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.

11-year-old boy drowns in Owabi River at Akropong
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11-year-old boy drowns in Owabi River at Akropong

Tragedy struck the community of Akropong in the Ashanti Region as an 11-year-old boy drowned in the Owabi River after heavy rainfall caused it to overflow its banks. The incident occurred on Monday when the young boy, whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed, went to the river to swim with six of his peers. Despite the dangerous conditions created by the recent downpours, the group entered the water, leading to a desperate struggle against the rising current. According to local reports, the situation turned critical quickly as the water levels surged. While two of the children were successfully rescued from the river by those nearby, the 11-year-old was swept away by the powerful flow. An immediate search operation was launched by residents and volunteers from the community, but their initial efforts to locate the boy on Monday evening proved unsuccessful due to the challenging conditions and the intensity of the river's volume. The search continued into Tuesday morning, involving both community members and traditional leaders. To assist in the recovery effort, traditional rites were performed at the riverbank, a practice often observed in the region during such search operations. Following these ceremonies, the boy’s body was successfully discovered and recovered from the water. The loss has cast a shadow over the Akropong community, highlighting the severe risks posed by local water bodies during the peak of the rainy season. In the wake of the tragedy, the Assemblyman for the area, Isaac Kofi Nti, issued a stern warning to parents and guardians regarding the safety of children. He cautioned residents against allowing children to swim in or play near rivers and streams, especially following heavy rains when water levels can rise unpredictably. Local authorities are expected to increase sensitization efforts to prevent similar incidents as the rainy season continues to impact the Ashanti Region.

Christian Tetteh Yohuno (middle), Inspector-General of Police, and Commissioner of Police Lydia Yaako Donkor (2nd from right), the Director-General of the CID, and the Police Management Board with the newly promoted police officers
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Nana Akufo-Addo promotes 22 senior police officers to DCOP

Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has promoted 22 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP). The promotions, which follow specific recommendations from the Police Council, serve as official recognition of the officers' long-standing dedication to the Ghana Police Service and their significant contributions to crime-fighting efforts across the nation. This advancement in rank is intended to strengthen the service's senior leadership and enhance operational efficiency. The promotion ceremony was conducted at the Police Headquarters in Accra, where the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, addressed the newly elevated officers. The IGP urged the 22 senior officers to view their new ranks as a call to higher service and greater responsibility. He emphasized that the recognition should inspire them to redouble their efforts in ensuring public safety and maintaining the integrity of the service, particularly as they take on expanded roles within the police hierarchy. Responding on behalf of the newly promoted DCOPs, Ruben Asiwoko expressed deep gratitude to the former President and the Police Council for the trust and confidence reposed in them. He affirmed the group's unwavering commitment to the development of the Ghana Police Service and the security of the Ghanaian people. DCOP Asiwoko noted that the promotion would serve as a powerful motivation for the officers to continue serving the nation with excellence and professionalism.

Former NAFCO boss Hanan case adjourned over access to seized devices
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Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba trial adjourned to review electronic devices

The trial of Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, the former CEO of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCo), and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, has been postponed to October 20, 2026. This adjournment was granted to allow the defense team sufficient time to examine data on electronic devices recently returned to them by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The couple is being investigated for their alleged involvement in causing a financial loss of GH₵62.6 million to the state. Originally set to begin on October 7, 2026, the trial proceedings were halted after the defense argued that the seized mobile phones and laptops contain information crucial for their case preparation. The defense contended that because these devices were only recently handed back by EOCO, they had not yet had the opportunity to properly review the digital evidence. The court agreed that access to this data was necessary for the defendants to mount an effective legal challenge. In addition to the electronic hardware, EOCO has returned various sums of money that were previously held as part of the ongoing investigation. These returned assets include over £6,700 and GH₵2,750. The case against the former NAFCo boss has drawn significant public attention due to the scale of the alleged financial mismanagement at the state-owned enterprise, which is tasked with managing Ghana’s strategic food reserves and ensuring price stability for farmers and consumers. The upcoming hearing on October 20 is expected to mark the formal start of the trial now that the defense has secured the return of their property. The resolution of this case remains a high-priority matter for state prosecutors seeking to recover funds and ensure accountability within public institutions. As the new date approaches, the focus will shift to how the recovered digital information will influence the defense's strategy against the substantial charges brought by the state.

Sino Africa Development secures title to Borteyman land in court ruling
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Sino Africa Development secures title to Borteyman land in court ruling

Sino Africa Development Company Limited has secured legal title to a disputed tract of land in Borteyman, Tema, following a definitive ruling by the Supreme Court of Ghana. The court's decision, delivered on June 3, 2026, brings a conclusion to a significant legal battle and establishes the company's primary ownership of the property. In the wake of this victory, the company has issued a public notice to inform current occupants, developers, and potential investors of the land's current legal status. The Supreme Court judgment also protects the specific legal interests of Royal Bell Investments Limited and Terraform Development Limited, recognizing their claims alongside those of Sino Africa Development. In contrast, the court has placed a perpetual restraint on all other defendants named in the case. This injunction effectively bars those parties from entering the land, disposing of any portions of it, or otherwise interfering with the rights of the successful litigants. In a public notice following the judgment, Sino Africa Development cautioned the general public against engaging in any land transactions with the restrained defendants. To address the situation of individuals who may have acquired land in the area prior to the court's decision, the company has established a 30-day grace period. Persons who purchased land before June 3, 2026, are required to submit their title documents and supporting evidence to the company’s offices for verification. This process is intended to clarify the impact of the Supreme Court ruling on individual holdings and to facilitate the regularization of legitimate interests. The resolution of this dispute marks a critical development for the Borteyman area, a rapidly developing corridor in the Tema metropolis. For years, competing claims have created uncertainty for homeowners and commercial developers alike. By securing a final judgment from the nation's highest court, Sino Africa Development has obtained an enforceable mandate that provides a clear path forward for the management and development of the site. The company's structured verification process for existing landholders suggests an effort to stabilize the local real estate market after years of litigation.

Police arrest 12 suspects in Tamale special operation
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Police arrest 12 suspects in Tamale special operation

The Northern Regional Special Operations Team, popularly known as RED MARIA, conducted a high-stakes tactical operation in Tamale on Tuesday, October 8. Commencing at approximately 09:30 GMT, the coordinated exercise targeted specific areas within the Fuo and Kukuo suburbs known for criminal activity. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 12 suspects and the recovery of several dangerous weapons and illicit substances, marking a significant intervention in the regional capital's security landscape. In the Fuo suburb, police personnel focused on locations associated with illegal drug activity, leading to the arrest of seven individuals. These suspects were allegedly caught in the act of using or possessing narcotics. The tactical team then shifted its focus to Kukuo, where five additional suspects were taken into custody. Notably, three of the individuals arrested in Kukuo were found to be in possession of firearms, highlighting the dangerous nature of the criminal activities targeted by the special team. The search operations yielded a substantial quantity of contraband and offensive weapons. Security officials recovered two locally manufactured pistols and one pump-action shotgun during the raids. In addition to the firearms, the police seized 25 wraps of suspected Indian hemp and six sachets of Tramadol, a controlled synthetic opioid. All confiscated items have been documented as evidence and were transported alongside the suspects to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for detailed processing. The Ghana Police Service has commended the RED MARIA unit for their professionalism and efficiency during the exercise. Regional authorities indicated that the 12 suspects will remain in custody while investigations continue to determine the source of the firearms and the extent of any drug distribution networks. This operation is part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety in Tamale and ensure that individuals involved in violent crime and drug trafficking are brought before the court for prosecution.

Royal Ofosu-Pema Aduana Family calls for suspension of Osenase Homecoming
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Royal Ofosu-Pema Aduana Family calls for suspension of Osenase Homecoming

The Royal Ofosu-Pema Aduana Family of Osenase has formally called for the immediate suspension of the 2026 Osenase Homecoming, scheduled to take place from October 12 to 18. This demand stems from a lingering chieftaincy dispute that has created instability within the traditional area. The family leadership, led by Queen Mother Obaapanin Acheampomaa II and Abusuapanin Kofi Danso, insists that the event cannot proceed without their formal endorsement and the proper resolution of stool succession issues. According to the family leaders, the homecoming event is being organized by unauthorized parties without the requisite approval from the royal household. Central to the conflict is the status of the Osenase Stool; the Queen Mother and the Family Head clarified that while the current chief is currently indisposed, he has not abdicated his position. They emphasized that no successor has been legally or traditionally installed, and holding the festivities under the current circumstances would undermine the authority of the stool and the traditional protocols of the area. The situation is further complicated by ongoing legal proceedings regarding the succession dispute. The Royal Ofosu-Pema Aduana Family has urged local authorities, security agencies, and the general public to distance themselves from the planned homecoming to maintain peace. They maintain that any public celebration must wait until the stool's status is officially resolved through the appropriate traditional and legal channels to prevent potential clashes within the community.

Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly orders 37 Military Hospital traders to vacate
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Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly orders 37 Military Hospital traders to vacate

The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly (AWMA) has issued a one-week ultimatum to traders operating on the pedestrian walkway near the 37 Military Hospital in Accra to vacate the area. This directive follows growing concerns over the obstruction of pedestrian movement and the proliferation of unauthorized structures in one of the capital's busiest hospital vicinities. The assembly’s task force issued the warning on Monday, emphasizing that the measure is necessary to restore order and ensure the safety of commuters. According to the assembly, the targeted traders have set up various unauthorized stalls and structures that significantly impede the flow of traffic on the designated pedestrian paths. During an inspection and sensitization exercise, officials from the task force marked several structures for removal. The assembly noted that these activities not only violate municipal bylaws regarding street hawking and the use of public spaces but also pose a security risk in a high-traffic zone serving a major medical facility. The task force has warned that it will conduct a forced removal exercise once the seven-day deadline expires. Traders who fail to comply with the directive will have their structures demolished, and any goods or equipment found on the walkway may be confiscated. The assembly stated that previous attempts to encourage voluntary relocation had been ignored, necessitating a firmer approach to reclaiming the public space for its intended purpose. This move by the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly is part of a broader effort by local authorities in the Greater Accra Region to sanitize major road corridors and improve urban mobility. Residents and commuters have often complained about the difficulty of navigating the 37 Military Hospital area due to the congestion caused by informal trading. By enforcing these regulations, the assembly aims to provide a clearer, safer environment for the thousands of patients and pedestrians who use the walkway daily.

North East Region records 1,252 child marriages in first half of 2026
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North East Region records 1,252 child marriages in first half of 2026

The North East Region has recorded a significant rise in child marriages and teenage pregnancies during the first six months of 2026. Data from the region indicates that 1,252 girls were married off between January and June, marking a concerning trend for child welfare advocates. This surge in early marriages is closely linked to a high number of teenage pregnancies, both of which are contributing to a visible decline in school enrollment and completion rates for young girls across the regional districts. The primary drivers for this increase are rooted in deep-seated economic challenges. Local reports attribute the rise to high poverty levels and widespread unemployment, which have left many families struggling to meet basic needs. In many cases, the resulting economic pressure forces parents to view early marriage as a survival strategy or a way to reduce the number of dependents in the household. This lack of financial security is often compounded by inadequate parental care, leaving young girls vulnerable to social pressures that steer them away from the classroom and into early domestic responsibilities. The consequences of this trend are particularly evident in the educational sector, where many of the affected 1,252 girls have been forced to drop out of school. The economic hardships that drive families toward these decisions create a cycle where the lack of education further limits future employment opportunities for these young women. This situation not only affects the immediate lives of the girls involved but also threatens to undermine the long-term socio-economic development of the North East Region by depleting its future human capital. Addressing the crisis requires a multi-faceted approach that targets the underlying causes of economic instability. Community leaders and social workers are highlighting the need for increased government and NGO intervention to provide better economic opportunities for parents and to strengthen child protection frameworks. Without significant shifts in the economic landscape and a renewed focus on keeping girls in school, the region faces the risk of seeing these numbers continue to climb in the latter half of the year.

ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, Director of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD
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MTTD reports 2,151 road crash deaths between January and September

The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has revealed that road traffic accidents claimed 2,151 lives across the country between January and September 2026. This figure comes alongside a reported 10,157 crashes involving 17,197 vehicles during the nine-month period. The statistics highlight a persistent challenge for national road safety efforts as authorities seek to curb the high rate of fatalities on Ghanaian highways. Beyond the loss of life, the MTTD reported that 12,230 individuals sustained various degrees of injury during these incidents. The data indicates that the crashes involved a wide range of vehicles, including private cars, commercial transport, and motorcycles. Speaking on the findings during an interview with Citi FM, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, a high-ranking official within the MTTD, provided insight into the gravity of the situation and the department's ongoing monitoring of the nation's road networks. ACP Obeng stressed that many of these tragic incidents are preventable if road users exercise greater caution. He emphasized that the primary causes of these accidents often stem from human error, such as speeding, reckless overtaking, and a general disregard for traffic regulations. The MTTD official urged drivers, pedestrians, and other stakeholders to prioritize safety and strictly adhere to established road laws to prevent further loss of life as the year progresses. The release of these figures serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and public education campaigns. As Ghana continues to grapple with high accident rates, the MTTD is expected to intensify its enforcement of traffic rules and increase its presence on major transit corridors. Authorities hope that by bringing these numbers to public attention, road users will become more conscious of their responsibilities, ultimately leading to a reduction in the toll taken by traffic accidents nationwide.