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.

French customs seize $260 million of cocaine shipped from Ghana to Dunkirk
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French Customs Seize $261 Million Cocaine Shipment Originating from Ghana in Massive Narcotics Bust

French customs officials have intercepted one of the largest narcotics shipments linked to Ghana in recent years, seizing nearly 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine at the port of Dunkirk. The illicit cargo, valued at approximately –225 million (US$261.45 million), was discovered concealed within a shipping container of plastic waste. According to reports from the French organized crime prosecutor’s office, the vessel had originated in Ghana and was partially destined for Antwerp, Belgium. The seizure, which took place on September 10, 2026, represents a significant victory for European law enforcement in the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking. The operation was the result of a targeted investigation into a suspected criminal network involved in organized narcotics importation. Upon discovery, the cocaine was immediately confiscated and destroyed by authorities. French judicial police have since opened a formal investigation into the associated criminal associations, with the importation of organized narcotics carrying a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. This enforcement action highlights the scale of the challenge; in 2025 alone, French customs confiscated a total of 108.81 tonnes of various narcotics with a market value of approximately –2.197 billion. In a separate but notable enforcement action, authorities at Dublin Airport uncovered an increasingly creative smuggling method, seizing approximately five kilograms of cocaine hidden inside bags of lollipops. The discovery, made by revenue officers and garda’ during a passenger baggage search, led to the recovery of drugs valued at –500,000. Subsequent follow-up searches yielded an additional –16,000 in cash and other controlled substances worth –14,500. A man in his 60s was arrested and charged in connection with the Dublin incident, appearing in court shortly thereafter. These high-profile seizures underscore the persistent use of both massive commercial shipments and clever individual concealment techniques to move illicit substances across borders. As investigations continue into the criminal networks behind the shipment from Ghana, international law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify cooperation to dismantle the supply chains linking West African ports to European hubs. The focus remains on improving scanning technologies and intelligence sharing to prevent legitimate trade routes, such as plastic waste recycling, from being exploited by organized crime syndicates.

7 dead, 21 injured in Hwidiem-Acherensua highway crash
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Ahafo Road Crash: Seven Dead and 21 Injured in Hwidiem-Acherensua Highway Collision

A devastating road accident on the Hwidiem-Acherensua Highway in the Ahafo Region claimed the lives of seven people and left 21 others injured on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The collision involved a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus and a Kia Picanto, occurring after a mechanical failure led to a loss of vehicle control. Emergency response teams were quickly deployed to the scene to manage the wreckage and attend to the victims of the high-impact crash. Preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) indicate that the accident was triggered by a tyre burst on the Sprinter bus. The sudden failure caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which then veered into the path of the Kia Picanto. Firefighters worked to rescue trapped passengers from the mangled vehicles, and those who survived with various degrees of injury were rushed to St. Elizabeth Hospital for urgent medical attention. ACFO I, the Ahafo Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, visited the injured at the hospital to offer support and wish them a speedy recovery. While the identities of the seven deceased individuals have not yet been officially released pending notification of their next of kin, medical staff are working to stabilize the 21 survivors currently receiving treatment. The incident has once again sparked serious concerns regarding road safety and the necessity for regular vehicle maintenance within the region. This latest tragedy highlights the persistent dangers on major highways and the critical importance of tyre safety and speed management. Local authorities and road safety advocates are expected to use this incident to renew calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols and more frequent vehicle inspections. For now, the Hwidiem-Acherensua community remains in mourning as families await further information regarding those lost in the collision.

Police rescue Bismark Amoh allegedly abducted at Assin Fosu
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Central North Regional Police Rescue Bismark Amoh Following Abduction and Ransom Demands in Assin Fosu

The Central North Regional Police Command has successfully rescued 30-year-old Bismark Amoh, who was kidnapped in Assin Fosu, Central Region. Mr. Amoh was abducted on September 6, 2026, sparking an intensive search and rescue operation by law enforcement. The rescue marks the end of a harrowing ordeal for the victim, who was held in captivity for over 48 hours while his family faced escalating financial demands and threats from his captors. Following the abduction, the kidnappers initially contacted Mr. Amoh’s family to demand a ransom of GH¢45,000 for his safe release. In a desperate attempt to secure his freedom, the family managed to raise and send GH¢19,500 to the perpetrators. However, rather than releasing the victim as expected, the kidnappers increased their demand to GH¢49,500 and threatened to take his life if the additional payment was not completed. To exert further pressure, the suspects sent disturbing audio and video recordings to the family, which documented the victim being abused and threatened. The Central North Regional Police Command intensified its investigative efforts and searches after the incident was reported, eventually leading to the successful rescue of Mr. Amoh. Following his recovery, he was immediately transported to a medical facility to receive professional care and treatment for the physical and psychological trauma sustained during his time in captivity. Police officials have confirmed that while the victim is now safe, he remains under medical observation. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction are ongoing as the police continue to hunt for the suspects involved. Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could lead to the apprehension of the kidnappers. The successful rescue reinforces the police's commitment to tackling violent crime, though the incident has raised local concerns regarding security and the safety of residents in the Central Region.

Infographic with a chart showing average monthly temperatures by year since 1940, and the record reached in August 2026, according to Copernicus data. By Paz PIZARRO, Sylvie HUSSON (AFP)
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Copernicus Climate Service Declares August 2026 Hottest Month Ever Recorded Globally

Global temperatures reached an unprecedented peak in August 2026, marking it as the hottest month ever recorded in human history. According to data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average global temperature reached 16.96°C, shattering the previous record established in July 2023. This climatic milestone coincided with a summer of extreme weather events, including intense heatwaves and devastating wildfires that have particularly impacted Western Europe and the contiguous United States. Climate scientists attribute this alarming spike in temperature to the dual impact of long-term human-induced climate change and the emergence of a powerful El Niño weather pattern. The ongoing burning of fossil fuels remains the primary driver of the underlying warming trend, while the intensifying El Niño—characterized by the warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean—has added significant momentum to the record-breaking heat. Experts noted that the synergy between these two factors created the atmospheric conditions necessary for the historic temperatures observed throughout the month. The outlook for the near future remains concerning as the current El Niño is expected to reach its peak later this year. The Copernicus Climate Change Service warns that without immediate and substantial reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, these record-high temperatures will likely become a recurring reality rather than an anomaly. Furthermore, early projections for 2027 suggest it could potentially set even higher records as the compounding effects of global warming and the tail end of the El Niño cycle continue to influence global weather systems. This trend underscores an urgent need for global climate action to mitigate the escalating risks of extreme heat and its associated environmental consequences.

Tragic Bukavu School Fire Claims 14 Lives Following Stampede in DR Congo
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Tragic Bukavu School Fire Claims 14 Lives Following Stampede in DR Congo

A horrific fire at the Ujamaa primary school in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, has claimed the lives of at least 14 children, sparking a chaotic and deadly stampede as students desperately tried to escape the inferno. The blaze broke out while classes were in session, transforming a routine school day into a scene of utter devastation. According to local reports and eyewitness accounts, the rapid spread of the fire and the resulting panic created a lethal environment, leading to multiple fatalities and leaving dozens of others injured. The tragedy was compounded by the school's physical structure and its location within a densely populated area. Witnesses described a harrowing scene as trapped students, finding their exits blocked by flames and smoke, resorted to jumping from the upper floors of the building to escape the heat. The school’s wooden construction allowed the fire to intensify with terrifying speed, quickly overwhelming any immediate attempts at containment. Local health sources have indicated that in addition to the fatalities, approximately 50 students and several teachers were rushed to medical facilities suffering from severe asphyxia and other fire-related injuries. This latest disaster highlights a recurring and troubling pattern of deadly fires in Bukavu, often attributed to substandard construction practices and a chronic lack of adequate firefighting infrastructure. Residents and observers have pointed out that the region’s dense urban layout and the prevalence of flammable building materials make such incidents both frequent and difficult to manage. This tragedy mirrors a similar event in Bukavu from the previous year, which also resulted in 14 deaths, underscoring an urgent need for improved safety regulations and emergency response capabilities to protect vulnerable students in the region.

Station Worker Jonathan Quaicoe Honored for Returning £3,000 as Public Shaming Parade Occurs in Begoro
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Station Worker Jonathan Quaicoe Honored for Returning £3,000 as Public Shaming Parade Occurs in Begoro

Recent events in Ghana have highlighted contrasting approaches to community ethics, ranging from a remarkable act of honesty by a transport worker to the public shaming of an alleged petty thief. In Greater Accra, Jonathan Quaicoe, a station loading boy at Ayi Mensah, is being celebrated as a model of integrity after returning a substantial sum of foreign and local currency left behind in a commercial vehicle. In sharp contrast, a man in Begoro Christom was subjected to a public parade of shame after being accused of stealing food items from a local farm. Jonathan Quaicoe discovered a bag containing £3,000 and GH¢1,000 that had been forgotten by a passenger. Rather than keeping the windfall, Quaicoe promptly handed the bag over to the police to ensure it reached its rightful owner. The owner, a woman who had realized her loss after arriving in Koforidua, had already reported the incident. The subsequent police investigation led them to Quaicoe, whose transparency facilitated the swift return of the funds. His actions have earned him significant praise and financial rewards from both the grateful owner and the police department, highlighting the impact of individual honesty on community trust. Meanwhile, a different form of community justice was captured in a video from September 10, 2026, in Begoro Christom. A suspect accused of stealing plantains and cassava was forced to carry the stolen produce on his head while being paraded through the town. The exercise, reportedly organized by the owner of the stolen items, was intended to force a public confession and expose the suspect's intended destination for the goods. The spectacle drew a crowd and has since sparked debate over the use of public humiliation as a deterrent for petty theft in rural areas. These two incidents reflect the diverse ways in which Ghanaian communities navigate the complexities of morality and justice. While Quaicoe’s story demonstrates the positive outcomes of individual integrity and formal law enforcement cooperation, the Begoro incident highlights a more traditional and controversial method of social enforcement. Together, they underscore a continuing national dialogue regarding the values of accountability, trust, and the most effective ways to address criminal behavior within the society.

AP A large sinkhole is seen outside a mansion in Malibu, with emergency servicves attending, and palm trees and the ocean seen in the background
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Nicolas Cage's Malibu Home Affected by Massive Sinkhole Following Heavy Storms

A massive sinkhole measuring approximately 30 feet by 30 feet has opened outside the Malibu residence of Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage, following a period of intense weather in Southern California. The structural failure began with the collapse of the property's driveway earlier this week, escalating from what residents initially perceived as a minor eight-foot fissure into a significant geological hazard. While the incident caused substantial property damage, local authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported during the event. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene early Tuesday morning after the collapse triggered a gas leak, posing an immediate threat to the neighborhood. Response teams successfully secured the leak, but the stability of the site remains a primary concern. The sinkhole has now reached a scale that allows ocean waves to surge within it, further eroding the ground beneath the coastal road and complicating recovery efforts for the actor's estate. This development has significantly hampered access to the property and surrounding residences. The environmental catastrophe is attributed to a combination of heavy rainfall and coastal flooding exacerbated by Tropical Storm Marie. Although the storm remained offshore, its influence brought high waves and significant precipitation to the Malibu coastline, weakening the soil structure. The sheer volume of water led to the sudden failure of the driveway, which officials note was the precursor to the larger crater that eventually consumed part of the public access area and street infrastructure. In the wake of the collapse, local officials have declared several homes on the street unsafe for occupancy, warning that the ground remains unstable. Access to the area is strictly restricted as engineers and emergency crews assess the extent of the road damage. The incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Malibu's coastal properties to extreme weather events, leaving residents and city planners to face difficult questions regarding the long-term safety and stability of beachfront infrastructure.

Bishop Daniel Obinim Issues Curses Against Journalist Ola Michael Following Divorce Claims
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Bishop Daniel Obinim Issues Curses Against Journalist Ola Michael Following Divorce Claims

Bishop Daniel Obinim, the founder and leader of the International God’s Way Church, has reportedly invoked spiritual curses against media personality and Neat FM presenter Ola Michael. The confrontation stems from public statements made by the journalist regarding the status of the Bishop’s marriage. This latest incident highlights the ongoing tension between the controversial clergyman and media figures who report on his private life, leading to a significant stir within the Ghanaian social and religious landscape. The controversy was sparked during a broadcast on Neat FM, where Ola Michael alleged that the Bishop and his wife were experiencing severe marital difficulties that could result in a divorce. To substantiate his claims, Michael informed his audience that his report was based on details provided by a close member of Bishop Obinim’s family. The assertion quickly gained traction online, prompting a swift and aggressive response from the spiritual leader who chose to address the journalist directly through his platform. In his reaction, Bishop Obinim denounced the reports as false and directed several curses toward Ola Michael for what he considered an attempt to bring public ridicule to his household. Rather than pursuing legal action or a formal media rebuttal, the Bishop’s decision to use spiritual pronouncements has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some supporters defend his right to spiritual defense, others have raised concerns about the appropriateness of such responses to media reports. As of now, Neat FM and the journalist involved have not retracted the story, leaving the public divided on the veracity of the divorce allegations.

The arrested suspects
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Ghana Police Intensify Crackdown on Criminal Networks with Major Arrests and Live Radio Operation

The Ghana Police Service has significantly escalated its efforts to combat organized crime, marked by a series of high-profile operations that have resulted in numerous arrests and the recovery of a significant cache of weaponry. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno recently announced the dismantling of several dangerous robbery syndicates following extensive operations spanning from April to September 2026. This broader sweep against violent crime coincided with a dramatic, viral incident where officers interrupted a live radio broadcast to apprehend a suspect involved in international fraud, signaling a proactive and multifaceted stance by law enforcement. According to IGP Yohuno, the nationwide operations led to the apprehension of 20 suspects linked to various organized criminal networks. During these raids, police successfully seized 11 AK-47 rifles along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, effectively neutralizing groups believed to be responsible for several bank robberies and high-profile murders, including the tragic case of a missing couple. The Inspector-General emphasized that these successes are part of a strategic initiative to dismantle the infrastructure of violent crime across multiple regions. Several of the suspects have already been remanded into custody as investigations continue into their broader criminal connections. In a separate but equally striking display of police activity, officers recently stormed the studios of Ahenfie FM during a live program to execute an arrest related to international scamming. The operation took place during a show hosted by Ohenini Adazoa, where officers apprehended a man suspected of acting as a "middleman" in a sophisticated UK visa fraud scheme. The dramatic encounter, which was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media, showed the moment a police officer entered the studio to take the suspect into custody mid-broadcast. This incident has sparked significant public discussion regarding the persistence of authorities in tracking down individuals who exploit citizens through fraudulent travel schemes. As the Ghana Police Service continues its investigations, these recent actions highlight a dual focus on eradicating violent robbery and addressing the rising tide of visa-related fraud. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring that those involved in organized criminal activities face the full rigors of the law. With over 20 suspects currently entering the judicial system and further investigations pending into the visa fraud network, law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police to sustain this momentum in the fight against crime.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe Declares National Emergency as Road Fatalities Hit 20-Year High
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Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe Declares National Emergency as Road Fatalities Hit 20-Year High

Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has officially declared the state of road safety in the country a national emergency following a staggering rise in traffic-related deaths. Speaking at the 2026 Transport Sector Review Conference in Ho, the Minister revealed that road traffic fatalities reached 2,954 in 2025, marking the highest death toll in over two decades. This alarming trend is underscored by a 31.6% surge in reported crashes between 2021 and 2025, a statistic Nikpe described as a series of real-world tragedies that continue to devastate families and communities across the nation. The human cost of this crisis was further illustrated by two major recent accidents. In Kumasi’s Krofrom area, a multi-vehicle collision involving a DAF trailer, a 'Pragyia' tricycle, and a motorbike left at least two people feared dead and several others injured. Initial reports suggest the trailer suffered brake failure while descending a slope, with investigators also raising concerns about the poor condition of the vehicle’s tyres. Simultaneously, on the Tema-Aflao Highway, a crash at Matsekorpe Junction claimed the life of one female passenger and injured eight others. This incident, involving two taxis and a Toyota Corolla, was reportedly caused by high-speed, dangerous overtaking. These recent incidents highlight the recurring themes of mechanical failure and driver negligence that the Ministry of Transport aims to address. In the Krofrom crash, the involvement of the Ghana National Fire Service and the Police was necessary to manage the significant disruption to local traffic and assist victims. Meanwhile, local officials at the Sege-Kasseh highway crash site have joined the chorus of voices calling for more efficient emergency response systems and improved road safety measures to mitigate the impact of such collisions. Minister Nikpe emphasized that while the government continues to invest in transport infrastructure, the benefits of these projects cannot be fully realized without a drastic improvement in safety standards. He urged a collective effort from government agencies, transport operators, and all road users to change the current trajectory. As investigations continue into recent crashes, the Ministry is expected to pivot toward stricter enforcement of vehicle maintenance regulations and intensified public education campaigns to curb the rising tide of road carnage.

Accra Courts Remand Suspects in Assassination Plot and Illegal Land Guard Activities
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Accra Courts Remand Suspects in Assassination Plot and Illegal Land Guard Activities

The Madina Divisional Police and the Accra Circuit Court have taken significant steps in addressing violent crime following the remand of four individuals in two separate cases involving an alleged assassination plot and illegal land guard activities. In a case that has drawn significant attention, Abubakar Altine and Eric Tettey Adejetey were remanded into custody by the Adenta Magistrate Court on September 7, 2026. The duo is accused of conspiring to murder Esther Dankwa, a Susu collector, following a dispute over an unpaid debt. The arrests were the result of an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Madina Divisional Police Command on September 4, 2026, at the Botwe Taxi Rank. Preliminary investigations suggest that Altine, who owed Mrs. Dankwa a sum of money, allegedly recruited Adejetey to carry out the killing to avoid repayment. During their initial court appearance, their pleas were not taken, and the magistrate ordered their detention until the next hearing scheduled for September 22, 2026, as police continue their investigation into the conspiracy. In a separate development, an Accra Circuit Court has remanded two other men, Gabriel Abotsi Ahor and Benjamin Essel, for their involvement in land guard activities in East Legon. The suspects were charged with the unlawful demolition of an uncompleted building and a perimeter fence wall. The court proceedings were marked by an emotional display as both men reportedly wept uncontrollably while pleading for forgiveness from the complainant. These recent judicial actions underscore the commitment of law enforcement and the judiciary to tackling both pre-meditated violence and the persistent issue of land guard-related crime in the Greater Accra Region. While the Madina police delve deeper into the motives behind the threat on Esther Dankwa's life, the Accra Circuit Court's stance on land guard activities serves as a stern warning against the use of illegal force in land disputes. Both cases are set to return to court later this month.

Kidnappers Demand GH¢45,000 Ransom for Abducted Assin Fosu Man Amid Growing Regional Security Concerns
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Kidnappers Demand GH¢45,000 Ransom for Abducted Assin Fosu Man Amid Growing Regional Security Concerns

A family in Assin Fosu, Central Region, is in a race against time to save 30-year-old Bismark Amoh, who was kidnapped on Sunday, September 6, 2026. The captors have issued a chilling 24-hour ultimatum, threatening to take the victim's life unless a ransom of GH¢45,000 is paid in full. The abduction has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting an urgent need for enhanced security measures in the area. The Amoh family is currently in a state of distress as they struggle to meet the financial demands of the kidnappers. While they have managed to mobilize a portion of the funds, they are reportedly still trying to raise an additional GH¢30,500 to secure Bismark’s release. With the deadline fast approaching, the family has made an urgent appeal for security intervention, hoping that law enforcement can locate the captors before the situation turns fatal. Local police in Assin Fosu have launched a search operation to track down the missing man and his abductors. This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety and security of residents in the Central Region, as ransom-driven kidnappings present a growing challenge to law enforcement. Community leaders are calling for increased police visibility and more robust intelligence gathering to prevent such crimes from becoming a regular occurrence. These security challenges are mirrored elsewhere in the region. In Cameroon’s Northwest Region, security forces are currently searching for armed attackers who raided a teacher training centre in Wum. That incident resulted in the tragic death of a police officer and the kidnapping of five teachers. Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique confirmed that the attackers infiltrated the centre on a Tuesday morning before fleeing with their captives toward the outskirts of Bamenda. The parallel incidents in Ghana and Cameroon underscore a volatile security landscape where both civilians and security personnel are increasingly targeted by armed groups. As the 24-hour deadline looms for Bismark Amoh, the Ghanaian public continues to look toward the administration and security agencies for a swift resolution and a more comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of insecurity and kidnapping across the country.