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.

Labone attempted robbery: Police provide further details, arrested suspect identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi
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Labone Bank Robbery Foiled: Ghana Police Neutralise Two Suspects as GCB Bank Issues Clarification

The Ghana Police Service on Thursday, August 13, 2026, successfully intervened in a high-stakes criminal operation targeting three major financial institutions in the Labone area of Accra. Acting on credible intelligence regarding a planned heist, law enforcement officers were deployed to the enclave where they intercepted a gang allegedly planning to attack GCB Bank, Ecobank, and Zenith Bank. The resulting confrontation led to the death of two suspects during a fierce shoot-out and the arrest of one individual, identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi, a Nigerian national. According to official police reports, the tactical team spotted the suspects' vehicles and initiated a high-speed chase through the Labone neighbourhood. During the pursuit, occupants of one of the vehicles opened fire on the police, prompting the officers to return fire. While two suspects were fatally wounded in the exchange, the police managed to apprehend Maazi. Authorities recovered two vehicles used by the criminal gang and a blow pistol from the scene. The arrested suspect is currently in custody assisting with further investigations, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at a morgue for autopsy and formal identification. However, the official police narrative has been met with a clarification from GCB Bank, one of the institutions named in the incident report. In a statement addressing the day’s events, GCB Bank refuted the claim that a robbery attempt took place at its Labone branch, emphasizing that both staff and customers remained safe and that operations were not disrupted. The bank suggested that the incident may have involved suspects tracking customers who had made withdrawals from a different financial institution, rather than a direct assault on the bank premises. Despite this divergence in framing, GCB Bank reassured its clients of its commitment to safety and ongoing security measures. The Ghana Police Service has expressed its gratitude to the public for their continued cooperation and for providing the vital intelligence that allowed for this proactive response. This successful foil of a major robbery attempt underscores the heightened vigilance of the security services in the capital. As investigations proceed to identify any remaining accomplices, the police have urged residents and business owners in the Labone area to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the emergency lines.

Finance Minister Ato Forson Celebrates 48th Birthday with Charity as Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu Regains Freedom
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Finance Minister Ato Forson Celebrates 48th Birthday with Charity as Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu Regains Freedom

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson marked his 48th birthday with a philanthropic visit to the Senior Correctional Centre in Accra, donating essential food and hygiene supplies to young inmates. Accompanied by supporters, Dr. Forson emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable populations. This charitable act coincided with a significant legal development as the former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, was released from custody. Her release followed the Attorney-General's withdrawal of an application to stay the execution of her acquittal by the Court of Appeal on August 12, 2026, effectively concluding the state's efforts to contest her freedom. In the realm of national memorials, controversy has emerged regarding the immortalization of the late former Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah. Family members and close associates expressed deep disappointment over a newly unveiled bust at a cenotaph in front of the Ministry of Defence, claiming the sculpture bears no physical resemblance to the late statesman. Meanwhile, the Mankessim Traditional Area is preparing for the 40-day commemoration of the late Paramount Queen Mother, Nana Ama Amissah III. The bereaved family recently visited the Ghana Gold Board to announce that the ceremony is scheduled for September 12, 2026, receiving condolences from Board Chairman Kojo Fynn and CEO Sammy Gyamfi, who praised her contributions to the nation. On the social and legal front, judicial proceedings continue for 35-year-old online pastor Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, who has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court for the second time. Kwarteng and his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, face multiple counts of conspiracy to defraud by false pretenses related to alleged romance scams involving seven victims. Simultaneously, social commentary from Prophet Nicholas Osei, popularly known as Kumchacha, has sparked public debate. Speaking on Asempa FM, the clergyman urged young men to avoid marrying women who already have children, questioning the rationale behind such decisions for men just beginning their independent lives. Beyond Ghana's borders, significant events captured international attention on August 12, 2026. In the United Kingdom, millions witnessed a rare solar eclipse that obscured up to 96% of the sun, a celestial event not seen at this scale since 1999. In the United States, severe weather led to a dramatic incident at an Ohio prison where a lightning strike injured 16 inmates as they moved between buildings. These events collectively highlight a week defined by significant legal resolutions, cultural debates, and rare natural phenomena both at home and abroad.

Fatal Road Crashes in Eastern Region Claim Four Lives on Accra–Kumasi Highway and Kyebi-Asikam Road
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Fatal Road Crashes in Eastern Region Claim Four Lives on Accra–Kumasi Highway and Kyebi-Asikam Road

Four people have died and several others sustained injuries in two separate road accidents in the Eastern Region. One crash occurred on the Accra–Kumasi highway at Asubuo on August 11, 2026, while the second took place on the Kyebi-Asikam road. These incidents have once again brought the issue of road safety to the forefront of national discourse, as emergency services worked through the weekend to manage the aftermath. The accident at Asubuo involved a collision between a Kia Rhino and a MAN Diesel truck. Personnel from the Suhum Municipal Fire Station were dispatched to the scene, where they successfully rescued an individual who had become trapped within the mangled remains of the Kia Rhino. The victim was rushed to the Suhum Government Hospital. Sadly, officials confirmed that a male pedestrian was killed during the incident. Five other persons involved in the crash sustained various injuries and are currently receiving medical care. Investigations into the cause of this specific highway disaster are still ongoing by local authorities. In a separate tragedy on the Kyebi-Asikam road, three people were killed in a collision involving a Toyota RAV4 and a Kia Picanto. The Ghana National Fire Service described the scene as particularly severe, reporting that three additional individuals were injured. The impact of the crash left the vehicles heavily damaged, requiring immediate intervention from recovery teams. While the specific circumstances leading to this collision are still being analyzed, the high death toll has caused significant distress in the local community and surrounding areas. As the police and fire services conclude their preliminary investigations, these accidents serve as a somber reminder of the high risks associated with Ghana’s major road corridors. Both the Accra–Kumasi highway and the Kyebi-Asikam stretch are known for high-speed traffic, and officials continue to urge motorists to observe speed limits and maintain their vehicles properly. The recent casualties underscore the urgent need for enhanced enforcement of traffic regulations to protect both drivers and pedestrians across the country.

Ing. Kofi Apau Ohenese, the General Manager of Ashanti Sub-Transmission,ECG.
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ECG Receives Commendation for Restoration Efforts Amid Infrastructure Faults and Cybersecurity Enforcement

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is navigating a dual landscape of operational praise and infrastructure challenges as the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) commends recent restoration efforts in Kumasi while residents in Accra West face significant power disruptions. In the Ashanti Region, the PURC formally acknowledged ECG's professionalism following a swift response to a major electrical fault at the Esereso High Tension line. The incident, which occurred outside normal working hours, saw ECG’s Line Maintenance team working under torchlight to restore power to several communities, a move the PURC's Edward Boduah Kingston described as a testament to the company's commitment to reliability. In a formal letter of commendation, the PURC highlighted that such dedication is essential for maintaining public confidence in national utilities. ECG’s General Manager, Ing. Kofi Apau Ohenese, echoed these sentiments, praising his team's efforts in resolving the connection issues that had plunged sections of Kumasi into darkness. This success in the Ashanti Region stands in contrast to physical infrastructure struggles in the Greater Accra Region, where broken high-tension poles in Sowutuom caused widespread outages. The damage affected Sowutuom Mambo, Glorious Jesus, and the Ablekuma area, prompting ECG to deploy emergency engineering teams to replace the poles and stabilize the local grid. Beyond the energy sector, Ghana's regulatory landscape is seeing increased enforcement in the digital domain. The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has imposed sanctions on the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) and Purpleline Solutions Limited for significant licensing breaches. According to the CSA, the ORC collaborated with Purpleline Solutions to provide cybersecurity services despite the firm lacking the mandatory licensing required under Ghanaian law. This enforcement underscores the government's stringent approach to national security and data protection, ensuring that only certified entities handle sensitive digital infrastructure. These developments reflect a broader push for institutional accountability and efficient service delivery across Ghana under the administration of President John Mahama. While utility providers like ECG demonstrate high levels of technical proficiency in emergency situations, the recurring nature of infrastructure failures like those in Accra West remains a point of concern for residents. Simultaneously, the CSA's actions against the ORC signal that state institutions are not exempt from regulatory oversight. Moving forward, the focus remains on strengthening both physical and digital infrastructure to support the nation’s growth and public well-being.

Ahmed Mustapha Sentenced to 15 Years as Courts Remand Suspects in Obuasi SHS Assault and Kasoa Herbalist Death
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Ahmed Mustapha Sentenced to 15 Years as Courts Remand Suspects in Obuasi SHS Assault and Kasoa Herbalist Death

In a series of significant judicial developments across the Ashanti and Central regions, Ghanaian courts have delivered a 15-year prison sentence to a teenage robber and remanded several individuals in connection with violent assaults and a suspected arson-murder. The most decisive ruling occurred in Asabi, Ashanti Region, where 19-year-old Ahmed Mustapha was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor by Judge Vida Achiaa Yeboah. Mustapha was convicted of robbery and causing harm after an attack on July 21, 2026, in which he stole a mobile phone and inflicted multiple injuries on a 25-year-old man using a cutlass. He has since been transferred to the Kumasi Central Prisons to begin his term. Meanwhile, the Obuasi Circuit Court has taken action following a violent incident at the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHS). Three men—Kwasi Brefo, Appiah Arthur Joseph, and Desmond Owusu—have been remanded into custody on charges of abetment related to an alleged assault on the school's headmaster, Abdul Zakari. The attack, which took place on August 5, 2026, reportedly followed student allegations against the headmaster and resulted in significant property destruction. As police continue their investigations into the unidentified individuals who physically carried out the assault, the court has adjourned the case until August 17, 2026. In a separate and deeply disturbing case in the Central Region, 28-year-old Monica Ampomah has been remanded for three weeks following an alleged cutlass attack on her 10-year-old daughter. The court heard that Ampomah used a cane, a metal rod, and eventually a cutlass to inflict severe injuries on the child’s head, hand, and fingers. The abuse was uncovered after the child sought help at her school. While the victim receives hospital treatment, the court has ordered a mental examination for Ampomah ahead of her next appearance, highlighting the increasing focus on the intersection of mental health and domestic violence in the Ghanaian legal system. Adding to the wave of violence, police in Kasoa are investigating the death of 67-year-old Dr. Felix Antwi Dankwa, a renowned herbalist honored by KNUST for his contributions to traditional medicine. Dr. Antwi Dankwa died in a suspicious house fire on August 10, 2026, which investigators believe may have been set to cover up a murder. Three suspects, including the herbalist's wife—who was reportedly involved in a marital dispute with him—and two domestic workers, have been arrested. These cases collectively underscore a period of intense activity for Ghana’s law enforcement and judiciary as they grapple with a diverse range of violent crimes across the country.

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DVLA Investigation Reveals 75% of Ride-Hailing Driver Licenses are Fake, Sparking National Safety Concerns

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has issued a stark warning to the Ghanaian public after uncovering that approximately 75% of driving licenses held by ride-hailing operators are counterfeit. This alarming discovery was made public by the DVLA Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, during a broadcast on Atinka TV on August 11, 2026. The findings underscore a critical failure in the regulatory oversight and verification protocols within the burgeoning digital transport sector, raising immediate questions about the security of passengers who rely on these services daily. The investigation focused on drivers registered with the country's most prominent ride-hailing platforms, including Bolt, Uber, and Yango. According to Mr. Kotey, the fraudulent documents were not confined to a single service provider but were prevalent across all major platforms. This suggests a widespread circumvention of standard licensing procedures, where individuals are operating commercial vehicles without the requisite training or legal authorization. The CEO emphasized that the sheer volume of fake licenses indicates a sophisticated network of forgeries that poses a direct threat to road safety and the rule of law. Beyond the immediate legal violations, the DVLA highlights the broader implications for the ride-hailing industry as it continues to expand in Ghana's major cities. The authority is now calling for a collaborative effort between government regulators and tech companies to sanitize the system. Mr. Kotey urged stakeholders to prioritize the safety of their clients by ensuring that every driver on their platform possesses a legitimate, DVLA-issued license. Failure to address these gaps could lead to stricter regulatory measures and potential sanctions for companies that fail to verify the credentials of their contractors adequately. As the ride-hailing market evolves, the DVLA intends to ramp up its enforcement and verification exercises. This incident serves as a wake-up call for commuters to remain vigilant and for ride-hailing platforms to overhaul their onboarding processes. Moving forward, the authority plans to work more closely with the police and other security agencies to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the production and use of fraudulent licenses, ensuring that the transport sector remains safe and reliable for all Ghanaians.

11.8 tonnes of cocoa hidden beneath load of plantain intercepted, four arrested
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Police Intercept 11.8 Tonnes of Smuggled Cocoa Hidden Under Plantain in Bunkpurugu

The North East Regional Police Command has successfully intercepted a massive consignment of cocoa beans weighing 11.8 tonnes at Bunkpurugu, preventing the illegal exportation of one of Ghana's most vital commodities. The 118 bags of cocoa were allegedly being smuggled across the border into neighboring Togo when security forces intervened on August 9, 2026. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by the Ghanaian authorities to protect the national economy and ensure that local agricultural produce is traded through official channels. The interception was the result of a targeted intelligence-led operation following a tip-off received by the police. Upon searching a truck suspected of carrying unauthorized goods, officers discovered the cocoa bags meticulously concealed beneath a heavy load of plantain. This deceptive method of concealment was designed to bypass security checkpoints and evade detection by border patrols. Four individuals were apprehended at the scene: the driver, Dickson Asante; his mate, Gideon Tab; and two other suspects identified as Mohammed Mumin and Ernestina Akugre. The four suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue into the wider smuggling network that may be operating within the region. Authorities have emphasized that the individuals will face legal action and the full rigors of the law to serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar illicit activities. This seizure underscores the persistent challenges faced by security agencies and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in curbing the diversion of cocoa to neighboring markets where price disparities often incentivize illegal trade.

Nigerian Security Forces Suffer Losses in Kebbi Bandit Clash as Lagos Authorities Rescue Mothers and Infants from Dumpsite
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Nigerian Security Forces Suffer Losses in Kebbi Bandit Clash as Lagos Authorities Rescue Mothers and Infants from Dumpsite

In a significant escalation of violence in northwestern Nigeria, ten police officers were killed and two others wounded during a fierce confrontation with suspected bandits in Kebbi State. Reports released by local authorities on Tuesday indicate that the clash was a major encounter in the ongoing struggle against armed gangs in the region, with at least 17 suspected bandits also reported killed during the exchange. This incident highlights the persistent and dangerous security challenges faced by Nigerian law enforcement personnel as they attempt to maintain order in volatile northern territories. Simultaneously, in southern Nigeria, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) conducted a critical humanitarian intervention at an illegal dumpsite in Agboju. During a broader inter-agency cleanup operation along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, officials rescued four nursing mothers and their four infants who were found living within the hazardous environment. The operation, which was publicized via the agency's official communications on Monday, was part of a strategic effort to dismantle illegal shanties and eliminate environmental infractions that pose significant health and safety risks to the public. These developments underscore the complex dual challenges of national security and social welfare currently facing Nigerian authorities. While the police continue to battle armed insurgency and banditry in the north, urban management agencies in Lagos are increasingly tasked with addressing the humanitarian fallout of illegal settlements and environmental degradation. The rescue of the mothers and infants points to the extreme vulnerability of displaced populations in urban centers, while the Kebbi State incident serves as a grim reminder of the high cost of maintaining internal security. Local authorities have indicated that both security operations and urban cleanup initiatives will continue as part of a broader commitment to public safety and regional stability.

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Ketu North Municipal Assembly Empowers 16 Persons with Disabilities Through Livelihood and Educational Support

The Ketu North Municipal Assembly has taken a significant step toward social inclusion by providing livelihood and educational support items to 16 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Rev. Martin Amenaki, the initiative is designed to foster economic independence and empower vulnerable groups within the municipality. This support, funded through the dedicated Persons with Disabilities component of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), reflects the local government's ongoing commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of physical ability, has the tools necessary to contribute to national development. The support package distributed to the beneficiaries was comprehensive, catering to a diverse range of vocational and educational needs. Among the items provided were metal containers equipped with tools for various trades, sewing and knitting machines, and corn mill machines for small-scale industrial use. To enhance mobility and educational access, the Assembly also handed over motorised tricycles and specialized laptops equipped with Braille paper for visually impaired individuals. This varied selection of items ensures that beneficiaries can either establish new businesses or expand existing ones, tailored to their specific skills and professional backgrounds. During the presentation ceremony, Rev. Martin Amenaki emphasized that the initiative goes beyond the mere distribution of items. He highlighted that the Assembly's goal is to ensure long-term sustainability, promising that there will be continuous monitoring and support for the beneficiaries to track their progress. By providing these resources, the local government aims to transition PWDs from a state of dependency to one of financial self-sufficiency. This move is seen as a crucial part of the broader national strategy to promote equity and protect the rights of the vulnerable in society. Beneficiaries of the program expressed profound gratitude to the Assembly and the MCE for the intervention. Many noted that the equipment would provide a much-needed lifeline, allowing them to earn a living and support their families without relying on charity. For the students and visually impaired beneficiaries, the provision of laptops and Braille materials represents a breakthrough in their educational journeys. As these 16 individuals begin to integrate their new tools into their daily lives, the Ketu North Municipal Assembly remains committed to fostering an environment where all residents can thrive.

Zimbabwe Declares National Disaster After Lake Kariba Ferry Capsize Claims 44 Lives
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Zimbabwe Declares National Disaster After Lake Kariba Ferry Capsize Claims 44 Lives

A tragic maritime accident on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe has claimed at least 44 lives after an overloaded passenger ferry capsized amidst rough weather conditions. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared the incident a national disaster, highlighting severe deficiencies in maritime safety standards. The vessel, operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, was traveling from Kariba to Chalala near Long Island when it was struck by powerful waves and overturned. While 77 individuals have been rescued so far, search and recovery operations remain ongoing as officials work to determine the final death toll. Investigations into the cause of the disaster point to significant overloading and negligence. Although the ferry was designed to carry a maximum of 90 passengers, reports indicate it was transporting between 114 and 119 adults, along with an unspecified number of children. Survivors and witnesses reported that passengers had pleaded with the captain to return to shore as weather conditions deteriorated, but these warnings were allegedly ignored. The vessel eventually succumbed to high waves, leading to the high number of fatalities as recovery teams continue to search the world’s largest artificial lake. In response to the tragedy, the Zimbabwean government has mobilized a massive search and rescue operation involving local divers, the national army, and helicopter support. Local residents and officials are calling for greater transparency regarding the manifest, as initial reports varied significantly regarding the number of people on board. The disaster has cast a shadow over Lake Kariba, which serves as a vital hub for electricity generation, tourism, and fishing, raising urgent questions about the enforcement of safety regulations on the country’s inland waterways.

São Paulo FC Distances Itself After 86.5kg of Marijuana Found on Contracted Team Bus in Bolivia
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São Paulo FC Distances Itself After 86.5kg of Marijuana Found on Contracted Team Bus in Bolivia

Bolivian anti-narcotics authorities have seized approximately 86.5kg of marijuana hidden aboard a bus contracted to transport the Brazilian football giant, São Paulo FC. The interception occurred near the city of Cochabamba as the team was traveling for their Copa Sudamericana fixture against Bolívar. While the vehicle prominently featured the club’s branding and colors, law enforcement officials confirmed that no players, coaching staff, or club representatives were on board at the time of the discovery, as the bus was intercepted before the team had boarded for their scheduled trip. During the security operation, police discovered the narcotics packed into four large sacks concealed within the vehicle. The bus, which was operated by the third-party transport company Buses Cosmos, was stopped by Bolivia’s specialized anti-narcotics unit. Investigators are currently looking into how such a significant quantity of illicit substances was smuggled onto a high-profile vehicle designated for international athletes. The club has emphasized that the bus was hired solely for logistical support and was not under their direct operational control. Following the discovery, at least two drivers and other individuals linked to the transport company have been detained by Bolivian authorities. Both São Paulo FC and Buses Cosmos have issued statements denying any involvement in drug trafficking and are cooperating with the ongoing police inquiry. The club acted swiftly to distance itself from the incident, clarifying that their personnel were entirely unaware of the contents of the vehicle provided by the contractor. To ensure their sporting commitments were not compromised, São Paulo FC arranged for alternative transportation to proceed with their match schedule in Bolivia. The incident highlights the security risks and logistical vulnerabilities faced by professional sports organizations when operating in foreign jurisdictions. As the investigation by the Bolivian anti-narcotics unit continues, authorities are working to determine the origin of the drugs and whether the branding of the bus was intentionally used as a cover for trafficking operations.

The suspects
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IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno Promotes Four Officers for Dismantling Violent Armed Robbery Syndicate in Upper West Region

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has announced the promotion of four police officers in recognition of their exceptional bravery and tactical precision in dismantling a dangerous armed robbery syndicate in the Upper West Region. The promoted personnel—General Corporal Mortsi Kwashie Divine, Detective Corporal Salifu Ishmael Aketisiwin, General Lance Corporal Ernest Ameyaw Akumfi, and General Lance Corporal John Bekaar Vitus—were instrumental in a series of intelligence-led operations that successfully targeted a gang terrorizing the Wa West District and Wa Municipality. This administrative move underscores the Police Service's commitment to rewarding personnel who demonstrate high levels of professionalism in the line of duty. The criminal syndicate’s operations were characterized by extreme violence and a specialized focus on digital financial theft. According to investigative reports, the gang members typically attacked their victims with machetes, inflicting physical injuries to coerce them into surrendering their Mobile Money (MoMo) PINs. This method allowed the robbers to siphon funds directly from victims' digital wallets. Preliminary investigations have linked the group to the theft of approximately GH"22,070 in physical cash and an additional GH"3,274 taken through MoMo accounts. During the arrests, police recovered seven mobile phones used in these illicit transactions. The operation resulted in the apprehension of six suspects, whose ages range from 20 to 52 years. However, one suspect, 52-year-old Nasiru Abdul Rahman, succumbed to injuries sustained during the high-stakes police operation. Among those currently in custody and assisting with further investigations are Amadu Moro and Adama Yussif. While the primary leaders of the syndicate have been neutralized, the Upper West Regional Police Command has intensified its search for two additional members of the gang who managed to evade capture and remain at large. This successful intervention is seen as a major boost to regional security and a testament to the effectiveness of the current police leadership's intelligence-led strategies. The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its dedication to protecting lives and property across the country, urging residents in the Upper West Region to remain vigilant. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities or information regarding the whereabouts of the fugitives to help ensure the total eradication of the syndicate and the continued safety of the Wa community.