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.

Prophet Roja Appeals to Abu Trica’s Family Following Extradition as Accra Prepares for Celebration of Life for Mrs. Essie Nyamekye Quainoo
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Prophet Roja Appeals to Abu Trica’s Family Following Extradition as Accra Prepares for Celebration of Life for Mrs. Essie Nyamekye Quainoo

Prophet Roja, the founder and leader of Roja Ministries, has issued a public appeal to the family of socialite Abu Trica following the latter's recent arrest and extradition. This development occurs alongside other significant community milestones in Ghana, including the upcoming final rites for Mrs. Essie Nyamekye Quainoo in Accra and evolving public discourse on the internal pressures of modern marriage and economic disparities within the household. Regarding the Trica case, Prophet Roja reached out to the socialite’s relatives during a broadcast on Ahenfie TV on July 13, 2026, requesting a private meeting to discuss spiritual insights concerning the current legal predicament. The Prophet explained that while he had intended to seek deeper spiritual clarity during a recent all-night service, his focus was diverted. This request underscores the spiritual dimension often present in high-profile legal matters in Ghana, as the socialite’s family navigates the complexities of his extradition. Parallel to these events, the family of the late Mrs. Essie Nyamekye Quainoo (née Annan) has invited the public to join them in a celebration of her life on July 31, 2026. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra, beginning with a file past and pre-burial service at 8:00 am, followed by a Burial Mass. The family has requested that attendees observe a dress code of white or black and white, and has noted that the final interment will remain a private family affair. Finally, these diverse stories reflect a broader national conversation regarding both public legacy and the private struggles of Ghanaian citizens. While the community prepares to honor the life of Mrs. Quainoo, others are reflecting on the internal mental health challenges inherent in modern domestic life, such as the stresses of significant income disparities between spouses. These varied narratives—ranging from the legal and spiritual to the personal and commemorative—illustrate the complex tapestry of contemporary life in Ghana as citizens balance public events with deeply personal reflections.

Thai News Pix Tables and chairs are covered in ash at the scene of a fatal fire at a bar in Bangkok
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Dozens Killed in Separate Tragedies Spanning Côte d'Ivoire, Brussels, and Bangkok as Authorities Launch Safety Probes

A series of devastating accidents and fires across three continents has resulted in dozens of fatalities and numerous injuries, prompting urgent rescue operations and safety investigations. From a tragic bus plunge in West Africa to high-rise and venue fires in Europe and Southeast Asia, emergency services are grappling with the aftermath of these separate incidents. While the events are geographically distinct, they collectively highlight the catastrophic consequences of transport accidents and structural safety failures that have left families mourning and several people still missing. In northwestern Côte d’Ivoire, at least 14 people lost their lives when an intercity bus operated by Diarra Transport plunged into the Bafing River. The vehicle, carrying more than 50 passengers from Odienne to Yamoussoukro, veered off the Touba-Biankou road near Bafingdala village before landing in the water. Preliminary reports from rescue teams indicate that 40 individuals sustained injuries, while several others remain unaccounted for as divers and emergency personnel continue to search the river. The cause of the vehicle veering off the road is currently under investigation by local authorities. Meanwhile, in central Brussels, a fire at the Oxy tower construction site led to multiple deaths and left at least six people missing. The blaze spread rapidly to the building's lift shafts, where emergency responders discovered several victims trapped in a stationary elevator. The gravity of the situation drew visits from Belgium’s King Philippe and Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who joined Mayor Philippe Close in commending the bravery of firefighters. Two individuals suffered severe burns during the incident, and a firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion as teams worked to contain the fire in the complex environment. In Bangkok, the death toll from a bar fire has risen to 30 as Thai authorities investigate critical safety lapses. Survivors of the inferno described a chaotic scene characterized by locked exits and inadequate emergency signage, which prevented many from escaping the rapidly spreading flames. Investigators believe the fire was triggered by an air conditioner short circuit and fueled by flammable interior decorations. Notably, the establishment was registered as a restaurant rather than an entertainment venue, a distinction that allowed it to bypass several stringent fire safety requirements—a revelation that has sparked a nationwide review of venue regulations. These incidents underscore the critical importance of rigorous safety standards and the immediate need for improved emergency infrastructure globally. Whether in the context of public transportation in Côte d'Ivoire or urban construction and nightlife in Belgium and Thailand, the loss of life has triggered calls for greater accountability and regulatory reform. As investigations continue, authorities in all three regions are expected to implement stricter oversight to prevent similar tragedies, while families of the victims await further news from ongoing search and recovery efforts.

Two people fleeing to Togo arrested over alleged murder of roommate in relation to fraud proceeds
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Ghana Police and Judiciary Accelerate Justice in Child Stealing and Homicide Cases Nationwide

Recent law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings across Ghana have resulted in significant breakthroughs in high-profile criminal cases, ranging from child trafficking to suspected homicide. In a major court victory for child protection, the Adentan Circuit Court has convicted 25-year-old David Kpandoyo, a Togolese mason, for the abduction of a four-year-old boy. The victim was stolen from Kpedze in the Volta Region and transported to Accra, where he was eventually discovered wandering in New Legon. Kpandoyo, who pleaded guilty to the charge of child stealing, is currently awaiting a sentencing hearing scheduled for July 14, 2026. While he initially claimed the child approached him at a drinking spot, he later confessed to the police that he had intentionally abducted the boy without the knowledge of the child's mother. Meanwhile, the Northern Regional Police Command has successfully apprehended two suspects linked to a brutal murder in Tamale. Daniel Victor Eze and David Oko Ewa, both Nigerian nationals, were intercepted on July 11, 2026, while attempting to flee across the border into Togo. They are accused of the murder of their 36-year-old compatriot, Nkemujika Uzorchuku Eze, whose body was discovered in his residence at Sanzirigu with severe physical injuries. Preliminary investigations suggest a conspiracy fueled by disputes over proceeds from internet fraud. Police have already recovered several items stolen from the victim's room and are holding the suspects in custody pending their formal appearance in court. In the nation's capital, the Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a specialized probe into the mysterious death of Fred Akowuah, a prominent businessman often referred to as a "US borga." The incident occurred at his residence in the prestigious Airport Residential Area, where a single gunshot was heard on June 9, 2026. Authorities are currently navigating the complex task of determining whether the death resulted from suicide or a targeted homicide. Forensic teams and investigators have been deployed to the scene to gather evidence, as the high-profile nature of the case has sparked significant public interest regarding security in the capital’s elite neighborhoods. These collective efforts by the Ghana Police Service and the judiciary highlight a robust stance against both domestic and transnational crime. The swift arrest of suspects attempting to flee the country and the successful conviction in the Adentan kidnapping case demonstrate an increased efficiency in tracking and prosecuting offenders. As these cases proceed through the legal system, law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that the resolution of such cases is vital for maintaining public confidence in the nation's security architecture.

Body of 11-year-old boy retrieved from pit at Adenta Aviation
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GNFS Recovers Body of 11-Year-Old Samuel Awalime Following Drowning Incident at Adenta Aviation

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has recovered the body of 11-year-old Samuel Awalime following a tragic drowning incident at Adenta Aviation in the Greater Accra Region. The recovery operation was initiated on Monday, July 13, 2023, after the Adenta Fire Station received an urgent distress report regarding the young boy, who had reportedly fallen into a pit. The news has sent shockwaves through the local community as authorities begin the process of investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.\n\nThe search and recovery mission was characterized by a high degree of inter-agency cooperation. Personnel from the Adenta Fire Station, under the leadership of Divisional Officer III (DO III) Obosu, conducted an intensive search that lasted several hours. This effort was not limited to professional emergency responders; it also involved significant collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, local chiefs, and members of the traditional council, all of whom worked together to locate the missing boy.\n\nFollowing hours of dedicated effort, the search team successfully retrieved the body around 10:50 AM. The remains of Samuel Awalime were subsequently handed over to the Adenta Division of the Ghana Police Service for further action. While the physical search has concluded, the police have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the drowning and to establish the sequence of events that led to the child's presence at the pit.\n\nThis heartbreaking incident has raised immediate concerns regarding public safety and the presence of hazardous pits in residential vicinities. As the family of the deceased and the Adenta community mourn this significant loss, the police investigation is expected to shed light on whether any negligence was involved or if further safety measures are required to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The GNFS has urged the public to remain vigilant around such hazards, especially during periods when children may be playing nearby.

Accra-Tema Motorway reconstruction hits 48% as Ghana scales up nationwide flood mitigation and sanitation efforts
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Accra-Tema Motorway reconstruction hits 48% as Ghana scales up nationwide flood mitigation and sanitation efforts

Ghana is advancing a multi-pronged strategy to combat urban flooding, anchored by the ongoing reconstruction of the Accra-Tema Motorway, which has reached a 48% completion milestone. According to project consultant Ing. Kwabena Bempong, the current phase prioritizes critical drainage infrastructure and service roads designed to channel stormwater more effectively. This engineering progress coincides with a renewed national focus on civic responsibility, recently highlighted by a nationwide clean-up exercise led by President John Dramani Mahama to rid urban centers of waste that exacerbates flood risks. Technical details provided by Ing. Bempong reveal that the motorway project includes the construction of 20 culverts and three major interchanges, most of which are nearing completion. While the construction has necessitated complex traffic diversions, safety measures have been implemented to ensure the arterial route remains passable throughout the works. The emphasis on drainage infrastructure is a direct response to the perennial flooding that plagues the motorway corridor, threatening both lives and the efficient transport of goods between Ghana’s capital and its primary industrial hub. Complementing these structural improvements, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) are spearheading efforts to bolster environmental sanitation through corporate and community engagement. GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong has called on the private sector and philanthropists to provide financial and material support for youth-led environmental initiatives. Speaking after a National Sanitation Day event in Accra, Mr. Sarpong emphasized that businesses benefit directly from cleaner environments, which promote employee health and operational efficiency. He urged corporate Ghana to help sustain these clean-up exercises in the coming months to ensure long-term flood resilience. On the educational front, the Christian Council of Ghana has partnered with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to deepen public awareness regarding sanitation. Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose recently presented 500 copies of the environmental education booklet, "A Clean Environment – Our Responsibility," to GBC Director-General Professor Amin Alhassan. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, aims to cultivate a culture of civic responsibility among Ghanaians. By combining large-scale infrastructure projects with community-driven sanitation and educational campaigns, the state and its partners seek to create a comprehensive solution to the country’s recurring flooding crises.

Bole District Police Arrest 40-Year-Old Woman for Allegedly Murdering Husband Following Domestic Dispute
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Bole District Police Arrest 40-Year-Old Woman for Allegedly Murdering Husband Following Domestic Dispute

A 40-year-old woman, identified only as Mmaa, has been taken into custody by the Bole District Police in the Savannah Region for the alleged murder of her husband. The tragic incident occurred following a heated domestic misunderstanding at their home, leaving a family of nine children without a father. The victim, who was a local farmer, was pronounced dead at the hospital after being found unconscious in a pool of blood late at night. According to accounts provided by the couple's children, the fatal confrontation began with a verbal argument during the night. One of the daughters reported hearing her mother issue death threats against her father before the situation escalated. It is alleged that Mmaa waited until her husband had fallen asleep before launching a violent attack on him. Although the children managed to alert neighbors to the scene, the severity of the injuries proved fatal, and the victim succumbed shortly after medical intervention was sought. The Savannah Region police are currently investigating the specific motives behind the incident to determine the full circumstances of the domestic dispute. While the suspect remains in police custody to assist with ongoing inquiries, the body of the deceased has been released to the family for burial rites. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Bole community, particularly concerning the welfare of the nine children left behind, the youngest of whom is reported to be only four years old. This case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the urgent need for conflict resolution support within local communities.

U.S. Embassy in Accra Announces Two-Week Suspension of Routine Consular Services Starting July 20
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U.S. Embassy in Accra Announces Two-Week Suspension of Routine Consular Services Starting July 20

The United States Embassy in Accra has announced a temporary suspension of most routine consular services, scheduled to take place from July 20 to July 31, 2026. This two-week hiatus is necessary to allow for essential facility maintenance at the embassy premises. Normal operations are expected to resume in full on Monday, August 3, 2026. This scheduled pause affects a wide range of services, including routine visa processing and certain passport-related activities, prompting the embassy to urge the public to plan their travel and documentation needs well in advance of the maintenance dates. During the maintenance period, specific services will be completely unavailable for walk-in clients. These include notarial appointments and the processing of Consular Reports of Death Abroad. However, the embassy has made provisions to ensure that some critical functions continue without interruption. Applicants who have already received notifications that their documents are ready for collection will be able to pick them up on designated Thursdays. Additionally, adult passport renewals submitted via the drop-box system will continue to be processed, providing a vital service for U.S. citizens requiring renewals during the two-week window. For U.S. citizens facing genuine emergencies, the embassy has assured that assistance will remain available throughout the maintenance break. Individuals in need of urgent support can reach the duty officer via the embassy's emergency contact number at +233 (0) 30 274 1000. For all other inquiries and the latest updates on service availability, the public is strongly advised to monitor the official U.S. Embassy website and associated social media channels. Travelers and visa applicants are encouraged to adjust their timelines to avoid potential delays in their international travel plans.

Ghana weather today: Rain, mist and rough seas expected across several regions
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GMET Predicts Widespread Rain and Mist as ECG Schedules Maintenance Outages Across Multiple Regions

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have issued significant service updates for mid-July, affecting residents across the country. According to the latest forecasts from GMET, southern Ghana is expected to experience misty conditions and light rainfall on July 14, while several regions face planned power outages due to essential maintenance work by the ECG. The combined effect of adverse weather and utility maintenance is expected to impact travel, fishing, and daily business operations throughout the period. In the southern belt, early morning mist and fog are predicted to significantly reduce visibility, particularly in forested and mountainous areas. Coastal cities, including Accra and Takoradi, will experience light showers, while inland locations like Kumasi and Sunyani are expected to start with misty conditions before transitioning into sunny intervals. Meanwhile, the northern and transition zones will face more intense weather, with heavy thunderstorms and rain forecasted for the late afternoon and evening. Temperatures in these northern sectors are projected to remain high, reaching up to 36°C despite the intermittent storm activity. Simultaneously, the Electricity Company of Ghana is carrying out a series of planned and emergency maintenance works across five regions to enhance service delivery. In Accra West, areas including Ofankor and Asofian White House are scheduled for outages between 9 AM and 5 PM. Similar disruptions are expected in Accra East, impacting the New China Mall and Alajo areas. The maintenance schedule also extends to the Ashanti Region, the Central Region—specifically the Cape Coast Bulk Supply Point—and the Volta Region, where the Tafi area and its environs will see power cuts from 9 AM to 4 PM. Authorities have issued several safety warnings in response to these conditions. GMET has advised motorists to exercise extreme caution in foggy or heavily rain-affected areas due to poor visibility. Additionally, a warning has been issued for fishers and small vessel operators regarding rough sea conditions along the coast. On the utility front, the ECG has apologized for the inconvenience caused by the power interruptions and advised customers in the affected zones to make necessary alternate arrangements to mitigate the impact on their activities.

Firefighters rescue trapped driver after tanker veers off Accra–Kumasi Highway
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Ghana National Fire Service Saves Drivers in High-Impact Collisions Across Eastern and Volta Regions

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully executed two critical rescue operations on Sunday, July 12, extricating trapped victims from serious road accidents in the Eastern and Volta Regions. In both instances, swift responses from local fire stations prevented potential fatalities following high-impact collisions. The incidents have once again highlighted the vital role of the GNFS in emergency response while sparking renewed calls for enhanced road safety measures and stricter oversight of construction sites across the country. On the Accra-Kumasi Highway, a seven-member crew from the Suhum Municipal Fire Station responded to a distress call at Amanase after a HOWO tanker traveling from Kumasi to Accra veered off the road and plunged into the nearby bush. Firefighters utilized specialized rescue equipment to extricate the driver, who was found trapped within the mangled cabin of the vehicle. Preliminary investigations suggest the crash may have resulted from either a mechanical failure or human error. The victim was stabilized at the scene and subsequently transported to the Suhum Government Hospital for medical treatment. Simultaneously, in the Volta Region, another intensive rescue operation took place on the Kpetoe-Sarakope Road following a head-on collision between a MAN Diesel cargo truck and an excavator. Personnel from the Kpetoe Fire Station arrived to find a male occupant pinned within the wreckage of the truck. After a successful extrication, the victim was rushed to the Ho Teaching Hospital for urgent care. While the specific cause of this collision remains under investigation, the heavy impact caused significant damage to the truck, further emphasizing the dangers of high-speed collisions involving heavy machinery. The accident in the Volta Region has triggered significant concern among local residents, who have pointed to ongoing construction activities as a major risk factor for motorists. Community members noted a worrying increase in accidents in the area, attributing the trend to inadequate safety signage and poor traffic management at construction zones. They have urged contractors and transport authorities to implement better safety protocols immediately. As investigations continue into both crashes, the GNFS has reiterated its call for drivers to maintain their vehicles properly and exercise extreme caution when navigating through construction zones or areas with heavy machinery.

Road crash: 3 dead, 15 injured near Juaso on Kumasi-Accra highway
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Juaso Road Crash: Three Dead and Fifteen Injured Following Collision on Kumasi-Accra Highway

A tragic road traffic accident at Juaso on the Kumasi-Accra highway has claimed the lives of three people and left fifteen others with varying degrees of injury. The incident occurred on Monday, July 13, 2026, at approximately 9:39 AM near the Next Bon Gas station at the Juaso Three-Lane section in the Ashanti Region. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) was quickly dispatched to the scene to manage the aftermath of the high-impact collision and assist the victims. The crash involved a clinker-loaded truck and a passenger van. According to official reports, the truck, with registration number GN 9673-25, was driven by Stephen Amankwah. The other vehicle, a van registered as GM 4002-26, was under the control of Nyame Ebenezer. Out of the 18 individuals involved in the accident, three—comprising two males and one female—were confirmed dead at the scene. The force of the impact between the heavy-duty truck and the van necessitated a swift response from emergency services to rescue those trapped in the wreckage. First responders treated the fifteen injured survivors on-site before they were rushed to nearby medical facilities for further clinical care. The severity of the injuries sustained varies among the survivors, and medical personnel are working to stabilize those in critical condition. Following the rescue operations, the GNFS and local police worked to clear the debris from the highway, which serves as a vital economic artery connecting Ghana’s two largest cities. Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the collision. While the specific circumstances leading to the crash remain under review, the Juaso stretch of the Kumasi-Accra highway is frequently cited as a high-traffic zone requiring constant vigilance. This latest tragedy underscores the ongoing challenges of road safety in Ghana and has prompted fresh calls from authorities for motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and speed limits to prevent further loss of life.

Prophet Roja Appeals for Private Meeting with Socialite Abu Trica’s Family Following Extradition
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Prophet Roja Appeals for Private Meeting with Socialite Abu Trica’s Family Following Extradition

Prophet Roja, the founder and leader of Roja Ministries, has issued a public appeal to the family of socialite Abu Trica, requesting an urgent private meeting following the latter's recent arrest and extradition. The news of Abu Trica’s legal troubles has sparked significant conversation across social media and traditional news outlets, making the prophet’s intervention a notable development in the unfolding saga. By reaching out to the family, Prophet Roja appears to be positioning himself as a source of spiritual guidance or mediation during this challenging period for the Trica family as they navigate the legal complexities surrounding the case. During a televised discussion on Ahenfie TV on July 13, 2026, the clergyman detailed his previous attempts to seek spiritual clarity on the socialite's situation. Prophet Roja disclosed that he had initially intended to dedicate a portion of a recent all-night prayer service to seeking "spiritual insight" regarding the circumstances surrounding Abu Trica’s arrest. However, he noted that he was unable to fully explore the matter during the service because his attention was diverted by other ministerial duties. This admission underscores the prophet's ongoing concern and his belief that there is a spiritual dimension to the socialite’s current legal predicament that needs to be addressed privately with the family members directly involved. The socialite, widely known as Abu Trica, has been the subject of intense public scrutiny following reports of his extradition, although the specific legal details of the charges continue to emerge. Prophet Roja’s request for a private audience suggests that he may possess information or spiritual revelations that he deems inappropriate for a public broadcast. As the family navigates the pressures of the legal system and the associated social stigma, the prophet’s call highlights the influential role that religious figures continue to play in the personal and legal crises of high-profile individuals within Ghanaian society. The outcome of this proposed meeting, should the family choose to accept the invitation, may offer a different perspective on the socialite's current standing and future prospects.

CID Homicide Unit Investigates Death of US-Based Businessman Fred Akowuah in Airport Residential Area
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CID Homicide Unit Investigates Death of US-Based Businessman Fred Akowuah in Airport Residential Area

The Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Fred Akowuah, a prominent businessman popularly known as a "US borga." The incident occurred at his residence in the upscale Airport Residential Area in Accra on June 9, 2026. The investigation was triggered after a gunshot was heard coming from the property, leading to the discovery of Akowuah’s body. Authorities are currently working to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting, with a primary focus on determining whether the case is one of suicide or homicide. Details emerging from the scene indicate that the gunshot caused immediate alarm within the quiet neighborhood, which is typically known for its high level of security and elite residents. Following the reports, specialized units from the CID were dispatched to secure the premises and gather forensic evidence. While initial reports remain brief regarding the specific state of the crime scene, the involvement of the Homicide Unit suggests that police are taking all necessary precautions to rule out foul play. The deceased’s background as a returnee businessman from the United States has added a layer of public interest to the case, as investigators look into his personal and professional dealings. As the investigation enters its early stages, the police have not yet released an official statement regarding potential suspects or the recovery of the weapon used in the shooting. The body of the deceased is expected to undergo a post-mortem examination to provide more clarity on the cause of death. Residents in the Airport Residential Area and the wider business community are awaiting further updates as the CID continues its inquiries. For now, the case remains an active investigation, and the authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation while the facts are being established.