial activity. Throughout 2025, the Ghanaian government investigated 222 trafficking cases, which led to 212 prosecutions and 28 successful convictions. These figures demonstrate a significant commitment to holding traffickers accountable and represent a clear trend of increased prosecutorial success. The report credits these results to improved coordination between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. While the Tier 1 status highlights significant progress, the U.S. Department of State also identified several areas requiring further development. The report noted that shelter capacity for trafficking victims remains a challenge, emphasizing the need for more secure and well-resourced facilities to aid in victim recovery. Additionally, authorities were encouraged to enhance their capabilities in investigating online trafficking, a sector that continues to pose emerging threats to vulnerable populations. Minister Lartey emphasized that while the upgrade is a testament to the government's hard work, it also serves as a call to action to address remaining gaps. The government plans to continue its collaboration with international partners to strengthen its human trafficking management systems. Maintaining this status will require sustained funding for victim services and continued vigilance in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking crimes across all regions of the country.

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Nuredeen Issaka jailed three years for stealing GH‵123,000 in Tarkwa

The Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced 26-year-old laborer Nuredeen Issaka to three years in prison with hard labor for stealing GH‵123,000 from his employer. Issaka, a resident of Essamang Kakraba in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful entry and stealing. The court's decision follows a trial that detailed how the convict systematically siphoned funds meant for business operations at Mumud Atiiga Enterprise. The complainant in the case, Abdul Rauf Usif, serves as the sales manager for the enterprise. According to the prosecution, the stolen funds were specifically earmarked for the purchase of tricycles on behalf of a customer. Usif became suspicious after noticing discrepancies in the cash holdings and decided to plant a hidden mobile phone in the office to record any unauthorized activity. The surveillance footage eventually captured Issaka taking GH‵120.00 from Usif’s backpack, providing the breakthrough needed for his arrest. During the subsequent investigation, Issaka confessed to the broader theft, admitting to taking a total of GH‵123,000 over a period. He further revealed that he had already distributed or sent substantial amounts of the stolen money to various third parties. Although the total amount stolen was GH‵123,000, the Tarkwa Circuit Court has specifically ordered the convict to refund GH‵40,000 to the complainant as part of the legal resolution. This sentencing serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of workplace theft and the increasing reliance on technology by business owners to protect their assets. Issaka’s immediate admission of guilt and the presence of video evidence facilitated a swift conclusion to the legal proceedings in the municipality. He begins his three-year term immediately, while the enterprise seeks to recover the ordered restitution.

Retired judge Justice Francis Korbieh is captured in a studio setting, wearing a traditional striped Ghanaian smock (fugu) and glasses while speaking into a microphone. The background features red and purple panels with a Joy Online logo, suggesting a media interview or presentation.
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Justice Francis Korbieh urges 1,568 new lawyers to uphold integrity

Retired Court of Appeal judge Justice Francis Gyafiiry Korbieh has urged the 1,568 newly qualified lawyers recently called to the Ghana Bar to prioritize honesty and professional fidelity. Speaking during an interview that coincided with his 50th year in the legal profession, the veteran jurist emphasized that integrity is the essential cornerstone of a successful career. He advised the new practitioners that their professional reputation depends on a deep sense of responsibility toward their clients. Justice Korbieh highlighted that the legal profession requires a commitment to ethical conduct that sustains public trust. He noted that while technical legal knowledge is vital, it must be paired with diligence and a refusal to compromise on moral standards. According to the retired judge, maintaining transparent and faithful relationships with clients is not only a moral obligation but a practical necessity for long-term growth and respect within the bar. Reflecting on his five decades of experience, Justice Korbieh observed that while the legal landscape has evolved, the core values of the profession remain constant. He encouraged the cohort of 1,568 lawyers to view their call to the bar as a lifetime commitment to service and justice. This guidance serves as a foundational charge for the new entrants as they begin their professional journeys and contribute to the administration of justice in Ghana.

Justice Francis Korbieh is captured during a media interview, wearing a traditional Ghanaian smock and speaking into a microphone. The background features a purple and red studio setting with a prominent Joy Online logo visible behind him.
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Justice Francis Gyafiiry Korbieh reflects on 50-year legal career

Justice Francis Gyafiiry Korbieh, a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, has reflected on his 50-year legal career, detailing a journey of perseverance that began in the Upper West Region. Speaking on Joy FM’s Personality Profile, the retired judge shared how he navigated humble beginnings and significant professional milestones, including his service as a Member of Parliament and his eventual elevation to the bench. He officially retired from the judiciary in 2020, but continues to be recognized for his extensive contributions to Ghanaian law. Born in a small village, Korbieh recounted the physical and logistical hurdles of his early education, which frequently required him to walk 10 miles to reach school. These challenges eventually led him to a weekly boarding arrangement in Jirapa and later to the St. Francis Xavier Minor Seminary. Although the seminary was designed to train future priests, Korbieh admitted that he never felt a spiritual calling to the clergy, choosing instead to pursue a path in law and politics. He noted that the limited educational infrastructure of his youth served as a catalyst for his professional drive. Throughout his distinguished career, Korbieh transitioned from the political arena to the judiciary. He revealed during the interview that he had been nominated for the Supreme Court on two separate occasions. However, both appointments remained unfulfilled due to various procedural issues. Despite missing out on a seat at the highest court in the land, the retired justice expressed a deep sense of fulfillment, stating that he views the trajectory of his career as a reflection of God’s will. As he marked five decades in the legal profession, Justice Korbieh emphasized that his dedication to the law was shaped by his early life experiences. He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities he was afforded and the legacy of service he leaves behind. His story remains a significant narrative of resilience, documenting a rise from rural Ghana to the second-highest court in the country’s judicial system.

The suspects
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Bono Regional Police arrest eight suspects for sakawa initiation assault

The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested eight suspects in connection with the physical assault of a 21-year-old man during an alleged initiation into internet fraud, popularly known as "sakawa." The incident occurred on October 4, 2026, in Kotokrom, located within the Sunyani West Municipality. The victim, identified as Godstime Umukoro, was reportedly subjected to a severe beating as a ritualized entry into the fraudulent enterprise. According to police reports, officers responded to a distress call from the community and arrived at the scene to find Umukoro with visible marks of assault across his body. Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly specialized in online scams, luring unsuspecting victims by impersonating foreign military personnel. The suspects defended their actions during interrogation, claiming that the physical abuse was a mandatory initiation requirement they had all undergone themselves. They identified their leader, or "chairman," as Nwachukwu King Augustine, who reportedly oversaw these violent induction processes. The Bono Regional Police Command commended the residents of Kotokrom for their prompt intervention and for alerting the authorities, which likely prevented further harm to the victim. Police officials emphasized the importance of community vigilance in identifying and reporting suspicious activities, particularly those involving "sakawa" operations that often escalate into violence or other criminal acts. The eight suspects remain in custody, and while their statements have been recorded, the allegations against them have yet to be tested in a court of law.

US immigration officials defend ICE shooting of Oscar Belgal
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US immigration officials defend ICE shooting of Oscar Belgal

United States immigration officials have defended the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who shot and wounded 28-year-old Oscar Belgal during an attempted arrest in New York. The incident has drawn intense public scrutiny because Belgal’s five-year-old son was present in the back seat of the vehicle at the time of the shooting. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials maintained that the agents were unaware of the child’s presence when the confrontation occurred. According to DHS chief Markwayne Mullin, the enforcement action was part of an effort to apprehend Belgal, who is allegedly connected to a transnational criminal group. Officials highlighted Belgal’s prior criminal history as a factor in the operation. While Belgal remains in custody, he is currently receiving medical treatment for a gunshot wound sustained during the encounter. The DHS has stood by the agents, asserting that the use of force was directed at a high-risk suspect. The shooting has sparked a wave of criticism from New York political leaders, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul, who have called for a full investigation and greater accountability for ICE operations. While body camera footage from the New York Police Department has been identified, there is currently no verified video capturing the moment of the shooting itself. Authorities have confirmed that a formal investigation into the incident is underway to review the agents' adherence to established protocols.

Juan Martez-Ortiz charged with attempted murder in Borough Green
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Juan Martez-Ortiz charged with attempted murder in Borough Green

Juan Martez-Ortiz, a 46-year-old Dominican national, has been formally charged with attempted murder and several counts of grievous bodily harm following a violent stabbing incident in Borough Green. The charges follow an investigation into an attack that left three people injured, including one man whose injuries have been described by medical authorities as potentially life-changing. Martez-Ortiz was apprehended by police shortly after the incident and remains in legal custody pending his initial court appearance. The incident involved three separate victims, each of whom suffered significant trauma during the confrontation. According to police reports, two men sustained stab wounds, while a woman involved in the incident suffered injuries to both her face and her arm. The severity of the wounds inflicted upon one of the male victims has necessitated ongoing medical monitoring, as the long-term impact of his injuries remains a primary concern for investigators and medical staff alike. Martez-Ortiz is currently facing a range of serious legal accusations, including attempted murder and multiple counts of grievous bodily harm. He has been remanded in custody to ensure his appearance before the court. The 46-year-old is scheduled to appear in court this Saturday, where the specific details of the prosecution's case will be presented. The Borough Green community remains alert as the legal system processes the case and the victims begin their recovery from the traumatic event.

Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar named suspect in Islamic school sexual abuse case
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Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar named suspect in Islamic school sexual abuse case

Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar, the former headmaster of Abul Barokat Islamic boarding school in Lombok, Indonesia, has been formally named a suspect in a sexual abuse investigation. The development follows an intensive report by the BBC, which prompted Indonesian authorities to reopen the case after initial complaints failed to gain traction. The investigation centers on allegations of sexual misconduct involving students at the institution, a situation that has sparked significant public outrage and demands for institutional accountability. The case was revitalized primarily through the courageous efforts of former students who took it upon themselves to gather evidence and provide testimonies against the former headmaster. Two leading former students, who identify as victims of the abuse, initiated their own private investigation into the alleged misconduct. Their findings, combined with the subsequent international media coverage, provided the necessary impetus for renewed police involvement and the formal suspect designation. Despite the mounting evidence and the police decision to name him as a suspect, Ahmad Imanuddin Sumar has denied all allegations of sexual abuse. However, the revelation of the investigation has had immediate consequences for the school’s operations. Concerned parents have already begun withdrawing their children from the Abul Barokat Islamic boarding school. In response, Nahdlatul Wathan Diniyah Islamiyah (NWDI), the organization responsible for the school, has stated it will conduct its own internal investigation while promising to protect student rights. The naming of Sumar as a suspect marks a significant turning point in a case that has captured national attention and highlighted the vulnerabilities within religious educational settings. As legal proceedings move forward, the focus remains on the protection of the victims and the potential for broader reforms in how such allegations are handled. The authorities' decision to reopen the case signifies a growing commitment to addressing historical allegations of abuse, ensuring that victims have a path to justice regardless of how much time has passed.

Christa Pike returns to prison after surviving botched execution
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Christa Pike returns to prison after surviving botched execution

Christa Pike, a death row inmate in the United States, has been discharged from the hospital and returned to prison following a failed execution attempt on September 30. Pike, 50, survived two lethal injections of the sedative pentobarbital, an event that has been described as an unprecedented occurrence in the history of capital punishment. Following her stabilization at a medical facility where she was treated for critical injuries sustained during the botched procedure, she has been transferred back to the prison infirmary to continue her recovery under medical supervision. Pike is noted for being the only known individual to survive such a process, marking a significant turn in her long-standing legal case. The execution attempt reportedly failed after the administration of the lethal drugs did not result in death, leaving Pike in a critical state that necessitated immediate emergency medical intervention. Her survival of two separate injections of pentobarbital has drawn significant attention from legal experts, as it marks the first known instance of a prisoner surviving this specific execution protocol. Upon her discharge from the hospital, Pike’s legal representatives confirmed her return to custody and noted that she had expressed gratitude to the medical staff who provided her care during the crisis. As Pike continues to receive medical attention within the prison system, the state of Tennessee faces complex legal hurdles regarding the next steps in her case. State officials have not yet decided on rescheduling the execution, as the implications of the failed attempt are thoroughly reviewed. Legal developments indicate that evidence from the September 30 event is being preserved, as it is expected to be central to potential litigation. Pike's defense team is likely to argue against further execution attempts, citing the physical and psychological trauma associated with the botched procedure. The incident has sparked renewed discussion regarding the efficacy of lethal injection protocols. While Pike remains in custody, the focus has shifted toward the constitutional questions raised by her survival and the state's ability to carry out her sentence in the future. For now, Pike remains under medical observation, with her future in the judicial system remaining uncertain as authorities and lawyers prepare for a likely protracted legal battle over the state's authority to attempt a third injection.

A collage featuring four prominent Ghanaian religious leaders: Prophet Nigel Gaisie, Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, Pastor Brian Amoateng, and Prophet Kumchacha. Three of the men are seen holding microphones, signifying their roles as public speakers and influential voices within the Ghanaian religious community.
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Nigel Gaisie and clerics oppose proposed ban on bus preaching

Several prominent Ghanaian religious leaders, including Prophet Nigel Gaisie, have expressed strong opposition to a proposed legislative instrument aimed at restricting religious activities on public transport. The new rules, outlined in the Road Traffic Regulations 2026 (L.I. 2519), seek to regulate conduct within commercial vehicles, including the long-standing tradition of itinerant preaching during transit. This development has triggered a national debate over religious freedom versus public order and passenger comfort. The controversy centers on specific provisions within the proposed L.I. 2519, which would effectively prohibit preachers from using commercial buses—popularly known as trotros—as platforms for their ministry. Clerics like Nigel Gaisie have been vocal in their condemnation, characterizing the move as an attempt to stifle the spread of the gospel and infringe upon the constitutional rights of Christians to practice their faith. These religious leaders argue that preaching in public spaces, including transport, provides spiritual guidance and moral support to many commuters who may not otherwise attend formal church services. On social media, the proposal has divided public opinion. While many supporters of the ban cite the need for a quiet and professional travel environment, others see the regulation as an overreach by the state into the spiritual life of Ghanaians. The debate highlights a growing tension between secular governance and the deeply religious nature of Ghanaian society. Some critics of the clerics' stance, however, argue that commercial vehicles are private businesses operating in public service, where passengers should have the right to travel without being subjected to unsolicited noise or religious proselytization. As the Road Traffic Regulations 2026 move through the legislative process, the government faces pressure to balance these competing interests. The Ministry of Transport and relevant regulatory bodies have yet to provide a definitive timeline for the implementation of the specific clause regarding preaching. For now, the pushback from influential religious figures suggests that the enforcement of such a ban could face significant social and political hurdles, as the clergy remains a powerful force in Ghanaian public life.