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.

EPA orders immediate halt to unapproved land reclamation activities
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EPA orders immediate halt to unapproved land reclamation activities

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Ghana has directed an immediate cessation of all land reclamation, mine-site rehabilitation, and water-body restoration projects that have not secured the necessary environmental permits. The directive, issued on October 14, 2026, targets various environmental intervention activities across the country to ensure strict compliance with national regulations. According to the authority, any project operating without official approval is in violation of the law and must stop work immediately. The scope of the order is comprehensive, covering a wide range of activities including dredging and the rehabilitation of degraded mine sites. The EPA emphasized that even projects intended to improve or restore the environment must go through the formal permitting process. This requirement is intended to ensure that restoration efforts do not cause unintended ecological damage, such as further siltation of rivers or chemical soil imbalances, which can occur if the processes are not professionally managed and monitored. Crucially, the EPA clarified that these environmental permitting requirements apply to all projects regardless of their funding source. Whether an initiative is privately funded, state-sponsored, or supported by international donors, it must adhere to the Environmental Assessment Regulations. This move is viewed as a significant effort to standardize environmental management and prevent unregulated activities that might exacerbate environmental degradation under the guise of restoration or development. By enforcing these regulations, the EPA aims to provide necessary oversight for activities that significantly impact Ghana’s landscape and natural water systems. Stakeholders and contractors involved in such projects are now required to formalize their operations or face potential legal consequences. The directive serves as a firm reminder that environmental restoration must be scientific, monitored, and legally compliant to effectively preserve the nation's natural resources for future generations.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy resumes military strikes on Russian oil refineries
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy resumes military strikes on Russian oil refineries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the end of a three-day pause in military operations against Russian oil refineries. This decision was immediately followed by reports of significant strikes targeting an oil refinery in Ryazan, Russia. The resumption of these attacks marks a strategic pivot for Kyiv as it navigates increasingly strained relations with Washington and intensifying aerial bombardment from Russian forces. Zelenskyy attributed the decision to a perceived withdrawal of defense support from the United States and growing frustration with the administration of President Donald Trump. While a temporary ceasefire had been proposed by the U.S., Russian forces continued to launch aerial strikes on Ukrainian targets, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Furthermore, the Ukrainian leadership expressed serious concerns over a recent U.S. diesel deal with Russia and a notable gap in the provision of critical military intelligence. Compounding these tensions are new restrictions on the Starlink satellite internet service, which is vital for Ukrainian drone guidance. Elon Musk recently suggested that the U.S. government might be behind a speed limit of 100 mph imposed on Starlink hardware used by the Ukrainian military. President Zelenskyy described these developments as a betrayal, noting that such restrictions directly disrupt operations on the battlefield at a time when Ukrainian forces rely heavily on remote-controlled weapons for defense. As relations between Kyiv and Washington deteriorate, European leaders are reportedly increasing their support to fill the vacuum left by shifting American priorities. The escalating situation highlights a potential fracture in the Western coalition as the region prepares for the challenges of the winter season. Zelenskyy has emphasized that without sustained and reliable military hardware and intelligence, Ukraine must leverage its own offensive capabilities to pressure the Russian economy and energy infrastructure.

Anoajan Sivarasa has death sentence overturned by Saudi Supreme Court
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Anoajan Sivarasa has death sentence overturned by Saudi Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has overturned the death sentence of Anoajan Sivarasa, a Sri Lankan migrant worker who was previously convicted of blasphemy. Sivarasa had been sentenced to death in September for a Facebook comment that Saudi authorities deemed a violation of the kingdom's strict religious and speech-related laws. The decision to quash the sentence follows intensive diplomatic efforts by the Sri Lankan government and significant criticism from international human rights organizations regarding the treatment of migrant workers under Saudi law. The case of Sivarasa drew global attention to the legal vulnerabilities faced by foreign laborers in the Gulf region, where social media posts can result in severe capital penalties. While the overturning of the death sentence is seen as a significant victory for Sivarasa and his advocates, his legal status remains somewhat precarious. Reports indicate that despite the reversal of the capital sentence, he may still face legal uncertainties regarding his current detention and future status within the kingdom. The swift diplomatic and public response to the conviction highlights the ongoing tension between Saudi Arabia's rigid blasphemy laws and international standards of free expression. Human rights groups have frequently noted that migrant workers are particularly vulnerable to these laws, often lacking the legal resources or diplomatic backing necessary to navigate the Saudi judicial system. For Sivarasa, while the threat of execution has been lifted, the case continues to serve as a focal point for discussions on the protection of migrant rights in the Middle East.

A photograph showing the interior of a classroom after a catastrophic roof collapse. The brick structure of the upper wall is exposed to the sky, and educational posters for children remain on the lower white walls amidst debris and hanging wires.
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Al-Khair Education Center roof collapse kills 28 in Pakistan

At least 27 students and one teacher died when the roof of the Al-Khair Education Center in Peshawar, Pakistan, collapsed during morning classes. The disaster, which occurred following a period of heavy rainfall in the region, has left the local community in mourning as rescue teams continue to search the rubble for survivors. Officials on the scene have confirmed that the structural failure happened while students were inside their classrooms, leading to immediate fatalities and leaving many others trapped. Rescue operations are currently ongoing, though authorities have warned that the death toll is likely to rise. The Peshawar police chief indicated that more casualties are expected as the rubble is cleared, noting that the building was reportedly in a fragile state before the accident. Early investigations into the cause of the disaster suggest that the school building suffered from severe structural defects, which were fatally exacerbated by the weight and impact of the recent heavy rains. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed urgent concerns regarding building safety standards and the lack of regulatory oversight for educational facilities across Pakistan. In the wake of the tragedy, there have been intensifying calls for the government to conduct immediate safety audits of all schools to prevent similar occurrences. The collapse underscores a long-standing issue with the maintenance of infrastructure in the region, particularly for private and community education centers that often operate in substandard facilities.

Transport unions give government one week to clear traders from bus stops
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Transport unions give government one week to clear traders from bus stops

Commercial transport unions in Ghana have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to remove traders and unauthorized vendors from bus stops and pedestrian walkways. The demand, spearheaded by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other driver organizations, comes ahead of the full implementation of the TraffiTech-GH automated enforcement system scheduled for November 1, 2026. Drivers expressed concern that they will be unfairly penalized by the automated system for stopping in non-designated areas because their official bays are currently occupied by market stalls and traders. Union representatives highlighted that major transport hubs, including Kaneshie, Accra CMB, and Kasoa, have been effectively converted into marketplaces, obstructing the safe operation of commercial vehicles. Samuel Amoah of the GPRTU noted that the occupation of these zones violates Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, which prohibits the sale of goods on pedestrian walkways and at bus stops. The unions argue that the congestion forces drivers to pick up and drop off passengers in unsafe locations, creating hazards for all road users and increasing the likelihood of accidents. The TraffiTech-GH initiative, managed by the Ghana Police Service, uses digital cameras and sensors to monitor traffic violations and improve compliance with road laws. While drivers have expressed reservations about its rollout, the police report that the pilot phase of the program has already led to a notable reduction in road incidents. According to data from the Ghana News Agency, road crashes decreased from 1,108 in September 2025 to 1,003 in September 2026. During the same period, road-related injuries fell from 1,405 to 1,194, and fatalities dropped from 243 to 224. Despite these safety gains, transport operators maintain that the automated system cannot be effectively implemented until the infrastructure is cleared of obstructions. The unions have called on the relevant ministries and municipal authorities to enforce existing laws and restore order to the country's terminals within the one-week deadline. They insist that for the technology-driven program to be fair and successful, drivers must have unhindered access to designated stops to avoid being wrongfully cited by the new monitoring equipment.

Central Region police investigate death of 12-year-old boy in Opeikuma
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Central Region police investigate death of 12-year-old boy in Opeikuma

Police in the Central Region have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a 12-year-old boy’s body in a muddy pit at Opeikuma Vat. The grim discovery, which occurred hours after a reported physical altercation between the child and his mother, has prompted a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the death by local authorities. Investigators are currently focusing on visible wounds found on the boy's body to determine the precise cause of death and whether foul play was involved. The victim was found partially naked in the muddy terrain, and the discovery has left residents of Opeikuma Vat in a state of shock. Reports indicate that the boy's mother, who is said to have a history of mental health challenges, had been involved in a violent confrontation with the child shortly before he went missing. Neighbors have previously observed instances of violent behavior from the mother, leading police to treat her recent interactions with the boy as a significant lead in their ongoing inquiry. Following the initial crime scene investigation, police officers have collected physical evidence and conducted interviews to piece together the final movements of the deceased. The victim’s family remains in contact with the authorities as they await further updates and official findings from the investigation. The body has been moved to a local morgue for preservation, with a post-mortem examination scheduled to provide a definitive medical explanation for the injuries sustained.

Solomon Asamoah must open defense in $2m SkyTrain case, rules Supreme Court
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Solomon Asamoah must open defense in $2m SkyTrain case, rules Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed an application by Solomon Asamoah, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), seeking to overturn a High Court order for him to open his defense. The ruling concerns a criminal case where Asamoah is accused of causing a $2 million financial loss to the state in relation to the defunct Accra SkyTrain project. By dismissing the application, the apex court has cleared the way for the trial to proceed to the next stage. Asamoah had approached the Supreme Court to challenge a High Court decision that rejected his "no case to answer" submission. He argued that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence to justify him being called to the witness stand. However, the Supreme Court found no grounds to interfere with the lower court's decision, affirming that the state had provided enough evidence to require a formal defense from the accused. The charges against Asamoah and his co-accused, former GIIF Board Chair Professor Ameyaw Akumfi, center on a $2 million payment made to the South African firm Africa Investment (AI) SkyTrain Consortium Holdings. The transaction was intended to fund a feasibility study and preparatory works for the project. Prosecutors allege that the payment was made without the requisite parliamentary approvals and that the state received no value for the expenditure, as the project never broke ground. Following this dismissal, the trial will resume at the High Court, where both Asamoah and Professor Akumfi must now present their testimony and call witnesses to answer the state's allegations. This legal development marks a critical juncture in the long-running investigation into the investment decisions made by GIIF and the accountability of its former leadership regarding public infrastructure funds.

A high-ranking Ghana Police Service official, likely Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, is pictured speaking at a white lectern. He is dressed in a formal black police uniform adorned with several medals and insignia, while other officials and the Ghanaian national colors are visible in the background.
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Supreme Court stays order to promote 40 Police Chief Inspectors

The Supreme Court of Ghana has granted a stay of execution on a Court of Appeal order that mandated the promotion of 40 Police Chief Inspectors. The ruling, delivered on October 14, 2026, effectively halts the advancement of the officers pending the final outcome of an appeal filed by the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General. This decision marks a pivotal moment in a legal dispute that has seen the officers previously secure a victory in the lower courts. The legal battle centers on a 2021 amnesty program aimed at advancing police personnel who successfully obtained academic degrees while in active service. The 40 Chief Inspectors involved in the case argued that they met the criteria for promotion under this program and sought judicial intervention to compel the police administration to recognize their qualifications. While the Court of Appeal had initially ruled in their favor, the police leadership and the state have challenged the mandate, leading to the current Supreme Court intervention. By granting the stay of execution, the Supreme Court has opted to maintain the status quo within the police hierarchy until the substantive issues of the appeal are addressed. The Attorney-General’s office and the police administration have argued against the immediate implementation of the promotions, citing procedural and administrative concerns. This legal pause represents a significant setback for the affected officers, whose career progression remains in limbo while the highest court in the land reviews the case. The final judgment on the appeal is now eagerly awaited by both the police administration and the rank-and-file officers. The eventual ruling will likely establish a clear legal precedent for how the Ghana Police Service handles academic amnesties and internal promotions based on educational achievements. Until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict, the promotion of the 40 Chief Inspectors remains on hold.

Opening of the 10th Triennial Congress of the World Assemblies of God
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Assemblies of God Fellowship opens 10th World Congress in Accra

The 10th World Assemblies of God Congress opened in Accra on October 14, 2026, marking the first time the global triennial event has been hosted on African soil. President John Mahama and former Malawian President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera attended the opening ceremony, which gathered thousands of church leaders and delegates from more than 100 countries. Under the theme ‘Commissioned: One Mandate, Every Nation,’ the congress focuses on the global mission of the church and the promotion of spiritual revival across the continent. Rev. Dominic Yeo, the Global Chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, described the hosting of the event in Ghana as a ‘prophetic moment’ for Africa. A primary objective discussed during the congress is the MM33 initiative, an ambitious target to plant one million new Assemblies of God churches globally by the year 2033. Rev. Yeo highlighted Ghana’s record of peace and stability as a key factor in its selection as host, noting that the event would likely boost local tourism and showcase the nation to international investors. Addressing the delegates, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, emphasized the necessity for religious bodies to maintain healthy relations with the government and social institutions. He urged churches to engage constructively with the state to foster national development, arguing that isolation from government processes could hinder the church’s growth and its impact on society. Rev. Wengam stressed that such partnerships are vital for the survival and expansion of the ministry in the modern era. In addition to global mission goals, the congress is highlighting the importance of instilling discipline and civic responsibility within the Christian community. Rev. Wengam called on members to respect societal laws and contribute positively to their local communities as part of their spiritual mandate. As the three-day event progresses, church leaders aim to strengthen global unity and refine their strategies for addressing contemporary challenges while continuing the spread of the Gospel across all nations.

South Korea commits $4.5m to restore Ghana’s historic forts and castles
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South Korea commits $4.5m to restore Ghana’s historic forts and castles

South Korea has committed US$4.5 million to support the restoration of Ghana's historic forts and castles over the next five years. Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, announced the initiative, which seeks to combat the significant deterioration of these UNESCO World Heritage sites caused by climate change and persistent coastal erosion. The project represents a major international partnership aimed at safeguarding Ghana's most vulnerable cultural landmarks. The restoration is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Tourism, UNESCO, and South Korea’s National Commission for UNESCO. These sites serve as critical monuments to the transatlantic slave trade and are central to Ghana's cultural identity and tourism sector. The work will focus on structural preservation while enhancing the overall experience for visitors, particularly members of the African diaspora who frequent these sites to connect with their ancestral heritage. Beyond physical preservation, the initiative aligns with the government's broader political and social objectives. Minister Gomashie emphasized that protecting these landmarks is vital to Ghana’s ongoing advocacy for reparations under the administration of President John Mahama. By safeguarding these coastal assets, the government aims to maintain the integrity of the historical narrative and provide better economic opportunities for local coastal communities through increased heritage tourism. This five-year funding cycle provides a critical boost for the conservation of Ghana's architectural history at a time when environmental factors pose an increasing threat. As climate change continues to impact coastal structures globally, the partnership between South Korea and Ghana serves as a model for international cooperation in cultural heritage protection. The Ministry expects the revitalized sites to strengthen Ghana's position as a global hub for Pan-African history and reflection.

A close-up photograph shows a person with their hands handcuffed behind their back. The subject stands in front of metal cell bars, clearly indicating a jail or prison environment.
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Konongo police rearrest one of six inmates in Kumasi

The Ghana Police Service has rearrested one of the six inmates who escaped from the Konongo police cells in the Ashanti Region. The escapee was apprehended in a suburb of Kumasi following a coordinated manhunt launched shortly after the security breach was discovered. Authorities are currently intensifying efforts to locate the remaining five fugitives who are still at large. The inmates managed their escape by digging a hole through the wall of the station’s washrooms. This method of exit has raised significant concerns regarding the structural integrity of the municipal police facility. Asante Akyem Central Municipal Chief Executive, Dr. Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, confirmed the incident and the subsequent arrest, noting that the search remains a top priority for regional security forces and local government. In response to the escape, local authorities have announced a series of comprehensive security upgrades for the Konongo police station. Planned measures include the reinforcement of existing cell walls with more durable materials and the installation of advanced surveillance cameras to monitor the facility around the clock. Additionally, the municipal assembly is planning the construction of an entirely new police station to replace the current aging infrastructure. To ensure immediate safety, Dr. Aidoo stated that there will be an increased police presence during night hours and improved lighting across the station's premises. These steps aim to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the escape and to restore public confidence in the local law enforcement’s ability to secure detainees as the manhunt for the five remaining escapees continues.

One of the scam centres where fraudsters operated in Accra
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Ghana security agencies rescue 117 trafficking victims in Sasaabi

Ghanaian security agencies, in collaboration with international partners including the FBI, have rescued 117 human trafficking victims during a major raid in Sasaabi, near Accra. The joint operation also led to the arrest of 19 individuals suspected of involvement in international cyber-enabled scam operations. This high-profile crackdown involved the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), targeting a criminal syndicate that has allegedly defrauded victims across the globe through sophisticated digital schemes. Beyond the rescue of the trafficking victims, the taskforce uncovered a significant cybercrime hub. During the raid, authorities seized 303 electronic devices used to facilitate fraudulent activities. Investigators have already identified an additional 89 individuals who fell victim to the group’s scams, with total financial losses estimated at $8.3 million. The suspects are believed to have operated a network that leveraged trafficked individuals to run various international fraud schemes, marking a troubling intersection between human exploitation and financial crime. This local operation in Sasaabi was part of a broader international initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Justice to dismantle organized fraudulent networks. Globally, this coordinated effort has resulted in the takedown of over 3.7 million fraudulent accounts. Private industry partners also provided assistance in disrupting these scams, which have impacted individuals worldwide. The success of the raid underscores the increasing importance of international intelligence sharing and cross-border cooperation in combating modern slavery and organized cybercrime. The rescue of 117 victims highlights the growing challenge of human trafficking being used as a tool for cyber-enabled fraud in the sub-region. Ghanaian authorities have reiterated their commitment to securing the country's digital landscape and protecting vulnerable persons from such exploitation. The 19 arrested suspects are expected to face charges related to both human trafficking and cybercrime as investigations continue to trace the full extent of the network and the movement of the $8.3 million in stolen funds.