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Tag: Accra

  • Fatal accident at Bukuom Junction leaves several dead

    Fatal accident at Bukuom Junction leaves several dead

    Ghana has recorded yet another tragedy after a vehicle ploughed into pedestrians at Bukom Junction in the Ga Mashie community, adding to the growing number of road fatalities.

    The recent incident which occurred on Monday, July 27, has left several people dead including a pregnant woman and a child.

    Weeks ago a road crash involving two cargo trucks at Asuboi on the Accra–Kumasi Highway in the Eastern Region has claimed two lives and left two others injured.

    The crash involved a Hyundai truck with registration number GX 7359-14 and a KIA Rhino with registration number GX 857-16.

    In a related incident, weeks ago, thirteen people were feared dead and several others injured last week after a collision involving three vehicles at Odumase, near Konongo, on the Kumasi-Accra Highway in the Ashanti Region. The vehicles involved were a tomato-laden cargo truck, a passenger bus, and a fuel tanker.

    According to eyewitnesses, the collision occurred after one of the vehicles attempted to overturn. Meanwhile, the injured have subsequently been transported to nearby health facilities for medical attention.

    A fatal road accident involving a Toyota Voxy on the Sefwi Wiawso – Asawinso Highway in the Western North Region has left one person dead and several others have sustained critical injuries on Thursday, July 9.

    According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred after the commercial Toyota Voxy attempted to swerve potholes on the highway. Ghana has reported a surge in the number of fatalities resulting from road crashes this year.

    In June, six people were confirmed dead and 34 others injured in multiple road traffic accidents across the Volta Region on Sunday, June 21.

    The first set of incidents occurred along the Todome stretch near Kpeve on the Peki–Kpeve Road and involved two simultaneous crashes: one involving a MAN Diesel TGS truck with registration number GT 9993-18 and a Toyota Camry with registration number GE 735-14.

    The second crash, which occurred, involved a Metro Mass Transit bus with registration number AS 4984-09 that was travelling from Accra to Dambai. A few weeks ago, a road crash on the Peki–Asikuma Highway in the Volta Region claimed 15 lives and left 25 others injured on Tuesday, June 2.

    The two commercial vehicles, which were carrying a total of 40 passengers, collided, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.“When they got there, they realised that the two vehicles had been involved in a head-on collision. Preliminary investigations at the scene suggest that there were 40 occupants in the two vehicles,” he told Citi News.

    Earlier in May, an accident on the Buipe-Tamale road claimed the lives of four individuals. The fatal crash involved a Sprinter Benz bus travelling from Buipe to Kumasi and a trailer truck at Sawaba No. 2.

    The deceased included two females and two males, two of whom died on the spot. According to the GNFS, the trailer truck fled the scene, leaving behind the victims and wreckage as emergency responders rushed in to manage the situation.

    Meanwhile, 19 passengers are receiving medical attention at the Buipe Government Hospital. Weeks ago, a head-on collision on the Accra-Kumasi Highway claimed the life of an individual on Saturday, March 7. The deceased male, reportedly the owner of a Toyota Voxy, crashed into a parked MAN Diesel truck at Teacher Mantey.

    Detailing the incident on Facebook on Sunday, March 8, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) stated that the Toyota Voxy had badly crashed into the stationary truck prior to the arrival of the rescue team. Weeks ago, eleven (11) persons sustained injuries following a head-on collision at Eduadjei on the Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway.

    The victims, eight males and two females, are receiving medical attention at the Elmina Polyclinic. Per the Central Regional Fire Service’s account, the two vehicles, an Opel Astra (WR 4860-13) travelling from Cape Coast towards Komenda, collided head-on with a Nissan minibus (CR 1414-23) heading from Takoradi to Cape Coast.

    Meanwhile, officials have yet to ascertain the cause of the accident. The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) recorded one thousand five hundred and four (1,504) deaths, compared to one thousand two hundred and thirty-seven (1,237) fatalities reported in the same period in 2024, representing a 21.58 per cent increase in the first half of 2025.

    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year.

    Per the data, a total of twelve thousand three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in these crashes. As a result of these incidents, eight thousand three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries.

    Additionally, one thousand three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country. According to recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes.

    Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes.

    To help combat the rising number of road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education.

    The NRSA has emphasised the need for stronger enforcement to curb the alarming trend. The Road Traffic Act 2004, an Act to consolidate and revise the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), provides for more comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use to ensure road safety and address related matters.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle dangerously on a road commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction:(a) where (i) a bodily injury does not occur, or (ii) a minor bodily injury occurs to a person other than the driver, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and not exceeding two hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding nine months, or to both;

    (b) where bodily injury of an aggravated nature occurs to a person other than the driver, to a minimum fine of two hundred penalty units and not exceeding five hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than twelve months and not exceeding two years, or to both;(c) where death occurs, to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years;

    (d) where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.

    The Court may, upon conviction of a person under subsection (1), (a) order the payment of appropriate compensation to an injured person or to the estate of that person, or (b) order the withdrawal of the driver’s license for a period of not less than three years and not more than five years.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both.

    A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, that person:

    (a) causes anything to be on or over a road;(b) interferes with a motor vehicle, trailer, or cycle; or(c) interferes, directly or indirectly, with traffic equipment, where it would be obvious to a reasonable person that doing so would be dangerous.

    A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months, or to both.

    Meanwhile, over one-third of emergency cases at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have been linked to road crashes, according to the facility’s statistics.

    Speaking to the media, Deputy Medical Director of KATH, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, noted that road crash victims brought to the emergency unit often do not survive because their injuries are very severe.“A little over 30 per cent of the cases that come to this facility, this Accident and Emergency Unit, are due to accidents, and most of the accidents- a few are domestic, but the majority of them are road traffic accidents.

    “Now in Ghana, we know that our statistics, a lot of our road accidents are from errors, driver errors, pedestrian errors. And then we know that we have some percentage that is attributable to maybe things like faulty vehicles or maybe road conditions, but a lot of the accidents are preventable,” he stated.

  • Water No Get Enemy: Why Kanta didn’t flood this year

    Water No Get Enemy: Why Kanta didn’t flood this year

    If you are West African, chances are you did not read those words. You sang them, recalling Fela Kuti’s classic. 

    Yet long before Fela popularised the phrase,  Water No Get Enemy was already a proverb. The older one grows, the more one realises it was never really about  water at all. It was about humility. 

    That proverb has come to mind repeatedly this rainy season as the same question keeps arising: “Why didn’t Kantamanto flood this year?” 

    Kantamanto, in the heart of Accra, is one of the world’s largest second-hand clothing markets, where up to 30,000 traders, retailers, upcyclers and other workers operate within a tightly woven commercial ecosystem. During heavy downpours, many of its narrow lanes have historically become submerged within minutes, damaging stock and bringing trade to a halt. 

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    This year, however, was different. Not because of luck, but because of months of painstaking work that much of the city never saw. 

    As a bioengineer, this author probably should have spent more time obsessing over DNA or proteins. Instead, she found herself repeatedly distracted by water. 

    A molecule made up of just two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom expands when it freezes, allowing ice to float instead of sink. It absorbs enormous amounts of heat, quietly regulating the Earth’s climate. It dissolves, transports and transforms almost everything it touches, yet has an extraordinary ability to make life possible. 

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    The more this author studied it, the more the proverb made sense. 

    Water does not negotiate. It does not care how much money has been spent paving roads or how much confidence there is in the engineering. It simply follows gravity, moving according to laws that long predate cities by millennia. 

    Every rainy season in Accra reminds residents of this fact. 

    Toni Morrison once wrote that “all water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was.” 

    That observation describes June in Accra better than many planning documents ever could. 

    Accra is often described as a city vulnerable to flooding. Perhaps a more accurate description is that Accra is a vast coastal wetland that has spent more than a century being asked to behave like a European city. 

    Long before roads criss-crossed the landscape, it was a network of lagoons, marshes and floodplains that absorbed rainfall and gently channelled it towards the Gulf of Guinea. 

    Colonial planners treated those wetlands as empty land waiting to be reclaimed, believing rivers could be confined and that concrete represented progress. 

    Independence changed who governed Accra, but not always the assumptions underpinning how it should grow. 

    Meanwhile, water continued consulting a much older map, returning every rainy season to the places paved over and reminding residents that landscapes have longer memories than cities. 

    So Kantamanto did not flood this year – for the first time in more than two decades. 

    Not because somehow the water was outsmarted, but because months were spent making it easier for water to do what it has always sought to do. Effective flood prevention cannot begin only when the clouds gather. 

    Over the past several years, this author has been privileged to be part of the team building The Or Foundation’s Community Ecological Care Network (CECN), alongside retailers, waste workers, scientists and community leaders across Accra. 

    Together, the team has come to see ecological care not as charity or volunteerism, but as an essential part of how a city functions. 

    Ahead of this year’s rainy season, that meant working with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and market leadership to clear the canal into which much of Kantamanto’s drainage eventually empties. 

    It meant excavating an informal dumpsite that had gradually narrowed the water’s path by removing more than 100 truckloads of waste before the rains arrived. 

    It also meant deploying more than 150 members of the Tide Turners and June 4 Task Force cooperatives into the underground Okai Kwei storm drain to remove decades of accumulated silt, plastics and textile waste from a drain reportedly not desilted since it was constructed in the 1980s. 

    The work also included recovering waste reaching the beach by removing an average of 30 tonnes every Tuesday, monitoring a seven-kilometre stretch of coastline each week to identify hotspots, maintaining plastic interceptors that prevent floating waste from moving downstream, diverting textiles before they become blockages, and keeping drainage channels open through consistent daily maintenance. 

    Alongside these activities, the Kanta Keepers cooperative cleans Kantamanto every evening, preventing textile waste from entering the drainage network or being disposed of through open burning. 

    Some of the collected material is processed at The Or Foundation’s Material Transformation and Technology Lab (MTTL), where it is recycled into new materials and products using innovative locally developed methods. 

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    At the same time, community ambassadors monitor flood-prone areas, document blocked drains and report emerging issues, while citizen scientists collect environmental data that help identify recurring patterns and guide interventions across the watershed. 

    Together, these consistent daily activities have built the kind of environmental memory that cannot be captured in a single satellite image or one-off assessment. 

    None of these interventions is particularly glamorous. Most happen on ordinary Wednesdays and rarely make the evening news. 

    Taken together, however, they reveal something too often overlooked: infrastructure is only as resilient as the social systems that care for it. 

    A drain that nobody maintains quickly ceases to function as infrastructure and instead becomes a hazard. A flood map is useful only if someone notices when the landscape changes. 

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    Engineering matters, but so does stewardship. 

    At The Or Foundation, the mission is to catalyse a justice-led circular textiles  economy by embracing community ecological care. 

    Perhaps community ecological care is best understood not as a substitute for public infrastructure, but as the living system that enables public infrastructure to function as intended. 

    This year’s rains offered a glimpse of what such a partnership can achieve. 

    Community ambassadors reported no flooding within Kantamanto Market, not because rainfall was less intense or climate change somehow paused, but because months of consistent maintenance, textile diversion, ecological restoration and collaboration improved the market’s ability to move  water through a landscape that has always known where it wants to go. 

    It has been encouraging to witness renewed public investment in flood prevention and urban sanitation across Accra. 

    As government continues this important work, there is also the need to broaden the understanding of who holds expertise. 

    Communities should not simply be invited to participate after strategic decisions have already been made. Years of ecological stewardship, environmental monitoring and lived experience have generated knowledge capable of shaping those decisions from the outset. 

    The future of climate adaptation will depend not only on better infrastructure, but also on stronger partnerships among engineers and retailers, scientists and waste workers, local government and local communities. 

    Fela may have understood something that many are only now beginning to rediscover. The goal was never to conquer water, but to build cities humble enough to live with it. 

    Source: Katia Osei

  • Accra’s flooding crisis and the war between planning and execution

    Accra’s flooding crisis and the war between planning and execution

    Every rainy season in Ghana arrives with a familiar script. Roads disappear beneath brown water, homes become temporary rivers, businesses count their losses, and officials promise that “measures are being put in place.”

    Then the waters recede, the headlines fade, and so does the urgency—until the next downpour reminds everyone that flooding is not merely a natural disaster. It is the predictable consequence of years of leadership failure, neglect, and unfulfilled promises.

    The issue of flooding is compounded by the sanitation challenges that emerge after floodwaters recede. This is another problem that does not require the gift of premonition to foresee but can be squarely attributed to poor policy engineering and indiscipline.

    The response is usually a call to action, but what action are we being called to, and will this action bring an end to the phenomenon of perennial flooding?

    The problem is known, and so is the solution. Therefore, when this call for action comes, should it be for Ghanaians to engage in clean-up exercises, or should Ghanaians themselves be demanding committed and sustained action towards solving this menace?

    The Auditor-General, in compliance with Article 187(2) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and Section 13(e) of the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584), prepared a performance audit report on the provision of flood control drains by the Hydrological Services Department of the Ministry of Works and Housing in 2021.

    This report can be found on the Ghana Audit Service website: www.ghaudit.org

    Now, here is why I say our problems are known, and so are the solutions.

    The Auditor-General’s report on flood control lays bare a troubling reality: Ghana’s flood crisis is not simply about heavy rainfall. It is about institutions that have consistently failed to deliver on plans they themselves considered essential.

    Between 2015 and 2019, the Hydrological Services Department (HSD) identified drainage infrastructure as critical to reducing flood risks. The Department planned to construct about 110 kilometres of storm drains and develop retention ponds across major drainage basins to temporarily hold excess stormwater before it overwhelmed communities.

    The results tell a different story.

    By the end of 2019, only 12.2 kilometres of drains had been constructed—just 11.1 percent of the target. Even more alarming, not a single one of the planned retention ponds had been built.

    Apparently, in Ghana, targets are treated less as commitments and more as ambitious suggestions.

    The report notes that the Ministry of Works and Housing and the HSD recognised the scale of the drainage challenge and set annual construction targets of between 20 and 30 kilometres because they believed this was the minimum required to make a tangible impact on flooding. Yet, year after year, implementation lagged far behind what was required.

    Funding constraints undoubtedly played a role. In 2017, for example, the HSD planned to construct 30 kilometres of drains but received a budget ceiling of just GH¢1.66 million—an amount capable of financing only about 1.3 kilometres of drainage works. How can you build metropolitan flood resilience with village-level budgets?

    Yet, the funding story alone does not fully explain the outcome.

    The Auditor-General reports that between 2015 and 2019, GH¢117.7 million was spent on drainage works. Despite this expenditure, flood incidents across the country did not decline. According to National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) statistics cited in the report, flood events steadily increased over the same period, resulting in more deaths and greater destruction of property.

    This raises an uncomfortable question.

    If over one hundred million cedis is spent while floods become more frequent, what exactly improved?

    Perhaps the floods simply failed to appreciate the government’s investment.

    Or perhaps concrete cannot solve a problem when planning, execution, maintenance, and accountability remain permanently under construction.

    Let me not even go into the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, because the difference between that and the proposed plan by the HSD is the amount of money that has been sunk into it, with little or nothing to show.

    Government must understand that infrastructure does not fail overnight. It fails gradually—through delayed projects, abandoned plans, inadequate funding, poor coordination, and a culture that rewards announcements more than delivery.

    Every flooded classroom, every submerged market, every stranded commuter, and every family forced to salvage belongings from muddy water represents the accumulated cost of decisions postponed and responsibilities neglected.

    The Auditor-General’s findings should not be viewed as historical records gathering dust on office shelves. They are evidence that Ghana’s flood crisis was foreseeable. Authorities knew the extent of the drainage deficit. They identified practical interventions. They established measurable targets. They simply failed to implement them at the scale required.

    The tragedy is not that Ghana experiences heavy rainfall. Many countries do.

    The tragedy is that flooding has become so routine and has unfortunately gained political currency in a heavily polarised society, where public announcements often receive more attention than prevention. Relief items are distributed with remarkable efficiency to gain political traction after disasters, while the infrastructure needed to prevent those disasters struggles to move beyond the drawing board.

    Leadership is measured not by the number of “soap opera” clean-up exercises held after floods, but by whether citizens remain dry when the rains arrive.

    Until planning is matched by execution, budgets by results, and promises by completed infrastructure, Ghanaians will continue to live with a painful annual certainty: the next flood is not a question of if, but when.

    And when it comes, no official statement will be able to dam the waters that years of neglect allowed to rise.

    Source: Nana Tuffour Boateng

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  • 13 feared dead, several injured after road crash on Kumasi-Accra Highway

    13 feared dead, several injured after road crash on Kumasi-Accra Highway

    13 people are feared dead while several others have sustained injuries, following a vehicle collision at Odumase, near Konongo, on the Kumasi-Accra Highway in the Ashanti Region. The fatal crash reportedly involved three vehicles, a cargo truck loaded with tomatoes, a passenger bus and a fuel tanker.

    According to eyewitnesses, the collision occurred after one of the vehicles attempted to overturn. Meanwhile, the injured have subsequently been transported to nearby health facilities for medical attention.

    A fatal road accident involving a Toyota Voxy on the Sefwi Wiawso – Asawinso Highway in the Western North Region has left one person dead and several others have sustained critical injuries on Thursday, July 9.

    According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred after the commercial Toyota Voxy attempted to swerve potholes on the highway. Ghana has reported a surge in the number of fatalities resulting from road crashes this year.

    In June, six people were confirmed dead and 34 others injured in multiple road traffic accidents across the Volta Region on Sunday, June 21.

    The first set of incidents occurred along the Todome stretch near Kpeve on the Peki–Kpeve Road and involved two simultaneous crashes; one of the crashes involved a MAN Diesel TGS truck with registration number GT 9993-18 and a Toyota Camry with registration number GE 735-14.

    The second which occurred involved a Metro Mass Transit bus with registration number AS 4984-09 was travelling from Accra to Dambai. A few weeks ago, a road crash on the Peki–Asikuma Highway in the Volta Region claimed 15 lives and left 25 others injured on Tuesday, June 2.

    The two commercial vehicles, which were carrying a total of 40 passengers, collided, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.“When they got there, they realised that the two vehicles had been involved in a head-on collision. Preliminary investigations at the scene suggest that there were 40 occupants in the two vehicles,” he told Citi News.

    Earlier in May, an accident on the Buipe-Tamale road claimed the lives of four individuals. The fatal crash involved a Sprinter Benz bus traveling from Buipe to Kumasi and a trailer truck at Sawaba No. 2.

    The deceased included two females and two males, two of whom died on the spot. According to the GNFS, the trailer truck fled the scene, leaving behind the victims and wreckage as emergency responders rushed in to manage the situation.

    Meanwhile, 19 passengers are receiving medical attention at the Buipe Government Hospital. Weeks ago, a head-on collision on the Accra-Kumasi Highway claimed the life of an individual on Saturday, March 7. The deceased male, reportedly the owner of a Toyota Voxy, crashed into a parked MAN Diesel truck at Teacher Mantey.

    Detailing the incident on Facebook on Sunday, March 8, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) stated that the Toyota Voxy had badly crashed into the stationary truck prior to the arrival of the rescue team.Weeks ago, eleven (11) persons sustained injuries following a head-on collision at Eduadjei on the Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway.

    The victims, eight males and two females, are receiving medical attention at the Elmina Polyclinic. Per the Central Regional Fire Service’s account, the two vehicles, an Opel Astra (WR 4860-13) traveling from Cape Coast towards Komenda, collided head-on with a Nissan mini bus (CR 1414-23) heading from Takoradi to Cape Coast.

    Meanwhile, officials have yet to ascertain the cause of the accident. The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) recorded one thousand five hundred and four (1,504) deaths, compared to one thousand two hundred and thirty-seven (1,237) fatalities reported in the same period in 2024, representing a 21.58 percent increase in the first half of 2025.

    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year.

    Per the data, a total of twelve thousand three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in these crashes.As a result of these incidents, eight thousand three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries.

    Additionally, one thousand three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country.According to recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes.

    Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes.

    To help combat the rising number of road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education.

    The NRSA has emphasized the need for stronger enforcement to curb the alarming trend. The Road Traffic Act 2004, an Act to consolidate and revise the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), provides for more comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use to ensure road safety and address related matters.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle dangerously on a road commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction:(a) where (i) a bodily injury does not occur, or (ii) a minor bodily injury occurs to a person other than the driver, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and not exceeding two hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding nine months, or to both;

    (b) where bodily injury of an aggravated nature occurs to a person other than the driver, to a minimum fine of two hundred penalty units and not exceeding five hundred penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than twelve months and not exceeding two years, or to both;(c) where death occurs, to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years;

    (d) where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.

    The Court may, upon conviction of a person under subsection (1), (a) order the payment of appropriate compensation to an injured person or to the estate of that person, or (b) order the withdrawal of the driver’s license for a period of not less than three years and not more than five years.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both.

    A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, that person:

    (a) causes anything to be on or over a road;(b) interferes with a motor vehicle, trailer, or cycle; or(c) interferes, directly or indirectly, with traffic equipment, where it would be obvious to a reasonable person that doing so would be dangerous.

    A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months, or to both.

    Meanwhile, over one-third of emergency cases at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have been linked to road crashes, according to the facility’s statistics.

    Speaking to the media, Deputy Medical Director of KATH, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, noted that road crash victims brought to the emergency unit often do not survive because their injuries are very severe.“A little over 30 per cent of the cases that come to this facility, this Accident and Emergency Unit, are due to accidents, and most of the accidents, a few are domestic, but the majority of them are road traffic accidents.

    “Now in Ghana, we know that our statistics, a lot of our road accidents are from errors, driver errors, pedestrian errors. And then we know that we have some percentage that is attributable to maybe things like faulty vehicles or maybe road conditions, but a lot of the accidents are preventable,” he stated.

  • GMet forecasts widespread rain in Accra today

    GMet forecasts widespread rain in Accra today

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has forecast varying intensities of rain, accompanied by occasional thunderstorms, over parts of the coastal and middle sectors, including Greater Accra, today, Monday, July 6.

    In it recent update, GMet noted that Mist or fog patches are also likely to form over parts of the coast, forest, and hilly areas during the early hours. Also, partly cloudy conditions are expected in the Northern part of the country but mostly sunny with periodic cloud cover as the the day progresses into the afternoon.

    “This morning, southern Ghana will generally be mostly cloudy, with rain of varying intensity accompanied by occasional thunder expected over parts of the coastal and middle sectors.
    Mist or fog patches are also likely to form over parts of the coast, forest, and hilly areas during the early hours.

    “Meanwhile, northern Ghana will experience partly cloudy conditions. As the day progresses into the afternoon, northern Ghana will become mostly sunny with periodic cloud cover, while the southern half remains predominantly mostly cloudy. However, thunderstorms or rain are expected over parts of southern Ghana later in the afternoon,” the post added.

    A week ago, Ghana witnessed a series of flooding incidents in some parts of the Greater Accra Region following heavy rains.

    The rains, which started late on Sunday, June 28, left commuters stranded, brought traffic to a standstill, resulted in the deaths of several individuals and destruction of properties.

    While some victims managed to salvage a few belongings, many suffered devastating losses as floodwaters submerged their homes and properties.

    At the Odawna Garage in Accra, about 1,500 apprentices now risk losing their training opportunities and livelihoods after more than 1,000 vehicles were submerged, disrupting operations and threatening the survival of numerous businesses.

    The Odawna Garage is the largest automobile repair centre in the country, serves as a major training ground for young mechanics.Speaking to the media on Thursday, July 2, Chairman of the Odawna Garage, Sampson Prempeh, said they did everything possible to save most of the vehicles, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.

    He added, “On that day, we called the ECG office to turn off the light in the area because of the flood, and also to help us be able to at least get access. When we finally got access, we could count to say that at the time, about 1,000 vehicles had been submerged in the flood. We have about 1,500 apprentices who are in training. Many of them reside at the premises, so they were able to move a few of the cars to safe havens”.

    Other areas affected by the floodwaters include parts of the N1 Highway, Apenkwa towards Tesano, the Accra–Kasoa stretch, Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Atomic in Madina, Kaneshie, Darkuman Junction, portions of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and other surrounding communities.

    The current death toll from the flooding incidents, as confirmed by the Ghana National Fire Service Public Relations Department, stands at 12.

    Meanwhile, the Finance Minister has realised a sum of GH¢300 million from the Contingency Fund to individuals affected by the incident following President John Dramani Mahama’s directive.

    The directive forms part of the government’s response to the flooding of parts of Accra and other communities in the southern sector of the country after hours of unusually heavy rainfall.

    In Ghana, the Contingency Fund is a constitutional fund set aside to meet urgent and unforeseen government expenses that cannot wait for the normal budget approval process.

    It is established under Article 177 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

    In a statement issued on behalf of the President by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, it was indicated that the GH¢300 million will be divided into two, with portions designated to provide relief and implement measures to mitigate flooding.

    “President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance to release GHS 300 million from the Contingency Fund to finance urgent flood relief and mitigation efforts.

    GHS 150 million out of the amount will finance urgent relief efforts for flood-affected persons and communities in the southern sector of the country. Another GHS 150 million will be spent on flood mitigation measures aimed at reducing incidents of flooding,” parts of the statement read.

    Also, due to the scale of destruction and the effects of the floods, President Mahama has ordered that additional support be provided by the Ghana Armed Forces and other security services for the rescue operations ongoing across the city.

    “The President has also directed the deployment of personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces and Police to work with NADMO and other security services in the rescue and relief operations currently underway across the city,” adding that, “the President earlier today undertook an aerial tour of the flooded areas to assess the full extent of the situation and announced a raft of steps being taken to safeguard residents and prevent further flooding.”

  • Death toll from June 29 floods hits 34 – NADMO

    Death toll from June 29 floods hits 34 – NADMO

    Death toll from the devastating floods that occurred on Monday, June 29, in some parts of the country has reached thirty-four (34), the National Disaster Management Organisation has confirmed.

    Addressing the press on Thursday, July 2, the Director of Inspectorate at NADMO, Richard Amo Yartey, explained that the Greater Accra Region recorded 12 deaths out of the figure. He added that Central, Ashanti, Eastern and Volta Regions recorded the rest of the numbers.

    The Director of Inspectorate at NADMO noted that Ghana could record more deaths as rescue efforts continue.

    “The death toll in Accra is 12, across the country is 34 but it could go up. If we did the matching and realise that some of the people missing have been found dead, then the death toll will increase and those listed as missing will reduce,” he stated.

    The Finance Ministry has disbursed GHC 350 million from the Contingency Fund to the respective National Disaster Management Committee accounts to finance urgent flood relief and mitigation efforts, as earlier directed by President John Dramani Mahama in response to the recent floods.

    In Ghana, the Contingency Fund is a constitutional fund set aside to meet urgent and unforeseen government expenses that cannot wait for the normal budget approval process.

    It is established under Article 177 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

    The President issued the directive after conducting an aerial assessment of the extent of damage caused by the floods and announced the intervention in line with Article 177 of the 1992 Constitution.

    The Finance Minister first secured parliamentary approval through the Finance Committee for the withdrawal from the Contingency Fund.

    Following Parliament’s approval, the Minister for Finance authorised the Controller and Accountant-General to release and transfer GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to the National Disaster Management Committee in Accra on Tuesday, June 30, to implement the National Emergency Response Programme and support flood relief efforts.

    Acting on the Minister’s instructions, the Controller and Accountant-General established a dedicated account for the National Disaster Management Committee at the Bank of Ghana and subsequently transferred the approved GH¢350 million into it, completing the full disbursement.

    The allocation comprises GH¢200 million for immediate relief assistance to flood victims and affected communities, while the remaining GH¢150 million has been earmarked for flood prevention and mitigation interventions to help minimise the occurrence and impact of future flooding.

    The flood emergency, providing timely assistance to transfer, gives effect to President Mahama’s directive for an immediate government response to the affected communities while supporting long-term measures to reduce the impact of future flooding.

    Death toll after Monday June 29 downpour

    So far, Ghana has recorded 12 deaths following Monday’s, June 29, devastating floods that swept across large parts of the Greater Accra Region. Earlier, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported nine (9) deaths.

    Addressing the media, a member of the Public Relations Department of the Ghana National Fire Service, Alex King Nartey, said the Service has been leading rescue efforts in some of the worst-hit communities.

    “So at this time now, the confirmable or confirmed figures that I have, the only case is in the case of about nine people,” he stated.

    Parts of Accra were submerged following heavy rains that started late on Sunday, June 28, and continued into the morning of Monday, June 29, 2026. This caused commuters to be stranded and disrupted traffic flow.

    Affected areas include parts of the N1 Highway, Apenkwa towards Tesano, the Accra–Kasoa stretch, Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Atomic in Madina, Kaneshie, Darkuman Junction, portions of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and other surrounding communities, according to residents and road users.

    Weeks ago, several commuters were left stranded following a heavy downpour in Accra on June 3. The incident disrupted traffic flow as a result of flooding from the rain.

    Commuters using routes from Ashaiman to neighbouring communities including Sakumono, Kaneshe, and Adjei Kojo were left stranded for hours as floodwaters submerged key sections of the road.

    Also, the heavy downpour on Monday, June 29, led to the collapse of a three-storey, seven-bedroom house at Tabora No. 9.

    The unfortunate incident occurred around 9 p.m. in Accra, when the 90 percent-complete structure gave way and collapsed to the ground.

    Speaking to Adom News, the landlady, Serwaa Prempeh, said she heard something fall, followed by a sound similar to that of an avocado dropping to the ground.

    She then asked her children to check what had fallen, only to learn that a block had fallen from the top of the building. They quickly ran to safety and escaped unharmed before the structure caved in.

    “When I asked my children to pick it up, they discovered it was actually a block that had fallen from one of the building’s pillars,” she narrated.

    Although no casualties were recorded, some property remains buried under the rubble.

  • Abu Trica to be extradited to the U.S. after court ruling

    Abu Trica to be extradited to the U.S. after court ruling

    The ongoing trial of Fredrick Kumi, popularly known as “Abu Trica,” over his alleged involvement in an $8 million romance scam case has taken a new twist.

    According to a post on Thursday, July 2, by his counsel, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the High Court in Accra has ordered Abu Trica’s extradition to the United States (U.S.).

    He wrote, “I am out of Ghana for work. I just heard that the case of Abu Trica has been fast tracked and a judge has just ordered his extradition. Hmmm. FBI 1 – Abu 1. I guess this issue goes to the Supreme Court”.

    Abu Trica was initially picked up by Ghanaian security agencies on December 11, 2025, after he was indicted by US prosecutors over claims that he played a role in an extensive online romance scam estimated at more than $8 million.

    Court filings unsealed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio accuse him of being part of a criminal syndicate that allegedly targeted elderly individuals across the United States beginning in 2023.

    According to prosecutors, members of the group reportedly relied on artificial intelligence tools to generate fictitious identities and form romantic relationships with older victims on social media and dating platforms.

    Investigators contend that the victims were eventually persuaded to part with money and valuable items under false claims, including urgent medical needs, travel-related costs, and supposed investment deals.

    The charges further suggest that Abu Trica facilitated the sharing and movement of funds that were transferred from Ohio to alleged accomplices in Ghana and other jurisdictions.

    The government has warned that more arrests will follow as it intensifies efforts to crack down on cybercrime.

    This was announced by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, during a media engagement.

    He made these remarks while addressing the arrest and detention of a popular Snapchat personality, Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica, revealing the imminence of three more arrests.

    “There are three more we’re picking up in the next few days,” Sam George noted.

    According to the Ningo Prampram MP, his arrest formed part of a broader enforcement effort by state agencies to deal with individuals whose display of sudden wealth raises serious concerns.

    Speaking in an interview, Mr George said the arrest of Abu Trica formed part of a broader enforcement effort by state agencies to deal with individuals whose display of sudden wealth raises serious concerns. He revealed that the Cyber Security Authority had recently picked up a suspect believed to be living a visibly successful lifestyle without a clear source of income.

    “Just yesterday, one of my agencies, the Cyber Security Authority, picked up an individual who is supposed to be successful. There’s no peace with that kind of success,” the minister said.

    Abu Trica’s arrest

    On December 12, it was reported that 31-year-old Ghanaian from Swedru, Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, had been arrested after he allegedly tricked elderly victims in the United States (U.S) into sending him money by pretending to be in a romantic relationship with them. He was arrested in Ghana on Thursday, December 12.

    Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification. He risks being jailed for 20 years.

    According to the indictment, Kumi had been working with a criminal group since 2023, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to create fake profiles and lure victims into online romantic relationships.

    The indictment further added that Abu Trica and his team contacted the elderly individuals through social media and dating platforms, where they requested money or valuables to sort out urgent medical bills, travel expenses, or investment opportunities. The criminal group’s co-conspirators in Ghana then received funds and valuables defrauded from the elderly victims.

    The Attorney General’s Office, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and the National Intelligence Bureau, among others, aided the U.S. in tracing Abu Trica. Meanwhile, these agencies are working to arrest co-conspirators and recover the defrauded funds.

    In October, four Ghanaian nationals—Isaac Oduro Boateng aka “Kofi Boat,” Inusah Ahmed aka “Pascal,” Derrick Van Yeboah aka “Van,” and Patrick Kwame Asare aka “Borgar”—were charged for their roles in an international criminal organization that stole more than $100 million from victims via romance scams and business email compromises.

    United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Christopher G. Raia, announced the unsealing of an indictment charging them.

    Boateng, 36; Ahmed, 40; Van Yeboah, 40; and Asare, 39, are charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

    The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Boateng, Ahmed, and Van Yeboah were extradited and arrived in the U.S. on August 7 and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. Asare, on the other hand, remains at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.

    “As alleged, Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, Derrick Van Yeboah, and Patrick Kwame Asare led and participated in an international fraud ring that engaged in a massive conspiracy to defraud vulnerable people and steal from businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.

    “Offshore scammers should know that we, the FBI, and our law enforcement partners will work around the world to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice.”

    “The defendants have been brought to the United States to be held accountable for their alleged roles in scamming companies and vulnerable Americans out of over $100 million,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.

    “Deceiving businesses using email compromise campaigns and tricking innocent elderly victims through fraudulent companionship in order to exploit their trust and finances is not merely appalling but illegal. The FBI will continue to ensure anyone who preys on companies and vulnerable Americans online is made to face the criminal justice system.”

    The indictment revealed that Boateng, Ahmed, Van Yeboah, and Asare were high-ranking members of a criminal organization based in Ghana that committed romance scams and business email compromises against individuals and businesses located across the U.S.

    Many of the conspiracy’s victims were vulnerable older men and women who were tricked into believing that they were in online romantic relationships with people who were, in fact, fake identities assumed by members of the conspiracy.

    Once members of the conspiracy had gained the trust of their victims, they deceived those victims into sending their money to the enterprise or into helping them launder funds from other victims.

    The conspirators also committed business email compromises to trick and deceive businesses into wiring funds to the enterprise. In total, the conspiracy stole and laundered more than $100 million from dozens of victims.

    After stealing the money, the fraud proceeds were then laundered to West Africa, where they were largely funnelled to individuals called “chairmen,” who directed the activities of other members of the conspiracy. Boateng and Ahmed were considered chairmen of the organization.

  • Death toll from Accra floods rises to 9 – GNFS

    Death toll from Accra floods rises to 9 – GNFS

    Ghana has recorded 9 deaths following Monday’s, June 29, devastating floods that swept across large parts of the Greater Accra Region.

    This information was made known by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Tuesday, June 30. Addressing the media, a member of the Public Relations Department of the Ghana National Fire Service, Alex King Nartey, said the Service has been leading rescue efforts in some of the worst-hit communities.

    “So at this time now, the confirmable or confirmed figures that I have, the only case is in the case of about nine people,” he stated.

    Parts of Accra have submerged following heavy rains that started late on Sunday, June 28, and continued into the morning of Monday, June 29, 2026. This has caused commuters stranded and traffic flow at a standstill.

    Affected areas include parts of the N1 Highway, Apenkwa towards Tesano, the Accra–Kasoa stretch, Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Atomic in Madina, Kaneshie, Darkuman Junction, portions of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and other surrounding communities, according to residents and road users.

    Weeks ago, several commuters were left stranded following a heavy downpour in Accra on June 3. The incident disrupted traffic flow as a result of flooding from the rain.

    Commuters using routes from Ashaiman to neighbouring communities including Sakumono, Kaneshe, and Adjei Kojo were left stranded for hours as floodwaters submerged key sections of the road.

    Last year, some parts of the country’s capital, Accra, were flooded following a four-hour heavy rainfall on Sunday, May 18.

    The downpour disrupted traffic and daily activities. Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Tema, and Adentan-Dodowa are a few of the areas that have been affected.

    Over the years, the country has been battling severe flooding whenever there are heavy rains, particularly in Accra.

    According to NADMO, the canker results from poor hygiene practices and poor drainage infrastructure.

    “Most of the problems we have observed are that there is a lack of drainage in some communities, some of the areas are filled with filth…In some of the areas, we also have engineering defects,” he explained.

    Gov’t’s move to end perennial flooding

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges by ordering the demolition of illegally constructed buildings blocking waterways.

    Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, he blamed the increasing flood disasters on poor urban planning and unauthorized developments in wetlands, waterways, and Ramsar sites.

    The President made it clear that his administration would take drastic action against encroachers, stressing that all structures obstructing natural drainage systems would be removed to prevent further destruction.

    Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has also revealed that approximately six billion dollars would be required to implement a comprehensive national flood control programme.

    He cited both natural and human-induced factors as contributing causes to flooding.

    In his address, the minister described flooding as one of Ghana’s most persistent and destructive hazards, often resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of families, damaged infrastructure, and broader economic disruption.

    He pointed to several regions that have been hit by recent floods, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Northern, and Volta. “The floods were triggered by intense rainfall, in some cases exceeding historical averages,” he said.

    As part of the government’s immediate response, the minister said the Ministry is focused on improving drainage systems and strengthening community preparedness.

    He also announced that the ministry is working with private sector partners to implement green and nature-based solutions, including wetland protection, afforestation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of permeable pavements. Pilot projects are being initiated in selected river catchments to serve as models for future interventions.

    He highlighted the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, which is supported by the World Bank. The project aims to reduce flood risk and improve solid waste management in the Odaw Basin and surrounding communities.

    He, however, called for the support of Parliament, stakeholders, and the general public in building sustainable and inclusive infrastructure while protecting the environment.

    Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North and former Director General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Hon. Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh, urged government to release funds to enable the dredging of flood-prone areas.

    He also called for action on the ongoing tidal wave challenges affecting parts of the Volta Region.

    Member of Parliament for Builsa North, Hon. James Agalga, added that the Ministry of Finance should expedite the release of funds to NADMO to support its response efforts.

    Several downpour incidents in the country so far this year have led to the destruction of lives and property—as encountered in previous years.

    Flooding that was caused by a downpour on Sunday, May 18, claimed the lives of five individuals.

    Many citizens believe that the successive governments have paid lip service to addressing the canker.

    But the incumbent has insisted that it will work to address the challenges associated with flooding.


  • Heavy rains to continue till afternoon – GMet

    Heavy rains to continue till afternoon – GMet

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has urged the public to stay safe as heavy rains are expected to continue until this afternoon, Monday, June 29.

    This was disclosed in a forecast shared on its official social media pages on June 29, 2026. Part of the post read “The rain, with or without thunder, of varying intensity currently affecting parts of the coast and a few inland areas is expected to persist throughout the forecast period amidst patches of mist or fog over the forest and mountainous regions.”

    It added, “The rain-bearing clouds currently affecting the southeastern parts of the country are expected to persist, producing rain with occasional thunder of varying intensities.

    “As the day progresses, these clouds are also expected to spread westward, bringing thunderstorms or rain to the southwestern parts of the country from this afternoon into the evening. Northern Ghana will experience intervals of sunshine. However, thunderstorms or rain are expected over parts of the northern sector from late afternoon into the evening”.

    Meanwhile, parts of Accra have submerged following heavy rains that started late on Sunday, June 28, and continued into the morning of Monday, June 29, 2026. This has caused commuters stranded and traffic flow at a standstill.

    Affected areas include parts of the N1 Highway, Apenkwa towards Tesano, the Accra–Kasoa stretch, Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Atomic in Madina, Kaneshie, Darkuman Junction, portions of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and other surrounding communities, according to residents and road users.

    Weeks ago, several commuters were left stranded following a heavy downpour in Accra on June 3. The incident disrupted traffic flow as a result of flooding from the rain.

    Commuters using routes from Ashaiman to neighbouring communities including Sakumono, Kaneshe, and Adjei Kojo were left stranded for hours as floodwaters submerged key sections of the road.

    Last year, some parts of the country’s capital, Accra, were flooded following a four-hour heavy rainfall on Sunday, May 18.

    The downpour disrupted traffic and daily activities. Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Tema, and Adentan-Dodowa are a few of the areas that have been affected.

    Over the years, the country has been battling severe flooding whenever there are heavy rains, particularly in Accra.

    According to NADMO, the canker results from poor hygiene practices and poor drainage infrastructure.

    “Most of the problems we have observed are that there is a lack of drainage in some communities, some of the areas are filled with filth…In some of the areas, we also have engineering defects,” he explained.

    Gov’t’s move to end perennial flooding

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges by ordering the demolition of illegally constructed buildings blocking waterways.

    Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, he blamed the increasing flood disasters on poor urban planning and unauthorized developments in wetlands, waterways, and Ramsar sites.

    The President made it clear that his administration would take drastic action against encroachers, stressing that all structures obstructing natural drainage systems would be removed to prevent further destruction.

    Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has also revealed that approximately six billion dollars would be required to implement a comprehensive national flood control programme.

    He cited both natural and human-induced factors as contributing causes to flooding.

    In his address, the minister described flooding as one of Ghana’s most persistent and destructive hazards, often resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of families, damaged infrastructure, and broader economic disruption.

    He pointed to several regions that have been hit by recent floods, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Northern, and Volta. “The floods were triggered by intense rainfall, in some cases exceeding historical averages,” he said.

    As part of the government’s immediate response, the minister said the Ministry is focused on improving drainage systems and strengthening community preparedness.

    He also announced that the ministry is working with private sector partners to implement green and nature-based solutions, including wetland protection, afforestation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of permeable pavements. Pilot projects are being initiated in selected river catchments to serve as models for future interventions.

    He highlighted the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, which is supported by the World Bank. The project aims to reduce flood risk and improve solid waste management in the Odaw Basin and surrounding communities.

    He, however, called for the support of Parliament, stakeholders, and the general public in building sustainable and inclusive infrastructure while protecting the environment.

    Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North and former Director General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Hon. Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh, urged government to release funds to enable the dredging of flood-prone areas.

    He also called for action on the ongoing tidal wave challenges affecting parts of the Volta Region.

    Member of Parliament for Builsa North, Hon. James Agalga, added that the Ministry of Finance should expedite the release of funds to NADMO to support its response efforts.

    Several downpour incidents in the country so far this year have led to the destruction of lives and property—as encountered in previous years.

    Flooding that was caused by a downpour on Sunday, May 18, claimed the lives of five individuals.

    Many citizens believe that the successive governments have paid lip service to addressing the canker.

    But the incumbent has insisted that it will work to address the challenges associated with flooding.



  • Heavy rains submerge roads in parts of Accra

    Heavy rains submerge roads in parts of Accra

    Parts of Accra have submerged following heavy rains that started late on Sunday, June 28, and continued into the morning of Monday, June 29, 2026. This has caused commuters stranded and traffic flow at a standstill.

    Affected areas include parts of the N1 Highway, Apenkwa towards Tesano, the Accra–Kasoa stretch, Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Atomic in Madina, Kaneshie, Darkuman Junction, portions of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and other surrounding communities, according to residents and road users.

    Weeks ago, several commuters were left stranded following a heavy downpour in Accra on June 3. The incident disrupted traffic flow as a result of flooding from the rain.

    Commuters using routes from Ashaiman to neighbouring communities including Sakumono, Kaneshe, and Adjei Kojo were left stranded for hours as floodwaters submerged key sections of the road.

    Last year, some parts of the country’s capital, Accra, were flooded following a four-hour heavy rainfall on Sunday, May 18.

    The downpour disrupted traffic and daily activities. Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Tema, and Adentan-Dodowa are a few of the areas that have been affected.

    Over the years, the country has been battling severe flooding whenever there are heavy rains, particularly in Accra.

    According to NADMO, the canker results from poor hygiene practices and poor drainage infrastructure.

    “Most of the problems we have observed are that there is a lack of drainage in some communities, some of the areas are filled with filth…In some of the areas, we also have engineering defects,” he explained.

    Gov’t’s move to end perennial flooding

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges by ordering the demolition of illegally constructed buildings blocking waterways.

    Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, he blamed the increasing flood disasters on poor urban planning and unauthorized developments in wetlands, waterways, and Ramsar sites.

    The President made it clear that his administration would take drastic action against encroachers, stressing that all structures obstructing natural drainage systems would be removed to prevent further destruction.

    Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has also revealed that approximately six billion dollars would be required to implement a comprehensive national flood control programme.

    He cited both natural and human-induced factors as contributing causes to flooding.

    In his address, the minister described flooding as one of Ghana’s most persistent and destructive hazards, often resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of families, damaged infrastructure, and broader economic disruption.

    He pointed to several regions that have been hit by recent floods, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Northern, and Volta. “The floods were triggered by intense rainfall, in some cases exceeding historical averages,” he said.

    As part of the government’s immediate response, the minister said the Ministry is focused on improving drainage systems and strengthening community preparedness.

    He also announced that the ministry is working with private sector partners to implement green and nature-based solutions, including wetland protection, afforestation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of permeable pavements. Pilot projects are being initiated in selected river catchments to serve as models for future interventions.

    He highlighted the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, which is supported by the World Bank. The project aims to reduce flood risk and improve solid waste management in the Odaw Basin and surrounding communities.

    He, however, called for the support of Parliament, stakeholders, and the general public in building sustainable and inclusive infrastructure while protecting the environment.

    Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North and former Director General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Hon. Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh, urged government to release funds to enable the dredging of flood-prone areas.

    He also called for action on the ongoing tidal wave challenges affecting parts of the Volta Region.

    Member of Parliament for Builsa North, Hon. James Agalga, added that the Ministry of Finance should expedite the release of funds to NADMO to support its response efforts.

    Several downpour incidents in the country so far this year have led to the destruction of lives and property—as encountered in previous years.

    Flooding that was caused by a downpour on Sunday, May 18, claimed the lives of five individuals.

    Many citizens believe that the successive governments have paid lip service to addressing the canker.

    But the incumbent has insisted that it will work to address the challenges associated with flooding.

  • Floodwaters reportedly sweep away two in Ga South

    Floodwaters reportedly sweep away two in Ga South

    Floodwaters have reportedly swept away two persons, believed to be an adult and a child, at Nurses Quarters Junction in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region on Tuesday, June 9.

    According to reports, the adult lost his life while attempting to rescue the child, who was drowning. Over the years, the country has been battling severe flooding whenever there are heavy rains, particularly in Accra.

    According to NADMO, the canker results from poor hygiene practices and poor drainage infrastructure.

    “Most of the problems we have observed are that there is a lack of drainage in some communities, some of the areas are filled with filth…In some of the areas, we also have engineering defects,” he explained.

    Gov’t’s move to end perennial flooding

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges by ordering the demolition of illegally constructed buildings blocking waterways.

    Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, he blamed the increasing flood disasters on poor urban planning and unauthorized developments in wetlands, waterways, and Ramsar sites.

    The President made it clear that his administration would take drastic action against encroachers, stressing that all structures obstructing natural drainage systems would be removed to prevent further destruction.

    Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has also revealed that approximately six billion dollars would be required to implement a comprehensive national flood control programme.

    He cited both natural and human-induced factors as contributing causes to flooding.

    In his address, the minister described flooding as one of Ghana’s most persistent and destructive hazards, often resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of families, damaged infrastructure, and broader economic disruption.

    He pointed to several regions that have been hit by recent floods, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Northern, and Volta. “The floods were triggered by intense rainfall, in some cases exceeding historical averages,” he said.

    As part of the government’s immediate response, the minister said the Ministry is focused on improving drainage systems and strengthening community preparedness.

    He also announced that the ministry is working with private sector partners to implement green and nature-based solutions, including wetland protection, afforestation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of permeable pavements. Pilot projects are being initiated in selected river catchments to serve as models for future interventions.

    He highlighted the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, which is supported by the World Bank. The project aims to reduce flood risk and improve solid waste management in the Odaw Basin and surrounding communities.

    He, however, called for the support of Parliament, stakeholders, and the general public in building sustainable and inclusive infrastructure while protecting the environment.

    Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North and former Director General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Hon. Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh, urged government to release funds to enable the dredging of flood-prone areas.

    He also called for action on the ongoing tidal wave challenges affecting parts of the Volta Region.

    Member of Parliament for Builsa North, Hon. James Agalga, added that the Ministry of Finance should expedite the release of funds to NADMO to support its response efforts.

    Several downpour incidents in the country so far this year have led to the destruction of lives and property as encountered in previous years.

    Flooding that was caused by a downpour on Sunday, May 18, claimed the lives of five individuals.

    Many citizens believe that the successive governments have paid lip service to addressing the canker. But the incumbent has insisted that it will work to address the challenges associated with flooding.

  • Second batch of Ghanaian evacuees from South Africa arrive in Accra today

    Second batch of Ghanaian evacuees from South Africa arrive in Accra today

    The second batch of Ghanaian evacuees from South Africa have arrived today, Sunday, June 7.

    Days ago, the government announced voluntary evacuation programme in response to the rising violent xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

    Prior to the exercise, the Commission announced the temporary suspension of the repatriation registration exercise to allow it to complete the screening of the growing number of people who have currently registered for the voluntary repatriation.

    In a notice to Ghanaians in South Africa, the Commission released a list of registered evacuees who are set to be airlifted on Sunday to report to the Commission by Saturday, June 6, for briefing, verification and other pre-departure procedures.

    “All individuals scheduled for evacuation on Sunday, 7 June 2026, are required to report to the High Commission on the evening of Saturday, 6 June 2026, for pre-departure arrangements, verification, and briefing”, parts of the notice read.It also admonished that all persons on the list who have changed their minds about returning home should inform the consular by tomorrow, Thursday, June 4, to aid arrangements for other interested persons.

    “Individuals whose names appear on the approved evacuation list but no longer intend to travel are kindly requested to notify the High Commission no later than 12:00 noon on Thursday, 4 June 2026. This will enable other eligible applicants to be accommodated on the flight”, the notice added.

    Luggage requirements and guidelines for parents and guardians

    Under the travel guidelines, each passenger will be permitted to check in two bags, with a maximum weight of 23 kilograms per bag. Any luggage exceeding the stipulated limit will not be accepted.

    Parents and guardians travelling with children have been advised to carry all required travel documents, including consent letters where necessary.

    “Each traveller is entitled to two pieces of checked luggage with a maximum weight of 23kg each. Any baggage exceeding the prescribed weight limit will not be accepted for travel.

    Parents or guardians travelling with children are required to bring all necessary travel documentation, including consent letters (where applicable), Road-to-Health Cards, and/or child weighing cards.

    “Travellers issued with Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) will receive their documents at the airport on the day of departure”, the notice added.

    Meanwhile, over the weekend, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that following the successful repatriation of the first 301 Ghanaians from South Africa, an additional 600 more have registered at Ghana’s High Commission in the host country to be brought back home.

    In a Facebook post on Saturday, May 31, the Minister said that “600 more Ghanaians have registered at our High Commission to be evacuated from South Africa.”

    Consequently, the government will not hesitate to respond to the desires of the distressed Ghanaians in South Africa amid the heightened xenophobic violent attacks on foreigners, including those from Ghana.

    “When the safety and dignity of Ghanaians are at stake, the Government of Ghana does not compromise or dither”, he said.

    Mr Ablakwa also expressed admiration for the resilience of affected Ghanaians, commending their calmness and determination in the face of the situation.

    “I am immensely proud of the resilient spirit of Ghanaians,” he added.

    Julius Malema slams Ghanaian government over citizens evacuation

    Leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has broken silence following the evacuation of the first batch of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa.

    In a viral video, the politician noted that the Ghanaian government could have responded to recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa without resorting to the evacuation of citizens.

    According to him, the best approach could have been to pursue stronger diplomatic engagement and protective measures in collaboration with the South African government.

    He added, “The Ghana response was not necessary because it now creates an impression that we are all like that when it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement”.

    “And one Ghanaian lady was saying, ‘you see the problem is, and I wouldn’t have taken this option, the problem is we’re being beaten in front of the police, and the police are not doing anything. That’s a problem. And when this opportunity came for me to leave, I left because if the police can’t defend me, it means the state is in agreement with the people who are beating me’.

    “So, we think it was too quick, we will still resolve this, and the president of Ghana should have given us some time to really deal with this matter and we’ll get to the bottom of it. We hope they will come back to their senses”.

  • Three arrested in suspected drug trafficking operation

    Three arrested in suspected drug trafficking operation

    Three suspects are in police custody for their alleged involvement in a narcotics operation in the Accra metropolis. The trio, Bright Ayivor, Ifeanyi Ijeoba, and Kwabena Botwe, were apprehended between April 10 and April 11, during a series of coordinated operations by the police.

    In a related development, the Oti Regional Police Command at Dambai, Oti Region intercepted a DAF long trailer with registration number GW 1943-09, carrying 4,000 parcels of suspected narcotics in February.

    The police, in a press release, disclosed that the interception was made possible following intelligence gathered by their officers.


    According to the statement, thousands of compressed dried leaf parcels, wrapped in yellow masking tape and hidden in secret compartments sealed with six metal plates, were discovered by the officers.


    “The concealed compartments beneath the trailer were opened in the presence of suspect Amidu Jubril, aged 40. A search in the secret compartments led to the discovery of Four Thousand (4000) parcels of compressed dried leaf substances wrapped in a yellow masking tape suspected to be narcotics, carefully concealed within the compartments,” the statement said.


    Meanwhile, driver, Amidu Jubril, is in police custody. Last month, a 50-year-old commercial driver, Atampugri Akanyani, was nabbed by the police after 714 slabs of suspected Indian hemp were found in his possession.


    The slabs, which were hidden in nine nylon sacks were discovered during a routine snap check by police officers at the Asanso checkpoint along the Bekwai–Aputogya road on Tuesday, January 26, 2026.


    Atampugri Akanyani disclosed that an unknown individual at the Kejetia Lorry Terminal in Kumasi handed over the suspected Indian hemp to him for delivery, at a fee of six hundred Ghana cedis, to another unidentified person in Obuasi.


    Meanwhile, Atampugri Akanyani has since been arraigned before the court. Last year, 600 sacks of Indian hemp fertiliser, weighing a total of 47,530kg and valued at about GH¢4.2 billion, were destroyed by the Volta Regional Police Command.


    The destruction exercise, which occurred on Monday, November 17, was carried out pursuant to an order from the Ho Circuit Court. This information was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, November 20, and signed by Chief Inspector Francis Kwaru Gomado, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Volta Region.


    Parts of the statement read, “the six hundred sacks contained a total of forty-seven thousand, five hundred and thirty kilograms (47,530kg) with an estimated face value of about 4.2 billion Ghana cedis.”


    In August 2025, the Central East Regional Police Command arrested two suspects in possession of 519 compressed parcels of dried leaves suspected to be Indian Hemp.


    The suspects, identified as Eric Nkyeke, 30, and Francis Klu, 28, were held in police custody. The Toyota Hilux pick-up with registration number GS 6849-21 was impounded at Nyanyano in the Gomoa East District.


    This was revealed in a statement issued by the Nyanyano District police command. In June, the police nabbed two suspects for having in their possession 84 parcels of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.


    The police team, through an intelligence-led operation on June 15, intercepted an Opel Astra vehicle with registration number GT 6430-13 driven by suspect John Dzeble, together with suspect Adzobi Mesiwotso on board.


    A search conducted on the vehicle revealed 86 compressed parcels of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, discreetly concealed in the inner compartments of the car, including the engine, doors, and boot.


    In addition to the compressed parcels, the officers retrieved a portable measuring scale machine and a roll of masking tape, also concealed, believed to have been used in the packaging of the substances.

    The suspects, along with the exhibits, are currently in Police custody and assisting with the investigation.


    The Oti Regional Police Command has commended the swift and professional action of the personnel involved in the arrest and reaffirmed its commitment to curbing drug trafficking and related criminal activities.


    The arrest comes after a recent incident where the police captured one Christopher Partey for unlawful possession of 40 parcels of a substance suspected to be narcotic drugs.


    The National Highway Patrol Unit of the Ghana Police Service arrested on Wednesday, June 11.


    The team intercepted a Ford Transit bus with registration number AS 524-16 near the outskirts of Ayikuma township while on routine patrol along the Accra–Somanya corridor.


    A search of the vehicle revealed 40 tightly wrapped parcels concealed in a fertilizer sack in the vehicle’s boot. Upon interrogation, Christopher Partey, a passenger on board, admitted ownership of the items.


    The exhibits retrieved have been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit at the Police Headquarters for further investigation.

    The suspect is currently in police custody, assisting investigations, and will be put before the court. In April, a total of 189 Cadets were officially inducted into service to support Ghana’s ongoing efforts to combat narcotic drug trafficking and related crimes.


    The induction, held at the Eastern Naval Command, marked a significant collaboration between the Leadership Training School (LTS) and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).


    The event, which featured the ceremonial swearing of an oath of allegiance, signified the commitment of the recruits to serve the nation with dedication and uphold the values of integrity and national security.


    The training, led by the Commanding Officer of LTS, is designed to build the capacity of cadets by focusing on the fundamentals of narcotics law and enforcement.

    The course places particular emphasis on confidence-building, professional discipline, and a thorough understanding of legal procedures necessary for their roles in narcotics control.


    As part of the induction, NACOC leadership underscored the importance of adherence to institutional rules and the responsible handling of classified information.


    The Commission reiterated its mission to disrupt the narcotics trade and act as a stabilizing force in communities vulnerable to the influence of drug-related activities.


    NACOC reaffirmed its commitment to making Ghana an unattractive hub for drug trafficking, prioritizing public safety and the protection of the nation’s borders.


    Calls have also been made for increased government support to enhance the Commission’s operational capacity, including the recruitment of additional personnel and the provision of improved financial and logistical resources.


    The new cadets are expected to play a key role in reinforcing the Commission’s enforcement operations across the country.

  • Work on Tema Motorway expansion to be completed by August 2027 – Project Manager

    Work on Tema Motorway expansion to be completed by August 2027 – Project Manager

    Completion of the Accra-Tema Motorway expansion has been scheduled for August 2, 2027, according to Project Manager Engineer Ben Sackey. He made the disclosure during an on-site inspection led by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, on Tuesday, March 31.


    According to him, “We have not programmed for an extension, so we are trusting that we can maintain the same completion date of August 2, 2027”. Meanwhile, contractors on the project has noted that the relocation of utility lines, could potentially delay the scheduled timeline.


    The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, on the other hand has projected a two-year timeline for the completion of all current and upcoming road projects under the government’s “Big Push” initiative.


    In an interview with the media on Friday, July 31, Mr Agbodza stated that when road projects were abandoned midway are over, as the government is committed to completing all ongoing and future works within the stipulated time frame.


    According to him, all “Big Push” projects will begin by the end of the month August, excluding the Dambai Bridge, which will commnce once its structural has been finalized.


    “The average Ghanaian has come to accept something that is completely unacceptable, because they see road projects start around their backyard, and no one can tell them when it will be completed. We want to reset. ‘Reset’ means we need to change that narrative.


    “All the projects have been deliberately structured to span two years, 24 months, and we will not go beyond that,” he said.


    “Sometimes, a contractor is awarded 100 kilometers of road. People forget that constructing 100 kilometers is not a small undertaking. There may be people who are more interested in how much it costs — they focus on the money involved. So contractors take the job, and for seven or eight years, they do nothing. We want to avoid that,” he added.


    Parliament on July 30 unanimously endorsed the government’s proposal to divert all royalties that will be received from oil revenues and mineral royalties to support the implementation of the Big Push Programme.
    This comes after the government requested Parliament approve committing funds to assist in the construction of certain road projects.


    Mr Isaac Adongo, the Chairman of the Parliament’s Finance Committee, while presenting the report by the Budget and Finance joint committee to the plenary, said, “the Committee has carefully considered the Referral, and it is of the opinion that the request is in the right direction.”


    The Committee also noted that Parliament had already approved the policy and the allocation to the “Big Push” Programme in the 2025 Budget Statement. Granting the request would enable the Government to enter into multi-year contracts to execute the road infrastructure projects under the Programme.


    “The Committee accordingly recommends to the House to approve the Request for the multi-year commitments for the selected road projects under the “Big Push” Programme contained in the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana, in accordance with Section 33 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, (Act 921),” Mr Adongo said.


    The initiative aimed at improving road infrastructure across the country is estimated at GHC13.8 billion, and it is expected to be completed by 2028 with support from the country’s own financial resources.
    According to the 2025 budget, GH¢5.75 billion is owed by the Road Fund, with an allocation of GH¢2.81 billion programmed for road maintenance.


    This represents a 155.5% increase from the 2024 allocation of GH¢1.1 billion, underscoring the government’s emphasis on sustaining Ghana’s road network.


    The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, on Wednesday, July 30, revealed that his ministry has undertaken studies and prepared comprehensive engineering interventions and cost estimates for road projects under the Big Push Programme.


    The Ministry of Finance has since issued commitment authorizations for some twenty-nine (29) road infrastructure projects under the Big Push Programme which include: Upgrading of Akosombo-Gyakiti-Kudikope Road, Road Dualization of Winneba-Mankessim Road, Rehabilitation of Mankessim-Ajumako-Breman Asikuma-Agona Swedru, Construction of nchi-Elubo Road, and Rehabilitation of Atimpoku-Asikuma Junction Road.


    The government has also selected a number of abandoned road projects, for which no dedicated funding was allocated by the previous administration.

    They include rehabilitation and upgrading of Kasoa-Winneba Road, construction of Suame Interchange and Local Roads, reconstruction of Navrongo-Chuchuliga-Sandema Road, and upgrading of Tumu-Chuchuliga-Navrongo, including construction of a 36m span reinforced concrete bridge over the Kanyibie River and a 24m span reinforced concrete bridge over the Bechelihu river.


    The government will, by the end of July, settle GHC4 billion out of the large debt owed to road contractors. Currently, the government owes road contractors GHC21 billion, according to the Roads Minister.

    President John Mahama emphasized his government’s commitment to infrastructure development under his administration’s 24-hour economy agenda. On his part, prioritising road construction and the swift resumption of stalled road projects holds the key to promoting economic growth and productivity by ensuring adequate regional connectivity.


    The announcement has been met with excitement and optimism by many stakeholders in the construction sector. The Ghana Institute of Engineers and the Association of Road Contractors have largely welcomed the president’s announcement, but they have called for transparency.


    They have called on the government to publish clear timelines and payment schedules to ensure that contractors can plan and mobilize resources effectively.


    In March this year, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways Alhassan Suhuyini acknowledged the significant financial burden facing the government to clear outstanding debts owed to contractors and suppliers.


    His remarks followed the presentation of the 2025 budget by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who disclosed that the government’s total commitments to contractors stand at a staggering GH¢67.5 billion.


    He emphasized the importance of prioritizing road maintenance, a sector that has suffered due to poor upkeep. “The minister has stressed that a significant portion of these funds will be directed toward road maintenance.


    This is a smart move because our poor maintenance culture has resulted in roads deteriorating within 8 to 10 years instead of lasting longer,” he explained.


    Mr Suhuyini noted that, in addition to paying off some existing road maintenance debts, the government is looking at a broader infrastructure push.


    “With GH¢10 to GH¢13 billion allocated under the ‘Big Push’ initiative, several new road projects will commence, while some outstanding debts will also be retired,” he added.

  • GAF shuts all recruitment centres in Accra except El-Wak Stadium

    GAF shuts all recruitment centres in Accra except El-Wak Stadium

    All Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment centres in Accra have been temporarily shut down except the El-Wak Sports Stadium. According to a notice shared by GAF, the closure, which will begin today, Monday, 24 November, has, however, directed all potential recruits yet to be screened to report to the El-Wak Stadium centre.


    The notice read: “GAF Recruitment Update: All recruitment centres in Accra for the 2025/2026 exercise, except El-Wak Sports Stadium, will be closed on Monday, 24 November 2025. All potential recruits yet to be screened should report to El-Wak Sports Stadium for the continuation of documentation and body selection.”

    The Ghana Armed Forces’ (GAF) recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region, which was temporarily suspended two weeks ago, resumed on Thursday, November 20. President John Dramani Mahama, on Wednesday, November 12, ordered a halt to the exercise in response to a stampede that disrupted the screening process held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.


    All six potential recruits who tragically lost their lives in the aftermath of the event are female. The unfortunate incident also left several others in critical condition.


    The tragedy occurred as thousands of young Ghanaians who had thronged the stadium forced their way through the entry points in an attempt to secure enlistment into the Service.


    To avert another possible tragedy, the Minister revealed that his ministry had put in additional safety measures to ensure a smooth and seamless process. To prevent a recurrence, five separate screening centres have been established to manage the flow of applicants, and only 1,200 applicants are expected to be screened daily.


    Speaking to the media, Director-General of Public Affairs at the GAF, Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, noted, “The numbers that will be at El-Wak will not be more than 1,200. This is because we are going to have two groups there, each made up of 600 potential recruits”.


    Meanwhile, the nationwide recruitment exercise for the internal security services has begun and is expected to come to a close on Friday, December 19.


    The one-month recruitment exercise will receive applications for the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ghana Immigration Service.


    Eligibility requirements for each Service include being Ghanaian by birth, of good character, physically and medically fit, and meeting specific height, age, and academic standards.


    Applicants are to purchase a voucher via 71303# from any mobile network or at any Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) branch. The nationwide recruitment exercise will come to a close on Friday, December 19.


    The general eligibility requirements for the Ghana Police Service are as follows: “All applicants for the 2025 Ghana Police Service recruitment must be Ghanaian by birth, of good character, and free of any criminal record. They should not have been dismissed from any public service or other employment, and must meet the age limits set for their chosen category by November 1, 2025.”


    Also, “Male applicants are required to be at least 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, while females must be at least 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Candidates must be physically and medically fit, have five passes in BECE including English and Mathematics, and be ready to undergo basic police and other specialised training.”


    However, the Police Service has five categories of entry, including general duty recruits, tradesmen, graduates (in general duty), medical professionals, and those in religious affairs. Under each of the above-listed categories are specific eligibility requirements as stated by the Interior Ministry.


    The common qualification across all tradesmen categories states that each applicant must not be more than 35 years old by November 1, 2025, and must possess a technical or vocational certificate (such as GES/COTVET, National Proficiency, City & Guilds, or NVTI) relevant to their trade.

    Ghana Prisons


    Recruitment into the Ghana Prisons Service also seeks professionals across several disciplines, including General Duties, Agriculture, Education, Legal, and Medical Services. All applicants are expected to be “Ghanaian by birth, of good character, and free from any criminal record. Candidates must have completed National Service, be computer literate, and physically and medically fit according to the Prisons Service standards.


    Applicants must be aged between 18 and 35 years as of November 1, 2025, and must not have been dismissed from any public service or other form of employment.


    Male applicants must be at least 1.68 metres (5 ft 6 in) tall, while females must be at least 1.57 metres (5 ft 2 in). Candidates must also have an active e-mail account, a mobile phone number, and be ready to undergo paramilitary and physical training.


    Medical professionals are additionally required to have completed one year post-housemanship in a registered hospital or clinic.”


    Applicants seeking entry into the General Duties of the Service are expected to hold a first degree (at least Second Class Lower Division) in Humanities or Social Sciences and have at least one year of post-qualification work experience.

    Additional qualifications are considered an advantage.
    Interested applicants for the Service’s Agriculture and Education sectors are also expected to possess a first degree (Second Class Lower or above) in fields such as Animal Science, Crop Science, Soil Science, General Agriculture, Agricultural Mechanic, Agribusiness, Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural Engineering, or Agricultural Economics, along with one year of post-qualification experience.


    Applicants for the Education sector must hold qualifications in Basic Education, Early Childhood Education, or Guidance and Counselling, with a minimum of one year of post-qualification experience.


    For legal officers, candidates are required to possess a law degree (LLB/BL) and must have been called to the Bar with at least one year of post-qualification experience. Medical professionals are mandated to possess a professional qualification, council registration, and some post-qualification experience.


    Ghana National Fire Service


    Eligible applicants for the Ghana Fire Service must be Ghanaian by birth, of good character, and free from any criminal record. They must not have been dismissed from any public service or other employment. They must meet the age requirements for their category: 18–35 years for Officer Corps, 18–32 years for non-Tradesmen, and 18–35 years for Tradesmen/Artisans, as of November 1, 2025.


    Candidates must be physically and medically fit according to Fire Service standards and meet the minimum height requirement of 1.73 metres (5 ft 8 in) for males and 1.63 metres (5 ft 4 in) for females.


    Applicants must also have five credits at BECE and five passes at WASSCE/SSSCE, including English and Mathematics, or the equivalent trade qualifications for Tradesmen/Artisans. Additionally, applicants must not be bonded by any organisation.

    Ghana Immigration Service


    The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) 2025 recruitment exercise is open to applicants under five main categories: General Duties (Graduate and Non-Graduate), Medical, Religious Affairs, and Tradesmen/Artisans. Categories A and B target university graduates ready for officer-level roles and diploma or secondary school graduates joining as recruits, respectively.


    All applicants interested in any of the five categories are expected to be Ghanaian citizens by birth, have no criminal record, be physically and medically fit, possess good character, not be bonded or dismissed from any public service, and meet the minimum height requirements of 1.68 metres for males and 1.57 metres for females.

  • Asutifi North MP granted GHS150k bail, barred from leaving Accra

    Asutifi North MP granted GHS150k bail, barred from leaving Accra

    The court has granted a GH¢150,000 bail to the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, for his alleged involvement in a violent confrontation between thugs at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region and the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

    As part of his bail conditions, he is required to obtain permission or give prior notice to the authorities handling his case before travelling outside the Greater Accra Region. He has been directed by the court to report to investigators once every two weeks until the order is reversed or the trial begins.


    This development comes after Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, on Tuesday, November 4, appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for questioning. Mr. Addo provided answers regarding the incident.


    The MP has been accused of conspiring with some of his constituents to attack officials and obstruct the operations of the NAIMOS team. He has been provisionally charged with three offences: assault on a public officer, unlawful damage, and rioting with weapons.

    However, Mr. Addo has debunked these allegations, emphasizing that he was only at the center of the recent confrontation between residents of his constituency because he chose to intervene to calm tensions.

    The case has been adjourned to December 1. Meanwhile, authorities are on a manhunt for Zakaria Yakubu, one Alex, and others who are said to have played a role in the incident.


    On Saturday, November 1, the Director of Operations at NAIMOS and his team narrowly escaped death in a mob assault at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region. The officials came under violent attack while carrying out their day-to-day activities as part of efforts to crack down on illegal mining in the region.


    Exhibits retrieved from the scene included a side-hand bag containing one (1) Smith & Wesson pistol, two (2) pistol magazines, twenty-one (21) rounds of 9mm ammunition, an unregistered Range Rover vehicle, an unregistered Toyota RAV4 vehicle, and several mobile phones. The operation also resulted in the arrest of several miners, including a Burkinabe national.


    However, locals were seen in a video that has since gone viral, confronting the anti-mining task force and calling for the release of those arrested during the operation. Speaking to the media, NAIMOS spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf described the attack as “extremely and profoundly disappointing,” adding, “It was a huge surprise that the locals became agitated, demanding the release of those arrested, and then began attacking the NAIMOS team.”


    On Monday, November 3, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, ordered an investigation into the incident.
    “The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to take over investigations into the attack on the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and his team by thugs at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region. The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, who is alleged to have incited the mob and obstructed the NAIMOS team, has been invited to assist in the ongoing investigation into the incident,” part of the statement read.


    The John Dramani Mahama-led government established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat in July as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the country.


    Speaking during an update on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed that the newly established Secretariat would act as the brain of Ghana’s anti-illegal mining operations.


    “To coordinate the efforts of the military, police, and other security agencies, the ministry has established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as the operational nerve-centre for Ghana’s fight against illegal small-scale mining,” he stated.


    The Secretariat’s responsibility is to collaborate with other key institutions such as the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as part of its mandate.


    This collaboration is expected to ensure that excavators and other earth-moving equipment entering the country are not diverted for illegal mining activities.


    “In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ports and Harbours Authority, we have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and earth-moving equipment from the point of entry,” he added.


    Illegal mining activities continue to pose a major challenge to the country. Several Chinese nationals have been involved in such illegal operations, leading to multiple arrests.


    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that scientific tests are being carried out on new chemicals that could help restore polluted water bodies and rivers affected by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.


    Speaking at a high-level stakeholder engagement on galamsey in Accra on Friday, October 3, with members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), President Mahama said, “There are new chemicals that have come that allow you to treat water and take out the toxins and the heavy metals. One of them is called dowtine. The people came, and we sent them there. They took samples, tested. We are waiting for them to bring the results back.”


    He has asked Ghanaians to exercise patience in the ongoing battle against illegal mining (galamsey). During a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), President Mahama said declaring a state of emergency would not end the menace.


    According to him, government advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.


    Additionally, the President pledged to honour the calls of many Ghanaians by declaring a state of emergency when his advisors give him the nod to do so.


    President Mahama believes that the country can eradicate the long-term canker if it deploys more troops and invests additional resources in the fight. He concluded that the battle seems to be a long one, but his administration is committed to ending it.


    “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight the illegal mining but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.


    “Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Authority, and as at now, this moment, the National Security Authority believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without declaring a state of emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he added.

  • Police arrest one for involvement in Accra Timber Market fire incident

    Police arrest one for involvement in Accra Timber Market fire incident

    One person has been arrested in connection with the devastating fire incident at the Accra Timber Market in the early hours of Saturday, September 13. This information was made public by the Greater Accra Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), ACFO II Rashid Kwame Nisawu, during an interview with Channel One Newsroom.

    According to him, the suspect allegedly left a burning heap of rubbish unattended, which later spread and engulfed the Timber Market.

    “Indeed, through the firefighting, what we normally do is that during the firefighting, we also deploy some plainclothed officers to fish out for information. And what we gathered was that there is this gentleman who gathers some rubbish around and sets it on fire, goes to sleep, and this thing degenerated, and that is the result we are having,” he explained.

    He further noted that the police acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off. “The good thing is that this morning, the Police Commander came to report to the Chief Fire Officer — I was around — that they have been able to apprehend the gentleman and currently, as we speak, the alleged suspect is now in police custody at James Town Police Station,” he added.

    To contain the blaze, seven fire engines from stations across Accra, together with a GNFS water tanker and two others from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Ablekuma Municipal Assembly, were deployed to the scene.

    Several shops selling wooden planks and hardware were razed as a result of the fire, which broke out near Aayalolo School at 1:17 a.m. on Saturday, September 13.

    Meanwhile, in an update on its official page on Sunday, September 14, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) confirmed: “The flames were confined at 6:26 a.m., brought under control by 6:37 a.m., and fully extinguished by 11:44 a.m.”

    The GNFS added, “Two firefighters sustained injuries in the operation, one from an electric shock and another from burns to the left arm. Both were treated and discharged, and are reported to be in stable condition.”

    In a related development, several houses at Darkuman Kokompe in Accra were destroyed following a fire incident in the early hours of Sunday, August 31. Reports indicated that victims were unable to salvage their belongings as they awaited emergency response. The cause of that fire is yet to be established.

    Earlier this month, a fire destroyed a Benz cargo truck transporting over 2,500 bags of rice from Côte d’Ivoire to Kumasi on the Adugyama-Bechem highway, near the Star Oil Filling Station, on Monday, August 25.

    Similarly, a popular pub and food joint at Nogora Junction, near the Ho Technical University, was reduced to ashes following a fire outbreak on Wednesday, August 13.

    On August 4, a fire ravaged the first floor of the Accra Tourist Information Centre at Cantonments. According to the GNFS, the blaze destroyed the contents of the first floor, though the ground floor and about eight offices, including the East Wing section, were salvaged.

    The first fire engine from the GNFS Headquarters arrived at 01:04 hours to find a fully developed fire spreading rapidly in all directions, aided by strong winds. Five additional appliances from Flagstaff House, Circle, Accra City, and Ministries fire stations, as well as the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) from Headquarters, were swiftly mobilized to support firefighting operations.

    Although the blaze was brought under control at 03:32 hours, firefighting efforts continued until 06:35 hours to suppress the flames and prevent further spread to adjoining properties. No injuries were recorded, but the Service has launched an investigation into the cause.

    Another inferno destroyed several makeshift wooden and metal structures at the Madina Washing Bay near Redco Flats on Sunday, August 3. The blaze consumed utility poles, traders’ wares, personal belongings, and structures worth several thousand cedis. The GNFS reported that while battling the fire, one firefighter sustained a minor leg injury.

    The Service received the distress call at 12:36 hours, and the first crew from Madina Fire Station arrived within four minutes. Four additional fire engines from Legon, Abelemkpe, and GNFS Headquarters later joined to contain the blaze. Thanks to the swift response, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours. Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.

    Last month, a fire broke out at Madina Ritz Junction. Initial reports claimed that a two-month-old baby died in the incident, but the GNFS later clarified otherwise.

    “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost. The Service has thus entreated the public and media outlets to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” the GNFS posted on Facebook.

    The Service explained that the fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers. Firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe stations responded promptly and contained the blaze.

    In April this year, another fire ripped through the Madina Redco Flats area, destroying more than 150 structures and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman known as Beauty. The inferno, which started around 11:15 p.m., spread rapidly across 140 wooden kiosks and 20 metal containers. 

    Although firefighters arrived within minutes, the victim was trapped and could not escape. Her remains were handed over to the Madina Police. Last year, about 50 stalls were reduced to ashes after the Madina Market in Accra caught fire. Deputy Director of Operations at GNFS, D.O.1 Kofi Forson, who spoke to the media, recounted the challenges they faced.

    “It was not easy for us, and there was a lack of access to where the fire was spreading, and because it happened in the night, the shops were closed, and we had to break through, and that made it tedious,” he said.

    The GNFS has since provided statistics on fire outbreaks in the first half of 2025. The data shows a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024. Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases between January and June this year, compared with 3,576 cases during the same period last year — an increase of 19 cases, representing a 0.53% rise.

    The monthly breakdown is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).

    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of incidents (628), followed by Ashanti (581) and Central (408). The North East Region had the lowest number, with just 10 cases.

    In an interview on Tuesday, July 8, the Head of Public Relations at GNFS, Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response, the Service saved over GH¢203 million worth of property in the last two quarters of 2025.

    The GNFS listed the main causes of fire incidents as: electrical faults from illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloaded circuits; improper use of appliances such as overused extension cords and unattended devices; unattended cooking with gas, electric, or coal stoves; careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches; gas leakages and poor handling of LPG cylinders; bush burning, especially in the dry season; vehicle fires due to poor maintenance or accidents; unsafe welding and other hot-work practices; and deliberate acts of arson.

    Meanwhile, the Service reported a significant improvement in its fight against prank calls.

    It recorded a 34.77% reduction, from 364,020 prank calls in the first half of 2024 to 237,470 in 2025. The GNFS attributed the decline to consistent public education campaigns and heightened awareness of the legal consequences of misusing emergency lines.

  • Accra hit by floods after Sunday downpour

    Accra hit by floods after Sunday downpour

    Some parts of the country’s capital, Accra, were flooded following a four-hour heavy rainfall on Sunday, May 18.

    The downpour disrupted traffic and daily activities. Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Tema, and Adentan-Dodowa are a few of the areas that have been affected.


    Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has noted that although it has received calls from affected residents, there have been no reports of fatalities.

    “So far, we have received many distress calls—residents in Adenta, Tema, and around Kaneshie calling for help—so that is why we have dispatched teams. But no casualty as I am talking to you now,” Mr Jafaro said.

    Over the years, the country has been battling severe flooding whenever there are heavy rains, particularly in Accra.

    According to NADMO, the canker results from poor hygiene practices and poor drainage infrastructure.

    “Most of the problems we have observed are that there is a lack of drainage in some communities, some of the areas are filled with filth…In some of the areas, we also have engineering defects,” he explained.

    Gov’t’s move to end perennial flooding

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges by ordering the demolition of illegally constructed buildings blocking waterways.

    Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, he blamed the increasing flood disasters on poor urban planning and unauthorized developments in wetlands, waterways, and Ramsar sites.

    The President made it clear that his administration would take drastic action against encroachers, stressing that all structures obstructing natural drainage systems would be removed to prevent further destruction.

  • Traders issued 5-day ultimatum to vacate Accra pavements

    Traders issued 5-day ultimatum to vacate Accra pavements

    Traders selling on the streets and pavements in Accra have until Tuesday, May 20, to vacate, according to the Mayor of Accra, Michael Allotey.

    Addressing the media at the AMA City Hall, the Mayor of Accra warned that individuals who flout the directive will be sanctioned by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

    “As the mayor of Accra, I cannot allow this to continue. Starting on Tuesday, we will begin the exercise. Please understand, we are not targeting anyone personally.

    “We ask you, please, to move before we arrive. This is a promise I intend to keep. If by Tuesday you have not moved, we will have no choice but to remove you,” the mayor added.

    According to Mr. Allotey, the exercise forms part of the Mahama-led administration’s agenda to improve urban mobility as well as decongest the City.

    “There’s no time for empty promises. From the day I took office, I made a commitment to myself: ‘I’ll make sure my car is clean.’ It’s a personal promise, but today, I am making that promise to all of us. The streets are not for selling. They are places for cars, not for trade.”

    “The pavements have become overcrowded, and now they occupy almost half of the streets. If I wait for something bad to happen, they might even turn against the mayor of this city,” he added.

    The Minister revealed that the decongestion exercise will begin from Okaishie through Circle and Kaneshie.

    “We are not removing traders simply because we have the power to do so. Our goal is to keep the city clean,” he said. “We have consulted with market women, the GPRTU, and the police. We are doing this to improve conditions for everyone,” he noted.

    Also, in some parts of the country, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) embarked on a decongestion exercise in the Central Business District (CBD) in April this year.

    The Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, issued a stern caution to traders operating on the pavements.

    “Kumasi should expect cooperation, discipline. There is a lot of indiscipline in our metropolis. In all humility, I am going to ensure strict compliance with the Assembly to the by-law that manages our city. If you are selling on the pavement, adjust yourself.”

    “If you are in the middle of any dual carriageway road, especially within the central business district, please get out of the place. Because from Wednesday, we will get on the street and make sure that we clear Kumasi from all the filth that we see.”

    “With the decongestion, we will not apply the forces of military men. Everybody wants to sell at Adum, so we will find some ingenious way to keep them in Adum and decongest Adum,” he said.

    Before the exercise, vehicular movement in the area was at a standstill, as some traders sold their items in the middle of the streets, preventing pedestrians and vehicles from barely moving freely.

    Meanwhile, transport operators in Ghana have issued a stern warning to the government and the Ghana Police Service, demanding immediate enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), particularly those relating to trading on roads and pavements. 

    They have given authorities until Monday, May 19, to act or face a nationwide protest. According to the operators, the growing encroachment of roads and pavements by traders poses serious safety risks and disrupts the free flow of traffic.

    Under Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), specific provisions prohibit trading activities that obstruct pedestrian and vehicular movement. 

    These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and free flow of traffic on public roads and pavements.

    Under Regulation 117 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), it is an offence for any person to engage in trading activities in certain areas that pose a risk to public safety or obstruct the smooth flow of traffic.

    According to the law, a person shall not sell goods, display goods, offer goods for sale, or deliver goods as part of a sale on or alongside a road. A person shall also not sell or display goods on a pedestrian walkway. In addition, a person is prohibited from selling, displaying, offering for sale, or delivering goods within thirty metres of a railway level crossing.

    The law further prohibits such activities under a road traffic sign that indicates a blind corner or a rise. It is also an offence to engage in these trading activities within an intersection. Lastly, the law forbids trading on or alongside any road, including areas around a toll booth and a toll plaza.

    Any person who violates the above restrictions commits an offence. Upon summary conviction, the person is liable to pay a fine not exceeding fifty penalty units or serve a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both.

    This regulation is designed to safeguard the safety of all road users and ensure that trading activities do not interfere with traffic or endanger lives.

  • Direct Accra–Atlanta flights by Delta Airlines slated for December

    Direct Accra–Atlanta flights by Delta Airlines slated for December

    Delta Air Lines is expanding its footprint in Ghana with the introduction of a new seasonal daily nonstop flight service between Accra and Atlanta, starting December 1, 2025.

    This update, communicated through a press release by Kingdom Concepts Consult on behalf of the airline, was shared with the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

    The upcoming service aims to offer travellers in Ghana a more efficient route to the United States by eliminating layovers and streamlining the travel experience. Operated with the Airbus A330-900neo, the route will provide passengers with a range of seating options, including Delta One Suites, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin.

    This development marks Delta’s second nonstop route connecting Ghana directly with the U.S., highlighting the airline’s continued interest in strengthening its presence in the West African market.

    The statement underscored Atlanta’s strategic role as Delta’s primary hub and the world’s busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. From there, travellers will have access to over 215 destinations across the U.S. and internationally, including key cities such as Miami, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Dallas, and Honolulu.

    The new service is anticipated to cater especially to those visiting relatives, conducting business, or travelling during festive seasons like “Detty December.”

    Passengers on board will enjoy complimentary high-speed Delta Sync Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay connected, stream entertainment, receive travel notifications, and shop online throughout their flight. This feature, available to SkyMiles Members, reflects Delta’s commitment to offering a modern, digitally enhanced flying experience.

    The rollout of this route forms part of the airline’s broader strategy to upgrade its fleet with advanced connectivity tools, including the installation of dual-network systems across newer and regional aircraft.

    Having served the Ghanaian market for more than ten years, Delta considers the Accra–Atlanta route a significant move toward deepening travel and cultural connections between Ghana and the United States.

  • NADMO to clear waterways of encroaching structures

    NADMO to clear waterways of encroaching structures

    National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is taking decisive steps to reduce the country’s persistent flooding challenges, with its Director-General, Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, announcing plans to demolish unauthorized structures that obstruct water flow.

    During an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, April 8, Dr. Kuyon explained that the strategy would involve both demolitions and large-scale dredging exercises, especially in flood-prone urban centres like Accra.

    “To solve a problem, there must be some discomfort, so people will have to incur some displeasures based on the actions that will be taken to ensure that the rest of us are safe. Some structures will have to be pulled down,” he said.

    Dr. Kuyon noted that several water bodies and drains have been filled in or blocked by construction, disrupting natural flow patterns and increasing flood risks. He insisted that these areas must be cleared and restored.

    “Those who have started filling these places will have to stop, and we will dredge these places to restore them to their original state for them to play the role they are supposed to play because the ecosystem is disturbed.

    “If you don’t restore it, what it means is that the lives that are in this system will suffer. So, there will be dredging, there will be demolishing, and we have to do it when we have to ensure that the flooding that is envisaged is effectively managed,” he stated.

    While Accra is frequently spotlighted in conversations about flooding, he stressed that other parts of the country also face similar threats.

    “Flooding is not only peculiar to Accra, but it is because we see a serious problem in Accra that is why the conversation is always centred around Accra,” he said.

    Responding to fears that demolitions might be carried out unfairly, Dr. Kuyon emphasized that expert evaluations would guide every decision.

    “We don’t demolish with a layman’s eye. We [have] engineers, technocrats who are going to be part of this team, [and they] are going to advise. Where structures are supposed to be pulled down, they will. Where it is possible to redirect the direction of water, and not necessarily tamper with people’s property, that will be done,” he added.

    With the rainy season approaching, NADMO’s intensified flood-control measures aim to prevent avoidable disasters and restore resilience to Ghana’s urban and rural infrastructure.

  • NIA to start distributing printed Ghana card backlog in Accra today

    NIA to start distributing printed Ghana card backlog in Accra today

    The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced that starting today, April 7, 2025, it will begin issuing printed Ghana Cards and registering new applicants in the Greater Accra Region.

    According to a statement from the NIA, all District Offices in the region will be giving out cards to people who registered between June 2023 and now but haven’t received them yet.

    People who fall into this group should go back to the same District Office where they first registered to pick up their cards.

    Also, all Ghanaians aged 15 and above who haven’t registered for the Ghana Card are encouraged to visit any NIA District Office in the Greater Accra Region to complete their registration.

    The NIA stressed that both the registration and the card are completely free. They warned the public not to pay anyone for these services.

    The Authority also urged Ghanaians to report any staff member who tries to take money for helping with registration or card collection.

    “However, replacement cards and updates to personal records will still attract a fee, as previously stipulated.”

  • Africa Energy Technology Conference 2025 to be hosted in Accra from May 27-29

    Africa Energy Technology Conference 2025 to be hosted in Accra from May 27-29

    Accra, Ghana, is set to welcome industry leaders, policymakers, and investors from across the continent as it hosts the Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC) 2025 from May 27 to 29 at the Labadi Beach Hotel.

    The conference aims to serve as a premier platform for fostering technological advancements, strategic investments, and policy innovation in Africa’s energy sector. This year’s edition is expected to drive forward-looking discussions that will shape the future of sustainable energy solutions on the continent.

    Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has extended an invitation to all stakeholders in the Energy, Oil, and Gas industries to actively participate in the landmark event.

    “Technology continues to play a key role in the socio-economic development of all society, particularly in the energy sector. We believe that in this current dispensation, technology will be at the forefront and the key driver towards ensuring inclusive growth and also accelerated economic development.

    I therefore wish to state that we would associate ourselves fully and encourage everybody to participate in this year’s conference. I want to welcome everybody across the globe to this year’s Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC) 2025,” Dr. Jinapor stated.

    The Ghanaian government’s strong commitment to fostering innovation, attracting essential investment, and implementing transformative policies will be a major highlight of the event.

    Distinguished Guests and Keynote Speakers

    The President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and Vice President, H.E. Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, will be special guests at AETC 2025. Their participation is expected to provide crucial insights into Ghana’s energy policies, investment priorities, and strategies for sustainable sector growth.

    Themed “INNOVATE, INVEST, IMPLEMENT: REVOLUTIONISED FINANCING FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SECTOR GROWTH IN AFRICA,” this year’s conference will focus on key pillars needed to reshape the continent’s energy landscape. Discussions will center on cutting-edge technological innovations, financing mechanisms for energy projects, and the effective execution of sustainable initiatives.

    Confirmed speakers for AETC 2025 include:

    • Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle (CEO, Petroleum Commission, Ghana)
    • Edward Abambire Bawa (CEO, Ghana National Petroleum Company)
    • Justina Nelson (CEO, Minerals Income Investment Fund)
    • Edudzi Tamakloe (COO, National Petroleum Authority)
    • Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson (Minister for Finance, Ghana)
    • Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nigeria)
    • Hon. Eng. Karim Badawi (Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt)
    • Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo (Minister of State, Gas, Nigeria)
    • H.E. Diamantino Petro Azevedo (Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Angola)
    • Hon. Sangafowa-Coulibaly Mamadou (Minister for Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Ivory Coast)
    • Hon. Tom Alweendo (Minister for Mines and Energy, Namibia)
    • Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie (Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Ghana)
    • Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ghana)
    • Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim (Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO))
    • NJ Ayuk (Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber)
    • Dr. Thomas Manu (Energy Policy Advisor & Goil – Executive Board Member, Ghana Oil/Board Chair, AETC)
    • Emelia Akumah (Founder & President, Africa Energy Technology Centre)
    • Damilola Ogunbiyi (CEO, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL))
    • Francesco La Camera (Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA))

    Africa’s Leading Energy Networking and Innovation Hub

    AETC 2025 is expected to attract top executives, industry innovators, investors, and policymakers, creating a unique networking environment for building partnerships, forging investment opportunities, and discussing the future of Africa’s energy sector.

    Following the success of the inaugural event, this second edition is set to cement its position as Africa’s premier energy technology-driven exhibition and policy forum.

    Secure your ticket at https://aetconference.com/tickets. For sponsorship, exhibition opportunities, partnerships, or speaking engagements, visit sales@aetconference.com. For more details, visit www.aetconference.com.

  • Streetlights on Tema Motorway, Accra-Tema Beach Road yet to be fixed due to construction – Regional Minister

    Streetlights on Tema Motorway, Accra-Tema Beach Road yet to be fixed due to construction – Regional Minister

    The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has disclosed that streetlights on the Tema Motorway and the Accra-Tema Beach Road remain non-functional due to ongoing construction activities.

    Speaking during an assessment tour on Tuesday, March 25, Ocloo highlighted that while her office has overseen the restoration of approximately 126 streetlights across various parts of the region, these key routes could not be included in the initiative.

    “Today, March 25, marks exactly my 50 days in office, and I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made. In all, about 126 streetlights have been worked on, including some highways, town roads, and community roads across the 29 MMDAs in the region,” she stated.

    “I must mention that the Tema Motorway and the Accra-Tema Beach Road, which is of very much concern to the general public, could not be lightened because of the ongoing construction works.”

    The restoration effort follows Ocloo’s earlier commitment to ensuring at least 70% of the region’s streetlights are operational within her first 50 days in office. The initiative aims to improve visibility and security across the capital.

    Some of the areas benefiting from the intervention include the George Walker Bush Highway, ACP to Pokuase, Independence Avenue (Jubilee House), and the New Town Junction to Ashaiman road.

    The minister assured the public that plans are in place to restore the remaining non-functional streetlights promptly.

  • Georgia considering establishing diplomatic presence in Accra – Ablakwa

    Georgia considering establishing diplomatic presence in Accra – Ablakwa

    Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that Georgia is exploring the possibility of setting up a diplomatic mission in Ghana’s capital, Accra.

    This was revealed following his discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Georgia on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue in India.

    In a Facebook post, he stated, “Georgia on the other hand, is considering establishing diplomatic presence in Accra.”

    Ablakwa noted that his engagements with both countries focused on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in education, agriculture, and tourism.

    He further disclosed that Ukraine is eager to restore its medical scholarship program for Ghanaian students and expand its bilateral educational partnership agreement with Ghana once the ongoing war comes to an end.

    Additionally, their discussions touched on potential agribusiness collaborations as Ukraine works toward rebuilding its economy.

    The Ukrainian Foreign Minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to ending the war with Russia, emphasizing that Ukraine is not an obstacle to achieving lasting peace.

    “I am deeply grateful to His Excellency Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine and Her Excellency Maka Botchorishvili of Georgia for their warmth and great respect for Ghana,” Ablakwa wrote.

  • Tidal waves submerge over 40 homes in Weija-Gbawe

    Tidal waves submerge over 40 homes in Weija-Gbawe

    The residents of Kelee, a coastal community in the Weija Gbawe Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, are living in fear as more than 40 homes have been submerged by the advancing sea, threatening to erase their entire settlement.

    According to reports, residents voiced their growing concerns about the rapid encroachment of the sea, warning that, without immediate action, the entire community could soon disappear.

    What was once a safe distance of over 400 meters between their homes and the shoreline has drastically shrunk, with the sea now swallowing houses and even a school that once served the community.

    As a result, many children have been forced to travel to Wiaboman, a nearby town, for their education.

    Joseph Addy, one of the few remaining residents whose house is on the verge of collapse, expressed his distress “I am already in the sea because right now, the sea has gone bad. So when the sea is full, the back of my house becomes its resting place and it has been eating my walls.

    “There is no money for me to go and rent another house so we are managing and we are pleading with the government to come and aid and support us.”

    Many residents believe that the connecting of the estuary to the sea, as part of efforts to release excess water from the Weija Dam, is exacerbating the problem.

    In response, Ebenezer Boakye, Principal Disaster Control Officer for the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in Weija, assured that a sea defense construction project is in the works to protect the community from further destruction.


  • I’ll be mocked if you don’t give me an appointment – Appiah Stadium to Mahama

    I’ll be mocked if you don’t give me an appointment – Appiah Stadium to Mahama

    Frank Kwaku Appiah, commonly known as ‘Appiah Stadium’ and a dedicated supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has revealed his ambition to land the position of head of security at an oil and gas company in Ghana.

    In a widely-shared video on social media, Appiah Stadium stated that each time he visits Accra, he tries to meet with former President John Dramani Mahama to remind him of his desire to serve in his administration.

    “Whenever I come to Accra, I want to get close to the President to remind him, in case there is a vacancy, so he remembers me for an appointment. Recently, I went to the Jubilee House because the President asked me to see him. I walked with him to his car before he drove off alongside the Vice President, and I engaged in a chat with him.

    “I want to either get an appointment at Ghana Gas or as head of security in the oil and gas sector. If I don’t get an appointment, people will mock me because of my closeness to him. I want to be appointed because of the sacrifices I have made. If I were living with him in the Jubilee House, it wouldn’t be news because of my close association with him,” he said in a recent interview on Royal TV on February 11, 2025.

    Appiah Stadium expressed his deep admiration for Mahama while stressing that his quest for the role was a way to honor his long-standing allegiance.

    “Mahama is a good person, but as I have said before, even if I had the opportunity to meet him every day, I wouldn’t do that.

    “People are watching me and asking what I have gained from all my support. So, if I don’t get closer to him, I won’t get my share of the cake,” he added.

  • Confusion rocks Greater Accra Council of State election

    Confusion rocks Greater Accra Council of State election

    The Greater Accra Council of State election on Tuesday, February 11, was briefly thrown into turmoil after a confrontation involving aspirant Musah Ziyad and police officers at the polling station.

    Ziyad, who arrived with a group of individuals, was prevented from entering the polling room, leading to a heated exchange. The commotion disrupted proceedings momentarily, forcing the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, to exit the venue through an alternative door. Order was eventually restored, and voting resumed.

    The election, conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC), is being overseen by the Greater Accra Regional Director of the EC, Mrs. Gladys Pinkrah, who confirmed that despite the disruption, the process continued smoothly. A total of 58 delegates are casting their votes to select the region’s representative to the Council of State.

    Thirteen candidates initially entered the race, including Afotey-Agbo Joseph Nii Laryea, Summertime Kwabillna Ampong, Sampson Seyram Kwadzo Agbemabiese, Horvey Charles Yaw, Redeemer Worwui, Joseph Tetten Sottie, Annan Helbert Nii Aryee, Musah Ziyad, Samuel Duah, Albert Borketey Naawu, Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey (I), Edmund Siaw Akugbey, and Obed Nyarko.

    However, three of the candidates—Obed Nyarko, Albert Borketey Naawu, and Musah Ziyad, who was at the center of the controversy—have since withdrawn from the contest, leaving 10 contenders in the race.

    Meanwhile, a similar election in the Ashanti Region was suspended after a group of unidentified men reportedly stormed the polling station, vandalized election materials, and assaulted journalists covering the event.

    The Council of State, established under Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution, serves as an advisory body to the President, offering counsel on governance and policy matters.

  • Qualified MMDCEs to be listed by Jan 31 – NDC’s Greater Accra Organizer

    Qualified MMDCEs to be listed by Jan 31 – NDC’s Greater Accra Organizer

    President John Dramani Mahama is expected to announce the new Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) for Ghana by Friday, January 31.

    This was confirmed by the Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anthony Nukpenu, in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, January 27.

    Mr. Nukpenu revealed that the Greater Accra Region is wrapping up its vetting process and will soon forward its final list of recommended candidates for consideration.

    “Some regions completed the vetting process last week,” Mr. Nukpenu said. “We are finalising ours today, and by this evening or early tomorrow morning, we should be forwarding our list to the appropriate office.

    “We hope the Local Government Minister and the team set up by the president to finalise it will expedite their review and make the right recommendations to the president for his announcement.”

    He conveyed his belief that the process would be finalized swiftly, paving the way for the nationwide announcement of MMDCEs by Friday.

    “And so in my estimation, by Friday, we should be announcing MMDCEs across the country if everyone will work assiduously,” Mr. Nukpenu added.

  • Several roads in Accra closed for Mahama’s inauguration

    Several roads in Accra closed for Mahama’s inauguration

    The Ministry of Information has declared a temporary shutdown of several key roads in Accra on January 7, 2025, to ensure security and smooth proceedings for the inauguration of President-elect John Mahama.

    The closures will last from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and primarily affect routes around Parliament House and Independence Square, where official ceremonies will be held.

    Roads to be Closed:

    Around Parliament House:

    • Osu Traffic Light to Parliament House
    • AU Roundabout
    • Roads linking the Electoral Commission to Parliament House
    • Internal access routes within the Parliament House premises
    • Osu Cemetery Road leading to Parliament House

    Only authorized vehicles, including those of parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, will be allowed access.

    Around Independence Square:

    • 28th February Road (CEPS Headquarters to Castle Road Junction)
    • Osu Cemetery Traffic Light area on Lokko Street
    • Castle Road (AU Circle to Osu Cemetery Traffic Light)
    • Starlet 91 Road near Ministries Traffic Light Intersection

    Traffic Management and Diversions:

    To minimize disruption, the following alternate routes have been outlined:

    • Traffic from La, Labone, and Osu heading towards the Central Business District (CBD) will be redirected onto Salem Avenue through Castle Traffic Light towards Oxford Street.
    • Motorists on John Evans Atta Mills High Street moving towards Black Star Square will be diverted onto Liberia Road near CEPS Headquarters Traffic Light, connecting to the National Theatre junction.
    • Vehicles on Lokko Street attempting to access Castle Road will be directed through Ajumaku Street and Oxford Street.
    • Traffic from AU Circle towards Castle Road will be rerouted via Abdul Diouf and King Hassan Roads, linking Abdul Nassar Gamel Road near the Ghana Institute of Journalism.

    The Ministry has urged the public to plan their movements ahead of time and cooperate with security personnel to avoid delays.

    “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the public’s cooperation in making the inauguration a success,” stated Lily Fati Soale, Acting Chief Director, in a press release.

    Motorists are encouraged to follow traffic advisories and consider alternative routes throughout the day.

  • EC to print additional ballot papers for 5 constituencies in Volta Region

    EC to print additional ballot papers for 5 constituencies in Volta Region

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced plans to print additional ballot papers for five constituencies in the Volta Region; Keta, Ketu North, Ho Central, Hohoe, and Ho West.

    According to the Commission, Acts Commercials, a printing house in Accra, will handle the printing of both Presidential and Parliamentary ballot papers for these constituencies.

    The EC explained that this development is due to a shortage of ballot papers in the affected areas.

    EC’s Deputy Chairman of Operations, Samuel Tettey, in a communique stated that to ensure transparency, representatives of all political parties and independent presidential candidates will be present during the printing process.

    The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible and transparent electoral process.

    “The Electoral Commission has identified some shortfalls in the Presidential and Parliamentary ballot papers for the Keta, Ketu North, Ho Central, Hohoe, and Ho West constituencies.

    “These shortfalls will be addressed by printing additional ballot papers at Acts Commercials. Political parties and independent presidential candidates are encouraged to provide two representatives each to observe the printing process on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Acts Commercials Printing House in Accra,” parts of the communique read.

  • 8 injured in accident on Accra-Cape Coast highway

    8 injured in accident on Accra-Cape Coast highway

    Eight people sustained injuries in a road accident at Nananom Junction on the Accra-Cape Coast highway on Wednesday, with one victim trapped in a mangled vehicle.

    A rescue team from the Mankessim Fire Station, led by ADO II B. Eduful, responded to the incident at 10:48 a.m. The crash involved a Sprinter Mini Bus, a Hyundai Hi Mini Cargo, and a Toyota Hiace.

    Upon arriving at 10:50 a.m., the team worked to extricate the trapped victim, completing the rescue at 11:10 a.m. The other eight casualties had already been transported to the Mercy Women’s Catholic Hospital in Mankessim before the rescue team arrived.

    The cause of the crash is under investigation, but the impact caused significant damage to the front sections of the vehicles and resulted in the loss of several cartons of fresh fish being transported at the time.

  • New Lands Commission office will boost economic development – Bawumia

    New Lands Commission office will boost economic development – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has highlighted the critical role of a well-functioning land administration system in the country’s development.

    He stressed that efficient land management is essential for fostering economic growth, social unity, and attracting investment.

    During the inauguration of the new Lands Commission Head Office in Accra on Monday, November 25, Dr. Bawumia addressed the challenges the facility aims to overcome, such as the dependence on manual record-keeping, the movement of files between offices, and overcrowded spaces.

    Reaffirming his dedication to strengthening the land administration system, Dr. Bawumia outlined three core areas of focus: modern infrastructure, digitalization, and automation of processes.

    He noted that the new building demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving land management, ensuring a more efficient, transparent, and customer-oriented system.

    “The Commission is heavily dependent on manual records, the movement of files across offices, some of which you have to cross the road to the other side. I remember saying we cannot move forward if we do not tackle these challenges. In my encounter with the media, I expressed the government’s commitment to see to the completion of the new head office complex of the Lands Commission.

    “As part of the measures to deal with the challenges the Commission was facing, I’m happy that we have delivered on this promise…That’s why building a robust land administration must be a priority for all. In the last 8 years, the government has been working to build a robust land administration anchored on three pillars-modern office infrastructure, digitalisation, and automation of business processes.

    “The completion of this new head office building which is equipped with a state-of-the-art facility is geared towards the first pillar of a robust land administration and demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for effective land management.

    “This modern facility is not just a structure, it represents a significant step in our collective mission to build a more efficient, transparent and customer-centred land administration system in Ghana.”

  • Road crash deaths in Accra decreased by 14% in 2023 –

    Road crash deaths in Accra decreased by 14% in 2023 –

    In 2023, road crash fatalities in Accra saw a 14% decrease, marking the third consecutive year of reductions, according to the 2023 Accra Road Safety Report.

    The report, released on November 18, 2024, during the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, was prepared by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) with support from Vital Strategies.

    It revealed that road traffic deaths dropped from 102 in 2022 to 88 in 2023, with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists making up 82% of those fatalities.

    The report further noted that men accounted for 85% of the deaths and 69% of serious injuries. High-risk crash locations included the Opeibea Intersection on Liberation Road, Avenor Junction on J.A. Kufuor Avenue, and North Dzorwulu Intersection along the George Walker Bush Highway.

    Accra’s Mayor, Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey, speaking on her behalf, praised the collective efforts to improve road safety.

    While she welcomed the reduction in fatalities, she stressed the importance of ongoing actions to safeguard vulnerable road users.

  • Furniture warehouse on Spintex road destroyed by fire

    Furniture warehouse on Spintex road destroyed by fire

    A fire ravaged a major furniture warehouse along the Spintex road in Accra on Monday night, destroying the entire building and causing significant losses.

    The blaze broke out around 9 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). The Kasapreko Command, the closest unit, was the first to arrive on the scene and began battling the flames.

    The fire, fueled by highly flammable materials such as foam and upholstery, spread quickly, complicating firefighting efforts.

    To control the blaze, the GNFS used foam concentrate, a specialized agent effective against fires involving such materials.

    Alex King Nartey, GNFS Public Relations Officer, spoke about the challenges in a Facebook livestream, praising the teamwork involved in containing the fire.

    He explained that the Kasapreko Command crew quickly assessed the scale of the situation and requested reinforcements.

    “Our crew from Kasapreko who covers the area, arrived at the scene and had to call for reinforcement from various stations including [GNFS] Headquarters, Trade Fair, University of Ghana and Abelemkpe, to fight the fire. It looks like it is a sofa warehouse and foam concentrate has been used to fight the fire.”

    The reinforcements arrived promptly, allowing the combined forces to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding warehouses and properties, avoiding a much larger catastrophe.

    After almost three hours of intense firefighting, the blaze was finally brought under control around 11:30 p.m.

  • Salifu Amoako and wife make appearance in court today

    Salifu Amoako and wife make appearance in court today

    Founder and General Overseer of Alive Chapel International, Bishop Salifu Amoako, and his wife, Mouha Amoako, have been spotted at an Accra court regarding a fatal crash that occurred in East Legon.

    A video shared by GhOne on October 30, 2024, captured the couple exiting the court with their lawyers and aides, heading toward their Range Rover.

    However, specific details about the court proceedings have not yet been disclosed.

    This court appearance follows the High Court in Accra granting them and Linda Bempah bail of GH¢50,000 each 15 days earlier in connection with the incident.

    The Amoakos, who are the parents of 16-year-old Elrad Amoako, the driver involved in the case, faced charges for permitting an unlicensed individual to drive.

    They admitted to allowing their son to drive to the gym and other locations.

    Meanwhile, Linda Bempah, a sales assistant, was charged for providing Elrad with the car keys.

    The court approved their bail after considering their stable residences, employment status, and social standing, despite the prosecution’s call for stricter bail conditions.

    Additionally, the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has reported that Elrad Salifu Amoako is currently unfit for police interrogation, even though he was recently discharged from the hospital.

  • Accident on Accra-Kumasi highway leaves six dead

    Accident on Accra-Kumasi highway leaves six dead

    A fatal accident on the Accra-Kumasi highway near Atwedie, Juaso, has claimed the lives of six individuals on Friday, October 11, 2024.

    The collision involved a sprinter bus, registered AS 6313-16, traveling from Togo to Kumasi, and a VIP bus with registration number AC 1550-17, en route from Tamale to Accra.

    Five passengers from the sprinter bus and one from the VIP bus lost their lives instantly.

    Reports indicate that the sprinter bus driver attempted a dangerous overtaking maneuver, which led to the tragic accident.

    Injured passengers were rushed to Konongo Government Hospital for medical treatment, while the deceased were transported to Yawkwei mortuary.

    Asante Akyem Fire Station Assistant Officer John Boakye confirmed the incident to Adom News, stating that all potential fire hazards at the scene had been neutralized.

    Mr. Boakye also urged drivers to exercise caution and reduce their speed to prevent such fatal accidents in the future.

  • Turmeric powder on Accra markets contains chalk – KNUST study

    Turmeric powder on Accra markets contains chalk – KNUST study

    A recent study from a group of researchers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has disclosed that  powdered turmeric products sold in Greater Accra markets lack quality.

    The research by Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department’s uncovered chalk and Metanil yellow, an unapproved food colorant, in samples of Turmeric powder sourced from ten different markets, including Agbogboloshie and Malata.

    The study highlighted a troubling trend of food adulteration, with all twenty turmeric products examined found to contain Metanil yellow, an azo dye, while two samples contained chalk.

    Per research the long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to severe health risks, including liver cancer, cardiovascular diseases, peptic ulcers, and kidney issues.

    Turmeric which is  praised for its numerous health benefits is widely used in Ghanaian households not only as a spice but also as a food preservative and colourant. 

    It is recognized for its effectiveness in treating ailments such as diabetic wounds, hepatic disorders, rheumatism, and coughs.

    The primary active ingredient, curcumin, contributes to turmeric’s vibrant yellow color and its nutritional and medicinal properties.

    An Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Prof. Christopher Larbie, who led the team that conducted this study, shed light on the practice of vendors adding chalk to increase the quantity and enhance the yellow hue of turmeric powder.

    “What we gathered was that they add the chalk to increase the quantity of the turmeric and also enhance the yellow colouration of the vegetable,” he said.

    The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, found that freshly sourced turmeric powders are typically rich in B vitamins and Vitamin C, which play essential roles in metabolism and carbohydrate digestion.

    However, the researchers noted a significant reduction in these nutrients, approximately a 72% decrease in curcumin content, with Vitamins B1 and B2 declining by about 90% and 92% respectively. Alarmingly, Vitamin C levels were found to be zero in some samples.

    “The Vitamins B1 and B2 had decreased about 90% and 92% respectively. Vitamin C was zero. When you buy such products, you are not getting the actual nutrients you need for disease prevention and healing,” Prof  Larbie added.

    The researchers attributed the loss of vitamins to prolonged exposure to air, which alters their chemical composition, especially as these vitamins are heat-sensitive.

    While the study did not quantify the levels of contaminants detected, it emphasized the need for increased public awareness regarding food safety.

    Food adulteration poses significant risks to health, potentially leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, dysentery, and vomiting. 

    The toxic effects of Metanil yellow, in particular, can impact the liver, brain, and reproductive systems, and it has not been approved as a food colorant in Ghana.

    To combat this issue, the scientists have recommended regular food surveillance. 

    The study advised that consumers check for turmeric adulteration by dissolving the powder in water; a delayed dissolution may indicate the presence of chalk.

     Additionally, it stated that if the powder leaves a yellow stain on the tongue, it may suggest contamination with Metanil yellow.

    “Metanil yellow is toxic on the liver, brain, and reproductive systems. It has negative effects on some of the brain hormones. Metanil yellow hasn’t been approved as a food colour in Ghana,” Prof. Larbie said.

  • ‘We’re working to find redress to the situation’ – National Peace Council on arrest of protesters

    ‘We’re working to find redress to the situation’ – National Peace Council on arrest of protesters

    The National Peace Council has acknowledged the recent arrests of individuals participating in a demonstration in Accra organized by the Democratic Hub, aimed at protesting illegal mining activities.

    They have assured the public that they are collaborating with various stakeholders to maintain peace and stability in the country.

    Among those arrested are Ralph Williams, the convener of the #FixTheCountry movement, Elorm Ababio Esq. (also known as Ama Governor), and 37 others.

    They have been remanded by the Circuit Courts in Accra on multiple charges, including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, causing damage, disorderly conduct, assaulting a public officer, and vandalism of public property.

    The demonstration aimed to highlight the detrimental effects of illegal mining, known as galamsey, which has significantly harmed Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies.

    However, law enforcement stated that during the protest, participants engaged in actions deemed unlawful, which necessitated their intervention.

    See post below:

  • Housemaids are now scarce in Accra because of Free SHS – Bawumia

    Housemaids are now scarce in Accra because of Free SHS – Bawumia

    Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has stated that the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy has significantly reduced the availability of housemaids for employment, as more girls are now taking advantage of the initiative.

    He explained that parents are increasingly prioritizing their daughters’ education, aiming for them to reach the highest academic levels.

    As a result, the Free SHS policy has created opportunities for these aspirations to be fulfilled, leading to a noticeable drop in the number of housemaids available in Accra.

    “Those  living in Accra, many of middle class cannot even find maids now, it’s a problem for them because the parents of the maids have come and taken them back to school.”

    The current secondary school enrollment ratio stands at 100 boys to 106 girls, marking progress toward gender parity.

    Speaking at a community stakeholder engagement in Amasaman, Ga West Municipality on Monday, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted that the Free SHS initiative has benefitted 5.7 million children to date. He noted that secondary school enrollment had risen from 800,000 in 2016 to 1.4 million, with an additional 600,000 students enrolled through the policy.

    This engagement is part of Dr. Bawumia’s constituency-driven campaign, which allows the NPP Flagbearer to hear the concerns of local communities and devise strategies to address them under his leadership.

    Held at ICGC’s Shalom Temple in Amasaman, the event brought together religious leaders, traditional authorities, artisans, and youth groups for candid discussions.

    Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his plan to reduce public transport costs by 40% through the introduction of electric buses and cut electricity costs by 50% by generating 2,000 megawatts of solar power within the first four years of his administration.

    He also emphasized the success of the Free SHS program, the expansion of vocational education and training (WET), and the digital transformation of public institutions such as the DVLA, Passport Office, and Registrar General’s Department, which has led to improved service delivery.

    Additionally, the NPP Flagbearer restated his commitment to a new tax regime, promising tax amnesty for businesses and individuals, a 10-year validity driver’s license with renewal every five years, and the procurement of 50,000 CCTV cameras for installation in district and regional capitals to enhance security and reduce crime.

    4o

  • Truck catches fire in Accra

    Truck catches fire in Accra

    A Man Diesel truck on Tuesday, August 27, caught fire at Mantrac, opposite New Times Corporation in Accra, but prompt action by firefighters prevented further disaster.

    The fire, which erupted at around 4:45 am, involved the head of the truck and caused significant damage.

    Firefighters from the Circle Fire Station responded swiftly to the distress call, arriving on the scene within just five minutes. They managed to extinguish the blaze within 25 minutes. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

    Although the truck‘s head was severely damaged, the firefighters were able to salvage the trailer and key installations in the vicinity. This included a diesel tank, a fuel dispenser, a brand-new generator, and the engine, all of which were protected from the fire’s impact.

    The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

  • Kirk Franklin and Maverick City set Accra ablaze with unforgettable performance

    Kirk Franklin and Maverick City set Accra ablaze with unforgettable performance

    Accra became a vibrant center of spiritual energy as the renowned gospel artists Kirk Franklin and Maverick City graced the city with a breathtaking performance on their Kingdom World Tour.

    Originally slated for the ICGC Temple in Teshie, the event was unexpectedly relocated to the First Love Centre, heightening excitement and anticipation among fans.

    When Kirk Franklin and Maverick City took the stage, the atmosphere in the auditorium was electric. Their dynamic presence and powerful tunes captivated the audience, sparking an enthusiastic response as they performed beloved tracks such as “My Life Is In Your Hands” and “Big God.”

    Fans, overwhelmed by the powerful experience, shared their immense joy and gratitude with GhanaWeekend, reflecting on the unforgettable night of worship and music they had just experienced.

    Watch video below:

  • Police officer turns himself in after killing a civilian in Accra

    Police officer turns himself in after killing a civilian in Accra

    A police officer with the International Relations Directorate (IRD), Smith Gyekyi, has voluntarily surrendered to the Amasaman Police Station after fatally shooting a 25-year-old man at Koans Estate in Accra.

    The incident, which occurred around 3:00 am on Sunday, has left the community shaken.

    Gyekyi was operating a commercial Matiz vehicle with registration number GW 6459-21 when he picked up a passenger, Esther Owusua, from Ablekuma Joma, who was heading to Koans Estate. Upon arrival, Owusua lost her way and called Stanley Ahadzi, the deceased, for assistance.

    When Ahadzi reached the estate gate, a disagreement reportedly broke out over the fare charged by Gyekyi. The argument escalated, and Gyekyi allegedly drew his firearm and shot Ahadzi multiple times without provocation.

    Crime scene investigators responded to the distress call and found Ahadzi lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds, his body covered in blood. His remains were subsequently transported to the Police Hospital morgue, where an autopsy will be conducted.

    Gyekyi has since been detained, and his service pistol seized as investigations continue. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, visited Ahadzi’s family on Sunday, August 18, assuring them that justice will be served.

  • Africa’s sovereign debt surpasses $1 trillion – ECA

    Africa’s sovereign debt surpasses $1 trillion – ECA

    African nations collectively hold over $1 trillion in sovereign debt, with several countries struggling to keep up with payments, according to a United Nations agency official.

    Executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete, highlighted the continent’s challenges in financing, security, and climate change during a regional meeting of the Southern African Development Community at Zimbabwe’s Parliament.

    “This is also happening when long term concessional finance, official development assistance and foreign direct investments are declining.”

    He noted that this strain is exacerbated by a decline in long-term concessional financing, official development assistance, and foreign direct investments.

    Countries like Ghana and Zambia have recently secured deals with dollar bondholders after prolonged negotiations under the Group of 20’s Common Framework.

    Ethiopia is also set to resume talks with its bondholders soon, following a significant agreement with the IMF last month.

    Mr Gatete pointed out that climate change is further compounding Africa’s economic woes, eroding an average of 5% of the continent’s GDP annually. Mozambique alone lost 15% of its GDP to climate impacts last year.

    He emphasized the need for reform in the global financial architecture to ensure Africa’s needs are considered, expressing concerns that multilateral financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund do not adequately address the continent’s challenges.

    “That is is why we are working on an African position to reform of the global financial architecture so that Africa’s needs are taken into account,” he said, referring to concerns that the continent is not treated fairly by multilateral financial institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

  • Govt’s fight against galamsey is a failure – Suhuyini

    Govt’s fight against galamsey is a failure – Suhuyini

    The Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee of Parliament, Alhassan Suhuyini, has expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to effectively address illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

    This concern arises from ongoing mining activities along the Kumasi-Accra highway, which are polluting the Owere River, a critical water source for communities in Konongo and neighboring areas.

    Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission reported that they were only aware of a dredging exercise authorized by the Asante Akim Central Assembly, but were not informed about the mining operations.

    In an interview with Citi News, Suhuyini suggested that the involvement of government officials in illegal mining undermines efforts to combat the issue.

    He attributed the persistence of galamsey to inadequate scrutiny and oversight in community mining programs, which he claims are often used to provide jobs for party supporters without proper training or regulation, resulting in environmental damage.

    Mr Suhuyini also questioned the Asante Akim Central Assembly’s assertion that they were only informed about dredging, suggesting that they might have intentionally misled the public.

    “Look at how the community mining is done across the country. It is preserved or reserved as jobs for their boys in the various communities where mining takes place.

    “No proper scrutiny and supervision is done. These people just engage in the destruction of their forests and land that is allocated to them. So I’m not surprised that it is happening in Konongo.”

    “I’m not surprised that it is happening in the Upper East. I’m not surprised that it’s happening even in the Savannah region, around the Bole-Bamboi areas, where people are given these parcels of land because of their affiliation to the New Patriotic Party without any supervision, without any training, and they just engage in destruction.

    “It is evidence of the fact that this government has simply checked out from the pretentious fight that they started because they have seen clearly that people have seen through the facade.”

  • Komenda Sugar factory demo to happen in Accra on Aug. 13

    Komenda Sugar factory demo to happen in Accra on Aug. 13

    The Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area have announced that their planned protest against the lease of the Komenda Sugar Factory to an Indian firm will now be held in Accra on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, instead of Komenda.

    The protest, initially set to take place in Komenda, has been relocated to the capital to “amplify our voices, escalate our demands, and ensure that our concerns receive the attention they deserve at the highest levels of government,” the group stated in a release dated Sunday, August 11, 2024.

    The protesters are demanding the reversal of the lease agreement, insisting that the factory should return to its original purpose of processing locally-grown sugarcane rather than importing raw sugar.

    They argue that the lease was finalized without proper adherence to procedures and lacked sufficient consultation with key stakeholders.

    The group is currently coordinating with relevant authorities to finalize the details of the demonstration in Accra, which they believe will “galvanize support, foster greater solidarity, and ultimately contribute to a more effective and impactful advocacy campaign.”

    Read below the statement

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    CALL TO ACTION
    As Concerned Citizens of Komenda Traditional Area, we welcome investment agreements, including those with foreign investors that benefit local stakeholders and protect the interests of local sugarcane outgrower farmers, with government assurance that farmers’ concerns will be addressed and their benefits ensured.

    We are compelled to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the government’s handling of investment agreements, particularly the lack of transparency and consultation with local stakeholders.

    Commitments have been made to introduce new sugarcane varieties, develop new farmland, and support outgrowers, which we have sought clarification on directly with investor representatives. However, we remain vigilant and demand direct government assurance and transparency to guarantee these commitments and ensure local sugarcane farmers benefit equitably.

    DEMONSTRATION UPDATE

    Following careful consideration and consultation with stakeholders, we have resolved to relocate our demonstration from Komenda to Accra. This strategic decision aims to amplify our voices, escalate our demands, and ensure that our concerns receive the attention they deserve at the highest level of government.

    A new date for the demonstration will be announced shortly, pending further engagement with relevant stakeholders and authorities. We are confident that this move will galvanize support, foster greater solidarity, and ultimately contribute to a more effective and impactful advocacy campaign.

  • Video: Gov’t fixing patches on Accra-Tema motorway

    Video: Gov’t fixing patches on Accra-Tema motorway

    The government has begun working on the Accra-Tema motorway which has been filled with potholes, leading to several road accidents and adversely impacting the durability of cars on the road

    On November 15, 2023, Finance Minister Mr Ofori-Atta revealed that “preparation for the reconstruction of the Accra-Tema Motorway under the Road Sector’s Public Private Partnerships (PPP) with Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) is on course.”

    The Concession Agreement and draft Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreement, he noted, have been approved by Cabinet and will be submitted to Parliament for approval “shortly.”

    In December of the same year, Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, On Monday, Patrick Boamah, has announced that the government is seeking parliamentary approval for a $338 million loan agreement for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Accra-Tema motorway and other roads across the country.

    Presently, videos sighted on social media indicate that the potholes are being filled.

  • Streetlights on Accra-Tema Motorway stolen, vandalized – Highway Authority

    Streetlights on Accra-Tema Motorway stolen, vandalized – Highway Authority

    The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has attributed the malfunctioning and lack of streetlights on the Accra-Tema Motorway to vandalism and theft by unpatriotic citizens.

    Motorists have raised concerns over the absence of streetlights, which has resulted in frequent accidents and increased the risk of theft for pedestrians using the motorway.

    Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, July 30, Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Highway Authority, revealed that some Ghanaians have been stealing streetlights, plunging the motorway into total darkness at night.

    He highlighted that these individuals are not only stealing the streetlights but also removing metal covers and underground cables, which worsens the situation.

    “Look, a number of people who I put in quote unpatriotic are destroying some of our infrastructural facilities. People deliberately go, take out these things, and destroy them, either they are stealing or taking parts. So it’s not that the streetlights are going off because they have expired and have to go off.”

    Wentum explained how the coordinated thefts lead to sudden outages: “I had the opportunity to speak to the media on this issue before, especially on the motorway. You wake up one day and all of a sudden, you have more than 10 or 20 streetlights on a line all gone off. You ask yourself how is that possible? In all these facilities they communicate amongst themselves, and there are connections. So if you plug out and cut one out, they speak, people are stealing.”

    He recounted a recent observation on the motorway: “Not too long ago, I was on the Motorway and was so saddened. Phase two of the motorway, the metal covers and the underground cable have all been cut by who? Ghanaians. These things happen deliberately, we have some unscrupulous persons in our communities.”

    Wentum called for strict penalties for those involved in these acts: “Enforcement must work, we must work hand in hand and see how we can get people arrested and punished so that it will serve as a deterrent.”

    He assured that approval has been granted for the procurement of new streetlights, and the contractor is working diligently to improve the motorway and reduce traffic congestion.

    Wentum also urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits due to the compromised structural integrity of the road.

    Additionally, he expressed concerns about the impact of the government’s debt exchange programme on road infrastructure projects: “You are also aware that as a country, we have gone through some financial challenges. And this debt exchange programme has also affected a number of projects that the government started.”

    He concluded with a hopeful note: “And I would want to assure the people of Ghana that, definitely we’re going to go through it and you will see most of our projects coming back, and we will see some good news.”

  • 2024 3Music Awards to be held in September

    2024 3Music Awards to be held in September

    The 3Music Awards are set to return in September 2024, as announced by the organizers during a press soiree in Accra on July 25, 2024.

    Rashidatu Yasmine Abdulai, CEO of 3Music, expressed excitement about the upcoming event.

    “We’ve dedicated significant time to ensure our next move elevates our position in innovation and creativity,” she stated.

    “Today, I’m thrilled to announce the return of the 3Music Awards in September 2024.”

    The hiatus allowed the management to reimagine the awards, focusing on celebrating musical excellence and setting new industry standards.

    Abdulai emphasized that the 3Music Awards is more than an event, it’s a celebration of creativity, talent, and vibrant culture.

    This year’s edition will feature new elements designed to captivate the audience and honor inspiring artists, reinforcing their commitment to showcasing the best in music and creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience.

    Nominees for the 2024 edition will be announced soon.

  • 15 sustain injuries in accident on Cape Coast-Accra Highway

    15 sustain injuries in accident on Cape Coast-Accra Highway

    Fifteen individuals have been injured in a crash on the Cape Coast-Accra highway near the Childcare School junction in the Central Region.

    The incident involved a Toyota Hiace with registration number GB 2053-22, which occurred at approximately 6:30 AM on Monday, July 22, 2024. The vehicle was en route from Takoradi to Accra when it veered off the road and into a nearby bush.

    Emergency services were called to the scene and successfully rescued 10 passengers who were trapped inside the vehicle, while five others had managed to escape before their arrival.

    The injured were transported to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital by the National Ambulance Service using three ambulances for medical treatment.

    Fire officials, who are investigating the cause of the accident, reported to Kasapa News’ Yaw Boagyan that the vehicle sustained significant damage.