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.

Most Rev Prof Johnson Asamoah-Gyadu Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana inducting Mr Alfred Sakyi, Lay President of the Church into office
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Alfred Sakyi inducted as Methodist Church Lay President

Alfred Sakyi has been formally inducted as the new Lay President of the Methodist Church Ghana, where he has committed to addressing youth unemployment through targeted economic empowerment. The induction ceremony, held at the St Paul Cathedral in Tema, marks the start of Sakyi’s three-year tenure as the highest-ranking lay official within the church. During his inaugural address, he emphasized that supporting the next generation in their business ventures is a critical responsibility for the church in the face of current job scarcity. As part of his primary agenda, Sakyi announced the rollout of the Methodist Entrepreneurship Development Programme. This initiative is structured to provide essential seed funding for young people who are exploring business opportunities, helping them transition from job seekers to job creators. In addition to youth development, Sakyi’s priorities for his term include fostering spiritual growth across the congregation and implementing strategies to re-engage inactive church members. He called for a spirit of unity and collaboration among the church leadership to achieve these goals. The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Professor Johnson Asamoah-Gyadu, offered guidance during the ceremony, highlighting the importance of integrity and sound leadership. He cautioned the newly inducted Lay President and the wider congregation against allowing friction to develop between the lay and ordained ministries. Professor Asamoah-Gyadu underscored that the strength of the Methodist Church lies in its ability to maintain a harmonious relationship between its clerical and lay arms, ensuring that both work toward the common mission of the church. Sakyi’s term begins at a pivotal moment as the Methodist Church Ghana seeks to modernize its approach to social intervention and congregation management. By integrating spiritual missions with practical economic initiatives like seed funding for entrepreneurs, the church aims to remain relevant to its younger demographic. The success of Sakyi’s tenure will likely be measured by the effectiveness of these youth-centered programmes and his ability to maintain leadership cohesion throughout the next three years.

GRA clarifies GH₵800 duty payment after airport extortion claims
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GRA clarifies GH₵800 duty payment after airport extortion claims

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a formal clarification regarding allegations of extortion involving Customs officers at the Accra International Airport. The incident, which gained public attention after a passenger reported being asked for money without receiving a receipt, was attributed by the authority to an unexpected system failure during the duty assessment process. According to the GRA, the passenger, Ms. Gifty Osei Bonsu, was required to pay GH₵800 in duty for luggage containing 20 pairs of women's shoes and other items that had been flagged for assessment. The authority explained that although the passenger deposited the GH₵800 towards her assessment, a downtime in the processing system prevented the immediate issuance of an official receipt before she departed the airport. To resolve the discrepancy and ensure the transaction was properly recorded in the state's accounts, the Customs officers involved reportedly covered a financial shortfall personally to complete the payment once the system was restored. The GRA confirmed that the full amount has since been successfully credited to its accounts, refuting the perception that the money was intended for personal gain or illegal extortion. In response to the incident, the GRA expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to Ms. Bonsu and offered a formal apology. To prevent similar occurrences in the future, the authority announced that it is implementing new standard operating procedures specifically designed to handle service delivery during system outages. These measures include enhancing direct communication with passengers regarding duty assessments and ensuring that backup manual processes are clearly explained to travelers to maintain transparency and public trust in the Customs division's operations.

GPRTU wants full TRAFFITECH-GH implementation to start in 2027
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GPRTU urges police to delay TRAFFITECH-GH rollout until 2027

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has formally requested the Ghana Police Service to postpone the full implementation of the TRAFFITECH-GH initiative until 2027. This appeal comes ahead of the system's scheduled national rollout on November 1, with union leaders expressing significant concerns regarding the current state of public education and infrastructure readiness. The GPRTU argues that the proposed timeline does not allow for a sufficiently informed transition for motorists or the authorities tasked with enforcement. Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, emphasized that while the union acknowledges the potential of TRAFFITECH-GH to enhance road discipline, the necessary tools and infrastructure for a successful launch are not yet in place. He pointed out that even some members of the police force appear unfamiliar with the system's operational mechanics. According to Mr. Amoah, it is critical that both the enforcing officers and the general motoring public receive comprehensive training and education to avoid confusion and ensure the system achieves its intended goals. The union further stressed that the primary objective of any new traffic management system should be the improvement of road safety rather than the generation of revenue through traffic offense penalties. By delaying the rollout to 2027, the GPRTU believes the authorities will have ample time to address existing gaps in public awareness and technical capacity. This extension would ensure that when the system is eventually deployed, it serves as a fair and effective measure to reduce road accidents and improve driver behavior across the country.

St Luke Anglican Church members and prison officers with the donated items at Nsawam Prison
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St Luke Anglican Church donates welfare items to Nsawam Prison

St Luke Anglican Church in Kwashieman, Accra, has presented a donation of essential items to the Nsawam Prison to support the welfare of both inmates and staff members. This contribution forms part of the church’s broader mission to provide social and spiritual support to the vulnerable and incarcerated within the community. During the presentation ceremony, representatives of the church highlighted the importance of collective action in ensuring that correctional facilities can provide a conducive environment for reform and rehabilitation. Leading the church delegation, Rev. Fr Joseph Nartey commended the prison officers for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to the care and rehabilitation of the inmates. He stated that the church recognizes the difficult conditions under which prison staff operate and sought to encourage them through this gesture. Addressing the inmates directly, Rev. Fr Nartey urged them to remain hopeful about their lives after their sentences, emphasizing that their current situation does not define their ultimate potential or their future contributions to society. Chief Superintendent Rejoice Adzakpa of the Ghana Prisons Service received the donation on behalf of the facility and expressed profound gratitude to the church for its consistent support. She explained that the Ghana Prisons Service is increasingly prioritizing rehabilitation through structured initiatives such as the Prison Improvement and Rehabilitation Programme (PIRP). According to the Chief Superintendent, such programs are designed to equip inmates with practical skills and moral guidance, but their success depends heavily on the involvement and generosity of religious bodies and civil society organizations. The event concluded with a call for more corporate and religious institutions to partner with the prison service to improve the living standards of inmates. By strengthening the collaborative effort between the state and the community, officials believe that the goal of successful reintegration can be better achieved. The donation from St Luke Anglican Church serves as a reminder that the welfare and reform of the incarcerated remain a critical component of national social development and spiritual responsibility.

IJM urges increased funding as Ghana records anti-trafficking gains
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IJM Ghana urges increased funding for child protection services

International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana has called on the government and stakeholders to increase financial investment in child protection and survivor support services. This appeal follows Ghana's recent upgrade to Tier 1 status in the 2026 US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. While the ranking reflects significant progress in the country's fight against human trafficking, IJM Ghana emphasizes that sustained funding is critical to address remaining gaps in the protection system. In the past year, Ghana recorded the prosecution of 212 alleged traffickers and identified more than 2,300 trafficking victims. IJM Ghana’s Director, Anita Budu, acknowledged these collaborative achievements between the government and various organizations but warned that serious challenges remain. Specifically, the organization highlighted the persistent threat of child exploitation on Lake Volta and the prevalence of forced labor across several other sectors. Despite the improved international ranking, the current infrastructure for victim recovery is insufficient to meet the demand. Anita Budu stressed the necessity of bolstering frontline institutions that handle rescue and rehabilitation operations. She noted that limited shelter capacity remains a significant bottleneck in providing comprehensive care for rescued victims. The organization argued that without a corresponding increase in financial support, the gains made in legislative enforcement and identification of victims could be undermined by a lack of adequate aftercare and protective services for those most vulnerable to exploitation. While IJM Ghana praised the efforts that led to the Tier 1 status—indicating that a country fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking—the group warned against complacency. They urged the state to prioritize the allocation of resources to ensure that the justice system and social services can effectively prevent re-trafficking and provide long-term stability for survivors of human rights abuses.

The new community facilitators, staff of SOCO and other stakeholders who attended the event
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SOCO project hires 120 community facilitators in Upper East Region

The Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project has announced the creation of 382 community facilitator positions, with 120 of these roles specifically allocated to the Upper East Region. This recruitment is part of a US$450 million World Bank-supported initiative designed to strengthen local institutions, build climate resilience, and prevent conflict in northern Ghana. The project, which is scheduled to run until December 2027, aims to foster stability across regions that face increasing environmental and social pressures. The newly appointed facilitators are currently participating in a three-day intensive training workshop in Bolgatanga. This program is designed to equip them with the necessary skills to mobilize local communities and supervise various project activities. Their primary focus will be on ensuring the active participation of vulnerable groups and driving development at the grassroots level. By acting as a bridge between the project administration and the local population, these facilitators are expected to improve the efficiency of social interventions. Samuel Larbi Agyarko, the SOCO Regional Coordinator, has urged the facilitators to remain committed to their roles, emphasizing the importance of community development. Since its inception, the five-year project has successfully engaged over 7,000 individuals in various capacities across the target regions. The training in the Upper East marks a significant milestone in the project's broader strategy to decentralize development and empower local agents to manage regional challenges directly. This approach is intended to create a sustainable model for social cohesion that persists long after the project concludes in 2027.

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Solomon Asamoah trial for $2m SkyTrain payment adjourned to October 2026

The Accra High Court has scheduled the next hearing for the case management conference involving Solomon Asamoah and Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi for October 19, 2026. This decision to push the trial date back by two years comes as the defense seeks a high-level intervention to block the proceedings. The defendants are currently answering to charges connected to an alleged unauthorized payment of $2 million made by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) toward the Accra SkyTrain project, a transport initiative that never moved beyond the planning stages. During the recent court session, legal representation for Solomon Asamoah informed the presiding judge of a pending application at the Supreme Court. The defense is requesting that the apex court intervene and halt the trial entirely. In response, the High Court acknowledged the submissions from both the defense team and the prosecution, noting that the extended adjournment period would allow sufficient time for the Supreme Court to deliver its verdict on the application. The timing of the case now hinges on this upcoming judicial decision, which will determine the legal path forward for both accused parties. The controversy surrounding the Accra SkyTrain project has been a point of significant public interest since the $2 million feasibility payment came to light. Prosecutors contend that the disbursement of funds by GIIF was conducted without proper authorization and constitutes a breach of financial regulations. Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, who chaired the GIIF board at the time, and Solomon Asamoah, the fund’s former Chief Executive Officer, have both maintained their innocence throughout the preliminary stages of the legal battle. This significant delay until late 2026 highlights the complexities involved in prosecuting high-profile financial cases. While the prosecution remains prepared to argue that the $2 million payment was a loss to the state, the defense's strategy to engage the Supreme Court suggests a prolonged legal struggle over the jurisdictional and procedural foundations of the trial. For now, the legal proceedings remain on hold, leaving the final resolution of the SkyTrain controversy pending for at least another two years.

Houthi missile strike on Riyadh airport kills three Saudi nationals
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Houthi missile strike on Riyadh airport kills three Saudi nationals

A missile attack launched by the Houthi group against Riyadh's international airport has resulted in the deaths of three Saudi nationals. Among those confirmed dead is a pilot for the state-owned carrier, Saudia. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the strike shortly after the event, describing the operation as a retaliatory measure for recent military actions and airstrikes conducted by the Saudi-led coalition within Yemen. In addition to the fatalities, several other individuals sustained injuries during the assault at King Khalid International Airport. The injured include both Saudi citizens and various other nationals who were present at the terminal. This direct hit on a major civilian transportation hub marks one of the most significant recent escalations in the ongoing cross-border conflict between the Houthi forces and the Saudi government. The Houthi leadership has characterized these military actions as a necessary response to what they describe as Saudi aggression in Yemen. The attack follows a pattern of increased Houthi assaults on strategic locations and other airports across Saudi Arabia. These operations are part of a broader intensification of the conflict in Yemen, where fighting between Saudi-backed forces and Houthi rebels has seen a sharp uptick in recent weeks. As regional tensions continue to mount, international observers have raised concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure and the potential for further destabilisation in the Gulf region. The strike on such a high-profile target as the Riyadh international airport underscores the volatility of the current security situation and the challenges facing efforts to broker a lasting peace in the Yemeni civil war.

Volodymyr Zelensky criticises US inaction after Russian strikes kill 70
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Volodymyr Zelensky criticises US inaction after Russian strikes kill 70

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed sharp criticism of the United States, accusing the administration of inaction following a series of devastating Russian missile strikes. The attacks, which occurred over a 48-hour period, have resulted in the deaths of more than 70 people. A particularly lethal strike on Kramatorsk claimed at least 35 lives, highlighting the worsening humanitarian situation as civilian areas face sustained bombardment from Russian forces. Zelensky’s frustration centers on what he perceives as a lack of urgent support from a key ally during a period of heightened aggression. He specifically called for broader access to the Starlink satellite service to bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities against incoming Russian missiles. Beyond technical support, the Ukrainian leader voiced significant concern over ongoing economic negotiations between the U.S. and Russia. Zelensky argued that engaging in such talks while civilians remain vulnerable to air attacks sends a conflicting message and undermines Ukraine’s immediate security needs. The criticism comes as the conflict enters a phase of intensified aerial warfare targeting non-military infrastructure. In response to the escalating violence, Ukrainian negotiators are scheduled to meet with U.S. officials to discuss the immediate provision of advanced air defense systems and the imposition of stricter sanctions against Moscow. These discussions are viewed as critical for Ukraine as it seeks to secure the necessary hardware and international pressure to protect its population from further strikes.

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GRA denies extortion claims over GH‵807.68 customs duty at Kotoka airport

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has officially dismissed allegations of extortion made against Customs officers stationed at Kotoka International Airport (KIA). The response follows reports concerning a GH‵807.68 duty payment assessed on the luggage of a passenger, identified as Ms. Gifty Osei Bonsu. While the passenger initially raised concerns about the handling of the transaction, the GRA clarified that the incident was the result of technical challenges rather than staff misconduct or corruption. According to the Authority, the duty was properly assessed after Ms. Bonsu’s luggage was inspected upon arrival. The GRA explained that at the time of the transaction, a system downtime hindered the Customs officers from issuing an official receipt immediately after payment. During this period, Ms. Bonsu and a friend provided the funds to cover the required duty. Despite the lack of an instant receipt, the GRA maintains that the officers followed standard assessment procedures under the difficult circumstances created by the network failure. The Authority confirmed through its internal records that the full amount of GH‵807.68 was successfully credited to the state revenue account on the same day the payment was made. This evidence, the GRA notes, refutes any claims that the money was pocketed by individual officers or misappropriated. The delay in providing documentation to the passenger was solely attributed to the temporary failure of the electronic processing system used at the airport terminal. In a statement addressing the matter, the GRA apologized to Ms. Gifty Osei Bonsu for the frustration and inconvenience caused by the lack of immediate documentation during the system failure. To prevent similar incidents and maintain public trust, the GRA announced it is currently reviewing its operational procedures. These reforms aim to ensure that contingency measures are in place to handle payments and documentation effectively whenever the digital systems experience downtime in the future.

Togbega Sessinu VI, dressed in vibrant traditional kente cloth, performs a ground-breaking ceremony by digging into the red earth with a shovel. He is surrounded by other traditional leaders, community members, and onlookers in a lush, green rural setting in Ghana.
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Togbega Sessinu VI breaks ground for staff bungalows in Hoe

Togbega Sessinu VI, the Paramount Chief of the Hoe Traditional Area, has officially commenced the construction of new accommodation facilities designed for teachers and nurses. The project is a strategic response to the persistent housing challenges faced by essential service workers posted to the community. By providing secure and local housing, the traditional leadership aims to improve the retention of professional staff and enhance the delivery of both education and healthcare services within the area. During the groundbreaking ceremony, the Paramount Chief highlighted the urgency of the project and set an ambitious timeline for its completion. He appealed to the Central Government for financial and technical assistance to ensure that the bungalows are finished within the next 12 months. Togbega Sessinu VI emphasized that the lack of decent housing often deters skilled workers from staying in the community long-term, a trend that the new facilities are intended to reverse. Beyond the housing initiative, the Chief addressed other critical infrastructure needs, specifically calling for government intervention to rehabilitate and expand the Hoe water supply system. He noted that the current pumping mechanism is outdated and insufficient for the growing population. He urged the state to prioritize these upgrades to improve public health and hygiene standards across the traditional area, alongside the housing development. Togbega Sessinu VI further used the occasion to advocate for long-term socio-economic growth, encouraging the youth to embrace vocational training and education. Highlighting the area's fertile land, he invited investment in agriculture as a means of local wealth creation. He reaffirmed his commitment to leading the community toward modernization—calling for the end of outdated customs while maintaining cultural heritage—and urged citizens living elsewhere to contribute their resources and return during holiday periods to support local development projects.

Adjaye Associates opens new Accra studio with cultural exchange space
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Adjaye Associates opens new Accra studio with cultural exchange space

Adjaye Associates has officially opened its new studio in Accra, a four-storey architectural landmark designed to serve as both a professional workspace and a hub for public cultural engagement. Spearheaded by renowned architect David Adjaye, the facility represents a strategic expansion of the firm’s global footprint, joining established offices in London and New York. The new building is positioned to foster creativity and collaboration within Ghana's burgeoning architectural and cultural landscapes while strengthening the firm's presence on the continent. The structure is notable for its innovative use of sustainable construction methods, incorporating materials such as rammed earth and low-carbon concrete. These choices reflect a commitment to environmentally conscious design, minimizing the carbon footprint of the project while maintaining the aesthetic and structural integrity characteristic of the firm's portfolio. The building is designed to accommodate up to 180 people, providing ample room for the firm’s local team and visiting collaborative partners. Central to the studio's design is its ground floor, which has been conceptualized as a versatile public space. This area is dedicated to cultural exchanges, including exhibitions, talks, and workshops intended to bridge the gap between architectural practice and the general public. By offering a venue for diverse creative disciplines to interact, the studio aims to enhance public life in Accra and stimulate ongoing conversations about the role of design in urban development. The inauguration of this studio underscores Adjaye Associates’ deepening roots in Ghana, where the firm is currently involved in several significant projects. By integrating a public-facing element into its operational headquarters, the firm seeks to move beyond traditional office models, creating an environment that actively contributes to the local community and the broader global discourse on sustainable and culturally relevant architecture.