A woman has been taken into custody because the police suspect she gave someone a harmful substance. The police are investigating whether this substance caused three people to die.
The police are trying to find out what happened to three people who died in South Bank, near Middlesbrough. The people who passed away are named Kevin Conway, Stephanie Alderson, and Kathleen Broomfield. The incidents occurred between July and September of this year.
A 43-year-old woman has been taken into custody because the police believe she gave a harmful substance to three people that caused their deaths.
Two men who are both 47 years old, along with a 39-year-old woman, have been arrested for possibly committing the same crime related to Ms Broomfield’s death.
The police said that all four people are still out of jail while the investigations are continuing.
Mr Conway was found dead at a house on Ajax Way on July 15.
His sister, Claire, said: ‘Kevin was loved by many as a son, father, brother, and friend to all who knew him. ‘ I can’t explain how sad I am that he passed away suddenly.
On Monday, Ms Alderson’s body was discovered at a house on Ajax Way.
Stephanie’s mom, Glennis, said: ‘Stephanie was a beloved daughter who will be really missed. ‘
On Tuesday, the police received a call because Ms Broomfield had unexpectedly died at a house in South Court.
Her brother Paul said that there are no goodbyes between us. No matter where you are, you will always hold a special place in our hearts.
A spokesperson from the Cleveland Police said: ‘There have been three deaths in the South Bank area within the past three months. Police are currently looking into whether there is any connection between the deaths of a man and two women. ‘
Right now, the police are still investigating the deaths and are unsure of the reasons. They are waiting for more tests to be done in order to figure out how the individuals died.
Tag: police
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Woman detained as police investigate three alleged poisoning fatalities
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Police in Florida halt 10-year old young driver on highway
Police in Florida were surprised when they pulled over a car on a big road, only to find out that the person driving the car was a 10-year-old boy.
The boy and his 11-year-old sister were found in Alachua, which was far away from where their mother said they went missing earlier in the week.
The police said that the two people tried to run away after she took away their electronic devices.
“They were very surprised when they saw a 10-year-old boy driving a car and getting out with his sister,” the deputies reported.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s office said the traffic stop was dangerous and happened very late at night, at 03:50 local time (07:50 GMT) on Thursday.
The white car that the two people were traveling in was reported as missing by their mother in a city called North Port, Florida. North Port is more than 200 miles away from Alachua.
The police found out that both kids were mad at their mom because she took away their electronic devices. She did this because they were not using them correctly.
The police said that they didn’t think they were being treated badly at home.
The kids’ mom drove for three hours in the direction of Alachua to pick up her children.
The police talked to the mother for a long time. She was trying her best to take care of her two kids. She listened to the advice the police gave her about getting help.
The minimum age to get a learner’s permit in Florida is 15, but you have to be 18 years old to apply for a full license. -
Protesters gear up for Day 3 of OccupyJulorbiHouse demo
Members of the political pressure organization, Democracy Hub, have congregated at the 37 Trotro station on Saturday, marking the commencement of their third and final day of the OccupyJulorbiHouse demo.
Their demonstration aims to spotlight the government’s perceived mishandling of the economy, which has resulted in hardships for the Ghanaian populace.
To maintain order during the protest, a substantial contingent of police personnel is stationed in the 37 enclave. Notably, several prominent celebrities have also joined the demonstrators in their cause.
On the preceding day of the protest, the police cordoned off the march towards the Jubilee House, preventing the protesters from advancing. During this event, certain Ghanaian celebrities participating in the protest were observed sitting on the ground, symbolizing their discontent.
Thursday’s protest saw the arrest of 49 individuals from the Democracy Hub group, including a BBC reporter and cameraman. Metro TV’s Bridget Otoo also experienced an altercation with the police.
Democracy Hub has been vocal in its criticism of the government, conducting a series of demonstrations with the overarching demand for the implementation of effective measures to alleviate the hardships experienced by Ghanaians.
On Friday, representatives of the Democracy Hub group engaged in a dialogue with the Police Service to address concerns related to the nature of their planned demonstration at the Jubilee House. In a statement issued on Friday, the police described the meeting as conducted in an amicable manner. The group’s leaders pledged to engage their members in discussions to reach a possible compromise regarding the protest venue and subsequently communicate their decision to the police.
Moreover, they assured the police that they would encourage their members to vacate the streets while awaiting either a consensus between the police and the demonstrators on an alternative location or a resolution of the matter through legal channels.
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Police demand proof of assault from Occupyjulorbihouse demonstrators
The Ghana Police Service has reiterated that there exists no recorded proof of any physical assault or misconduct against the participants involved in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests who were subjected to unauthorized arrests on Thursday, September 21.
Addressing the accusations of impropriety, the police authorities have issued an appeal, urging anyone possessing contradictory evidence to step forward, facilitating a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
“It was established at the meeting that there is no evidence or reported case of assault against the demonstrators according to police records, therefore, anyone with evidence to the contrary should provide it for investigation,” the police said.
The police made this declaration through an official statement issued on Friday, September 22, following a reported meeting with representatives from Democracy Hub, the organizers behind the planned protest at the government’s headquarters.
The meeting, reportedly initiated at the request of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, was designed to facilitate a platform for constructive dialogue between law enforcement and the protest organizers.
In their statement, the police reiterated their steadfast commitment to enabling peaceful demonstrations, citing their history of ensuring security at such gatherings within the country. However, in the case of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests, their chief concern centered on the chosen location for the demonstration, which happened to be the Jubilee House, a high-security zone.
The statement, signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, reported, “The meeting concluded with an assurance from the leaders of Democracy Hub that they will engage in discussions with their members to reach a compromise regarding the demonstration’s venue. They have committed to conveying this decision back to the police.”
Furthermore, the police disclosed that the protest organizers pledged to encourage their members to refrain from protesting on the streets while awaiting either a mutual agreement with the police regarding an alternative venue or a legal resolution of the matter through the court system.
Read statement
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#OccupyJulorbiHouse protestors chant national anthem as police set human barricade
The second day of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest has faced obstacles as expected following resistance from officers of the Police Service yesterday.
The demonstrators, primarily composed of aggrieved youth, gathered at the 37 Lorry Station earlier this morning with renewed determination to march towards the Jubilee House.
This determination persists despite the arrest of nearly fifty protestors on September 21.
As they commenced their march, they encountered a contingent of police officers dressed in full riot gear in front of the 37 Military Hospital. The officers have formed a chain formation, with additional armored vehicles positioned behind them. Barricades have been erected to prevent the group from proceeding further.
Meanwhile, the protestors, adorned in red and black attire, have resorted to singing the national anthem while condemning the government for what they perceive as injustice and corruption. Some also took the opportunity to share their personal motivations for participating in the demonstration.
The objectives of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest encompass a range of reforms, including a reduction in the cost of living, an end to corruption, and enhanced governance.
Numerous celebrities have also joined their voices to the movement, with notable figures such as EL, Efia Odo, and Kelvynboy present at the scene.
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Police urged to release arrested #OccupyJulorBiHouse protestors
Activists aligned with the #FixTheCountry movement are urgently calling for the release of protestors who were apprehended on Thursday during the #OccupyJulorBiHouse demonstration.
In a press statement issued by this advocacy group, they expressed strong disapproval of the actions of the Ghana Police Service, labeling the arrests of protesters during the event as “unjust, unlawful, and a violation of constitutional rights.”
The statement also unequivocally demanded the “immediate and unconditional release of all detained protestors,” underlining that the police’s actions represent a significant threat to the nation’s democratic stability.
Additionally, the release pointed out that at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, law enforcement resorted to excessive force in detaining the demonstrators who had gathered for a peaceful protest.
“As far as we are aware, members of the public continue to be arrested for showing support for the demonstration,” it stated.
Furthermore, the press release asserted that they have received information suggesting that the detained individuals were being distributed across various police stations, hindering the efforts of their legal team in providing the necessary legal support to the affected individuals, as mandated by the law.
In light of these developments, the activists called upon all citizens of Ghana to rally behind the ongoing demonstration, with the aim of “rejecting and opposing the blatant violations and suppression” of the fundamental human rights and freedom of speech of the people.
The #OccupyJulorBiHouse demonstration, organized by the advocacy group Democracy Hub, proceeded as planned, despite facing a court injunction issued by the Ghana Police Service.
Originally scheduled for Thursday, September 21, the protest aimed to advocate for various reforms, including reducing the cost of living, combating corruption, and enhancing governance.
However, on the preceding Wednesday, the Ghana Police Service released a press statement asserting that they had properly served the protest organizers with the court’s legal notice following the police’s application for an injunction to halt the demonstration.
Despite these warnings from the police, the protestors chose to move forward with their planned protest, disputing the police’s claims that they had received the court-issued injunction.
In due course, a video posted on social media by a prominent protest leader, Oliver Barker Vormawor, depicted the demonstrators dressed in black and red clothing and seated inside a bus.
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LINSOD describes Ghana Police lawless under Akufo-Addo’s administration
A collective group identifying itself as Lawyers in Search of Democracy (LINSOD) has voiced concerns that the Ghana Police Service is displaying a disregard for the law under the government of President Akufo-Addo.These concerns have arisen in light of the recent actions of the police, who arrived on a bus to apprehend a group known as Democracy Hub, participants in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest that took place on Thursday, September 21, 2023.
The police had previously submitted a court application and successfully served the organizers of a group identifying itself as Democracy Hub, in relation to a planned demonstration scheduled to occur near the Jubilee House from Thursday, September 21st, to Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.
However, upon observing the demonstrators assembling near the 37 transport stations in Accra on Thursday morning, the police proceeded to arrest approximately 50 members of the group.
In response, LINSOD released a statement asserting that the police’s interpretation, whereby the mere service of an application for an injunction on the demonstrators serves as a barrier for the demonstrators to proceed with their planned protest, is not a well-established legal principle. The statement further noted that similar actions, involving the service of an injunction, have been complied with by institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Ghana.
“EC is carrying out a limited registration of voters currently, notwithstanding that the Commission has been served with applications for an injunction on the exercise and another one for contempt for ignoring the injunction application.
“It is important to state that even if the service of the application for injunction serves as a bar on the intended demonstration, or if the injunction had even been granted and yet the demonstrators ignored all of that to proceed on the demonstration, the appropriate action against them should be contempt proceedings against them in court, but not arrest and detention by the police.
“The conduct of the police in this matter and many similar ones give resemblance to a police state in Ghana. It is lawless conduct to appease President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose administration, though democratic on paper, has largely been autocratic in practice. The conduct of the police is an affront to our democracy of many years, and it is a shame. Ironically, while our President is at the United Nations demanding for more democracy within the UN, the police in Ghana is abusing the rights of citizens and eroding our democratic credentials,” President of LINSOD Eric Delanyo Alifo, Esq. stated.
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Police blocks group from protesting around Jubilee House
The Ghana Police Service has submitted an application to the court to prevent a scheduled demonstration by the Democracy Hub group near the Jubilee House from Thursday, September 21st, to Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.
In a statement, the police stated that they are awaiting the court’s decision before taking any further action. They have also advised the public to ignore any calls from individuals or groups encouraging them to gather for a protest at the Jubilee House.
Furthermore, the police have called on the protest organizers to adhere to due process in the interest of public order and safety.
Democracy Hub, the organizing group, has accused the government of economic mismanagement and called for improved relief packages for struggling Ghanaians.
Police File Application to Prohibit Planned Demonstration by Democracy Hub Group#INDNews
— The Independent Ghana (@independent_gh) September 20, 2023
50gh #FixTheCountry Ashaiman | Enokay | Adwoa Safo | KNUST | Akuffo Addo | Nima | Rwanda | GOAT pic.twitter.com/3VpM8pv6jAThe demonstration is scheduled to take place on Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, which is observed nationwide.
During a press conference on Tuesday, September 19th, the organizers outlined their plans to ensure a smooth and successful protest over the three-day period.
They have assured participants that logistical preparations, including mattresses, tents, and mosquito nets, have been made for those who wish to stay overnight at the Jubilee House.
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Police look for missing 2-year-old French boy in lake
Police divers in France have gone back to an Alpine lake to search for a second time. They are still trying to find out what happened to two-year-old Émile Soleil, who has gone missing.
The young child disappeared on July 8 when he was visiting his grandparents in a small village called Haut-Vernet. Police believe that he might have been running after butterflies when he went missing.
Investigators played a recording of his mom’s voice from a helicopter a few days later. The people in charge of the case said they were exploring all options, such as the possibility that he was killed, taken forcefully, or accidentally injured by farm equipment.
But, they haven’t found the little boy at all.
The investigators checked the lake next to a swimming pool in a small village south of Grenoble, but they didn’t find anything useful.
Prosecutors said: ‘We have finished searching but unfortunately we didn’t find anything. ‘
They arrived one week later after detectives supposedly used a heavy tool to break a stone at a house near Émile’s family’s residence.
François Balique, the mayor of Vernet, said to a local TV news channel BFMTV that the police were doing checks so that the homeowner could continue their work, which was stopped because of the investigation.
Last week, Mr. Balique also said that people who don’t live in the hamlet can’t come in until the end of September.
‘I found out that even though there was a rule, journalists were still going against it,’ he said, and added: ‘So, I will ask the police to make sure that this doesn’t happen anymore. ’
The big search to find Émile was stopped eight days after he was first reported missing.
At a press conference last week, the public prosecutor, Rémy Avon, said to the journalists: ‘Right now, we don’t have any idea, information, or evidence that can help us understand this person’s disappearance. ‘
Last month, Mr Balique thought that a bad person had taken the child away from the village.
He said to C News: ‘If we can’t find Emile in the city, it means he must have been taken somewhere else. It’s impossible for it to be any different.
“He was only able to be moved by grown-ups, by one or more grown-ups. ”
Either the person we are dealing with is crazy, or they are very cunning and manipulative. -
Police restore calm after riot at Ofankor; manhunt perpetrators
The Police have restored law, order, and security at Ofankor following a riot that resulted in the burning of tyres and blocking of public road.
In a social media post, the Police noted that investigation so far indicates that the riot was in relation to a land litigation issue.
An anonymous source close to The Independent Ghana says the squatters selling wood at Ofankor Timber Market were issued a 24-hour ultimatum to evict a portion of land.
The landowner allegedly brought in land guards to ensure the eviction. A confrontation erupted as the squatters failed to move from the said piece of land.
The land guards reportedly received backup from police personnel. During the clash, the land guards are said to have fired at the protestors, injuring about two individuals who are said to be receiving treatment at St. John’s Hospital at Tantra.
Some affected motorists reached out to the Police Service for assistance.
Following calls, Police has strengthened security in the area and the road has been opened to normal traffic flow.
Investigation continues to get the perpetrators arrested to face justice.
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Police in Mozambique deny allegation of plotting to kill politician
Mozambique’s police chief, Bernardino Rafael, has refuted allegations of officers being involved in attempts to assassinate politicians in the run-up to the local elections scheduled for October.
The mayors of Nampula province, Paulo Vahanle, and Quelimane, Manuel de Araújo, both members of Mozambique’s primary opposition party, the former rebel group Renamo, have claimed to have survived assassination attempts. They have accused police agents of carrying out these attacks.
However, speaking over the weekend, the police chief dismissed these accusations as unfounded and false. He suggested that political parties fabricated these claims to divert attention from their own inadequacies in terms of policy proposals.
Furthermore, he pointed out that such allegations could have negative consequences for the politicians and parties making them, as the same police officers they accuse are also voters.
Bernardino Rafael affirmed that Mozambique’s police force is fully prepared to ensure order and security during the upcoming electoral process.
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Kwesi Pratt details how KIA officials seized a Ghanaian’s gold items over Gold-for-Oil policy
Sseasoned journalist and the managing editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., recounted a distressing incident in which a Ghanaian traveler departing from the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) had his precious possessions confiscated by airport officials.
According to Pratt, the officials justified their actions by claiming that Ghana was facing financial difficulties and that the man’s valuable items, including a gold wedding ring and bracelets, would be utilized for the ‘Gold-for-Oil’ policy of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government.
He shared this disheartening story during an interview on Atinka TV, which was posted on Facebook on September 15, 2023. Pratt revealed that he learned about the ordeal of the Ghanaian traveler from his sister, who serves as an officer in the Ghana Police Service.
“A Ghanaian man was travelling out of the country, and when he got to the Kotoka International Airport, they seized the gold ring and bangle he was wearing. They (the KIA officials) told him that the country was broke and that it needed gold to go and buy oil.
“I am telling you. They seized his wedding ring. This guy’s sister was the one who called me to inform me… I told her that she was telling lies, and she said she was bringing me the seizure notice. Lo and behold, the documents were brought, and truly, they had seized the man’s belongings,” he narrated in Twi.
Additionally, he noted that, following his counsel, the policewoman approached the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI). The BNI acknowledged the confiscation of the gold ring and bangle, but regrettably, these items have yet to be returned as of now.
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Check out retirement package for COP George Alex Mensah
Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah officially retired from the Police Service on Sunday, September 17, 2023, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of sixty (60), in accordance with the country’s laws.
Over his more than 30 years of dedicated service in the police force, COP Alex Mensah held various positions. Prior to proceeding on leave in preparation for his retirement, he served as the director general overseeing all Police operations nationwide.
In recent weeks, the now retired police commissioner gained significant public attention in Ghana due to the leak of a voice recording in which he purportedly discusses the performance of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, and advocates for his removal from office, citing mismanagement of the Ghana Police Service.
The leaked audio recording is currently under investigation by a parliamentary adhoc committee. COP George Alex Mensah and other police officers have already appeared before the committee to provide their testimonies regarding the leaked recording.
According to the Police Service Regulation of 2012, as outlined in Constitution Instrument (CI 76), all the entitlements and benefits to be provided to COP George Alex Mensah are specified.
Section 121 (1) states that “in accordance with Article 119(1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution, officers of the service who have attained the voluntary and compulsory retirement age shall be paid gratuities and pensions from the Consolidated Fund.
(2) An officer of the service who has served for ten continuous years or more, shall be paid retiring benefits from the Consolidated Fund.
(3) An officer of the service who has served for less than ten continuous years is, unless otherwise prescribed in these Regulations entitled to receive proportionate gratuity for the period served.
(4) The consolidated annual salary to be used for the calculation of pension Retirement Benefits and gratuities shall be the basic salary and other allowances enjoyed by an officer of the service at the time of retirement.
(5) The Inspector-General, Deputy Inspector-General of Police or any officer not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, shall on retirement, enjoy the benefits of the service as approved by the Council.
(6) The retirement benefits of an officer against whom criminal or disciplinary proceedings are pending shall be withheld until the proceedings are finally concluded.
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Pastors arrested for assaulting priestess over refusal to give up her gods
The police have arrested three pastors who physically assaulted a priestess of the indigenous Traditional Religion in Wiaga, located in the Builsa North Municipality of the Upper East Region.
The incident occurred when the pastors from the Jesus Family Church in Sandema attempted to forcibly convert the priestess to Christianity and take away her gods.
The victim, Sakinatu Issahaku, who resides in the Sichaasa community of Wiaga, was brutally beaten by the pastors when she refused to surrender her deities and convert to Christianity. The assault left her hospitalized with injuries to her face, knees, and a dislocated arm.
According to the victim, the pastors, led by Pastor Donatus Asekabta, initially offered to pray for her and convert her to Christianity, but she declined the offer. When she resisted their attempts to take her deities away, the pastors became enraged and resorted to physical violence. One of the pastors even brandished a pistol and threatened to kill her.
The police took action following a complaint filed at the Sandema Police Station. The victim is seeking justice and hopes that the perpetrators will be punished for their violent actions.
The incident has shocked local residents, who find it surprising that individuals claiming to be men of God would resort to unprovoked violence and threats.
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Man arrested for allegedly using brother-inlaw for money ritual
The Diaso Divisional police command has arrested a 37-year-old individual under suspicion of conducting a money ritual that led to the demise of his brother-in-law.
Kwame Addo, employed as a site manager at an illicit mining operation situated in Diaso within the Upper Denkyira West district of the Central Region, engaged his brother-in-law to serve as the site’s administrative secretary.
The deceased, who worked as a tailor, accepted the offer due to the considerably higher salary it offered compared to his own profession.
According to an eyewitness, tragedy struck on the very first day the deceased assumed his role as the official secretary for the proposed mining site.
Reportedly, upon the deceased’s arrival at the site, Addo introduced him to the workers and guided him around the premises where mining activities were underway.
However, unbeknownst to the deceased, Addo had secretly enlisted the assistance of men hidden in the nearby bushes.
Upon reaching a secluded area of the site where no other workers were present, Addo joined forces with these individuals to carry out the gruesome murder of the secretary.
After confirming the victim’s demise, they disposed of his body by tossing it into one of the uncovered pits on the property in an attempt to conceal their crime.
Later that day, Addo returned home and informed the family that the secretary, who had been left at the site several hours earlier, had not yet returned home.
Concerned, the family, along with Addo, proceeded to the mining site in search of the missing secretary. Tragically, they discovered his lifeless body in one of the illegal mining pits.
Overwhelmed by the sight, Addo attempted to flee but was apprehended by family members at the scene. He faced a furious mob, but the police intervened just in time to prevent a lynching.
Currently, Addo is in police custody as authorities conduct a thorough investigation into this harrowing incident.
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Apaaso murder case: Police arrest two suspects
The police have taken two individuals into custody in connection with the murder of Princess Afia Ahenkan, a 35-year-old woman in Apaaso near Sokoban Ampabame, located in the Ashanti Region.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Allister John, who served as the deceased’s house-help, and his alleged accomplice, James Anokye.
According to a police statement posted on Facebook on Friday, the two suspects were apprehended as a result of a meticulously planned intelligence operation carried out on September 14, 2023.
The police further revealed that following the commission of the crime, the suspects absconded with the victim’s KIA Sportage private car, bearing registration number GS 307-21, which they subsequently sold.
However, the vehicle has been located in Adenta, complete with its accompanying documents. It has subsequently been seized by authorities and is currently held at the Oyibi Police Station. Ongoing efforts are aimed at apprehending the buyer of the vehicle to aid in the ongoing investigation, as stated by the police.
In the meantime, the deceased’s body has been placed in the morgue at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to undergo preservation and an autopsy.
Afua Ahenkan, also known as Princess Afua, reportedly suffered multiple stab wounds at the hands of a young man she had hired through an agency just one month prior to the tragic incident.
Although details surrounding the killing are limited, preliminary reports indicate that she is the daughter-in-law of Reverend Osei Kofi, a former Ghana Black Stars and Asante Kotoko football legend.
Mrs. Ahenkan had apparently enlisted the services of the suspect to assist with her business, given that her husband resides in the United Kingdom.
The assailant is alleged to have launched the attack on the victim while she was engaged in a phone conversation. Her desperate cries for help during the assault raised concerns for the caller on the other end of the line. Consequently, this concerned individual decided to visit her residence after repeated unanswered phone calls.
According to reports, the suspect then purportedly moved the lifeless body of the victim into the garage and made off with her car, money, and other personal belongings.
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Terrible 1998 deaths of two valiant police policemen, Kwaku Ninja and Taller
They were two prominent officers within the Ghana Police Service, their names etched into the annals of the force’s history until the cold grip of death claimed them in November 1998. The sheer shock, disbelief, and heartache that swept through the Service and the entire nation were palpable.
Owusu Sekyere, affectionately known as ‘Kwaku Ninja,’ and Jerry Wornu, also recognized as ‘Taller,’ met a gruesome end while carrying out their duty. Reports unveiled a grim truth – these two officers had been brutally murdered by land guards in the suburbs of Accra, specifically in the area of Ablekuma, all over an alleged dispute concerning a piece of land.
Both police constables were part of the Striking Force Unit of the Ghana Police Service, renowned for their unwavering dedication to fighting crime and apprehending some of the most notorious criminals.
Kwaku Ninja, in particular, had earned a reputation as a mixed martial artist, lending his expertise to train fellow cadets and officers within the police force. His exceptional commitment to self-defense earned him a spot on the renowned ‘Sport Highlights’ show, a Monday night staple on GTV.
Owusu Sekyere’s segment on the show gained immense popularity, offering viewers invaluable insights into self-defense techniques. Over time, many viewers grew deeply attached to his unique style and teachings whenever the program aired.
As years passed, Kwaku Ninja and Taller became the embodiment of strength and power in the ongoing battle against crime within the Ghana Police Service. Their unit, the Striking Force, struck fear into the hearts of criminals across the nation.
Tragically, their lives were cut short when reports surfaced that they had been lynched by an angry mob, allegedly with the support of some land guards in Accra. While the exact motive behind their murder remains shrouded in conflicting accounts, the prevailing narrative suggests that they were on a mission to inspect a piece of land supposedly owned by Kwaku Ninja.
Upon arriving at the site, tensions flared between the officers and the land guards due to their relentless efforts in combating illegal activities in the area. This confrontation escalated into a physical clash, with the land guards reportedly outnumbering the officers, resulting in the tragic demise of Constable Wornu (Taller). Kwaku Ninja, in a desperate bid to escape, was said to have clung to the side of a moving truck but tragically fell, meeting his end on the spot.
One of the individuals involved in the confrontation was identified as Kwasi Kwei, known as ‘Kwei-Kwei.’ He, along with another accomplice named ‘Terminator,’ was apprehended by the police in connection with the deaths of Constable Wornu and Owusu Sekyere.
Both suspects eventually confessed to their involvement in the murders of the two police constables. They also admitted to preparing a burial site for Kwaku Ninja and Taller.
The police administration later exhumed the remains of Kwaku Ninja and Taller, which had been buried in different locations within the community, including an unfinished building. The suspects, along with others, were subsequently arrested and convicted for their heinous crimes.
Kwaku Ninja left behind a daughter, who currently resides in the United States of America, bearing the legacy of her father’s bravery and sacrifice.
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Two suspects planning to commit robbery nabbed at Tweapease
Two individuals, Adams Kwame and Abubakari Sharif, have been apprehended by the police on charges of preparing to commit robbery.
These suspects, accompanied by two others who are presently evading capture, were arrested on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the Tweapease Police checkpoint while attempting to flee from the police during a routine stop-and-search operation.
The confiscated items from the suspects include a pump-action gun, two live BB cartridges, two machetes, and a catapult.
Initial investigations have revealed that the suspects were in possession of these items with the intention of carrying out a robbery.
The arrested individuals are currently in police custody and will be brought before the court, while active efforts are being made to locate and apprehend the remaining two suspects who are on the run.
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Outrage in South Africa after man shackled to police van and dragged down street
The police arrested a man and tied his hands together with handcuffs. Then, they pulled him along the road using their van and later physically attacked him.
A very upsetting video has become very popular in South Africa. It appears to show a man being pulled along a road in a very violent way on Friday evening around 6pm.
Police officers supposedly tied one of Milosh Basson’s hands to the back door of their car because they thought he had drugs.
A few people from the area chased after the van when it started driving in a neighborhood in Cape Town. They were yelling and screaming, and one person even tried to grab Milosh’s hand.
Milosh said he felt like he wasn’t fully awake for most of the difficult situation because he had been sprayed with pepper spray right before.
He was reportedly abandoned inside the van, injured and covered in blood, for a long time before being brought to the police station. He says that once there, officers kicked him and hit him with pipes.
Milosh said to SowetanLive that he was scared they might harm him at some time.
A video appears to show a person being handcuffed to a police vehicle in South Africa while it was moving.
Lawyer Keegan Lasker mentioned that he could only meet with his client after 10pm on that particular evening.
‘His clothes were covered in blood. He said that it was clear to him that he couldn’t help the person on a Friday because he was being treated badly by the police.
Milosh got out of custody on Monday after allegedly being accused of having drugs and not cooperating with the police.
The police are looking into what happened in a video that was shared and the officer who got hurt during the violent situation in Kensington.
The Ipid, which is in charge of overseeing the police in South Africa, said its investigators are going to meet with Milosh and ask him to share his statement.
A spokesperson said that they are starting to look into three people.
People often say that the police in South Africa are very violent and cruel. This reputation goes back to apartheid, when officers were used to make sure discrimination and segregation happened.
Although there have been big improvements, some of the old ways still exist as the country has become a democracy.
According to Ipid statistics, in the year 2019 to 2020, one person was killed every 20 hours because of police actions, on average.
In Johannesburg on August 26, 2020, a major case happened where a disabled 16-year-old named Nathaniel Julius was shot.
Police officers are being accused of causing his death because he was unable to respond to their questions due to his Down syndrome which made it hard for him to talk.
His family said he went out to buy biscuits and something really bad happened.
On August 16, 2012, the police in South Africa shot at a group of mine workers who were on strike in a place called Marikana, located in the North West province. This incident caused a lot of negative attention towards the police.
Around 34 people were killed and 78 people were severely injured when protests for higher wages turned violent, which is now referred to as the Marikana massacre.
Even the police minister, Bheki Cele, said that incidents of police violence in the country are concerning.
He recently explained to Parliament members that some police officers are doing a great job, but others are simply a result of the difficult social problems faced by all South Africans.
He said that these members are from very upset communities in our society.
Mr Cele continued, saying that the behavior we are currently seeing from South Africans should be the same behavior we expect from them. I heard that children are often similar to their parents.
He said that the state was trying to make things better for the police by hiring more psychologists and social workers to help with their well-being and mental health. -
NDC calls on Police to expedite investigations into attacks on party executives
The Upper East Region branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed serious concerns regarding recent assaults on party executives.
These concerns have arisen in the wake of the tragic killing of the former Vice Chairman of the Party in the region, Williams Akanyele, allegedly by unidentified assailants.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 6.
Furthermore, the party has reported another attack on Martin Ariku, the Chairman of the Binduri constituency, which took place approximately two weeks prior to Mr. Akanyele’s tragic death.
In an interview with Citi News, the Regional Communications Officer, Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, called upon the police to expedite their investigations into these incidents.
“We are entreating the police to speed up investigations into some of these attacks, especially on our members because we don’t know whether they are politically inclined targets or it has anything to do with the ongoing conflict in Bawku.
“We cannot specifically tell what the reason is but we are equally asking the police to speed up investigations and then make sure that they get the public informed as to what they know about the cases because there is too much fear in the region.”
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My position in the Service is based on competence, hardwork and dedication – IGP
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has emphasized that his appointment as the head of the Police Service is solely based on merit and not influenced by any other factors.
During his appearance before the parliamentary committee investigating the leaked tape discussing his removal from office on Tuesday, September 12, Dr. Akuffo Dampare stated that his dedication and diligence in performing his duties have been instrumental in his current position.
He underlined that he has rightfully earned his position and that it is not the result of any special favors or considerations.
“So in terms of my ranking in the police service, it has been purely based on my competencies, my academic qualifications and hard work because of the passion I have for the work. I have not at any point in time been called aside by any individual and granted me any favour,” he said.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare received an invitation to appear before the Ad-hoc committee on Friday, September 8, in response to the allegations made against him by previous witnesses, which the committee deemed necessary to address.
Initially, the committee’s chairman announced that the hearing would be conducted privately on Sunday, emphasizing the need to protect national security by preventing certain issues from becoming public.
However, the approach has now changed, and certain parts of the investigation will be conducted publicly. During his recent address to the committee, Mr. Atta Akyea clarified that matters related to national security would still be subject to an in-camera session.
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Promotion is not merely based on years of service – IGP
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has indicated that the criteria for the promotion of police officers are vast.
He noted that one’s years at the Police Service do not override other requirements such as competency and vacancy.
The IGP made this known on Tuesday, September 12, during an appearance before the Parliamentary Committee tasked by Speaker Alban Bagbin with probing a leaked tape on the ousting of the IGP.
“The point that has to be made is that it is not a question about how many years you have been at the Service. We would have all loved to be promoted as soon as you are four years. Vacancy, competency, and other things factor into it. I was in my rank for six years, and I didn’t complain,” he said.
Eighty-two police officers have filed a suit against the Attorney General (1st defendant), the Ghana Police Service (2nd defendant), and the Inspector General of Police (3rd defendant).
The plaintiffs contend that the Ghana Police Service failed to promote them after they finished their studies under the organization’s study leave with pay policy.
In the lawsuit filed at an Accra High Court on May 15, the officers led by Deputy Inspector Kofi Osal claim they were denied their deserved promotions as well as entry into the Police College after the successful completion of their studies during the 2017/2018 academic year.
They maintained that the agency refused to promote them despite duly notifying them of the situation and further appealing to be promoted.
The complainants are therefore requesting that the court issue an order directed against the 2nd and 3rd defendants to grant the plaintiffs who qualify for accelerated promotions.
They are also demanding that a permit is given to the plaintiffs who qualify to enter the Police College without further delay.
On the matter, Director-General of Services at the Police Head Office, COP Enoch Adutwum Bediako, has emphasized that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, is not under any obligation to grant promotions to specific police officers.
During a session with students of the Police Basic School as part of the Snatch Them Young Police Initiative, COP Bediako advised future recruits not to assume that longevity in the service automatically entitles them to promotions from the IGP.
“You cannot go and tell the IGP that, I have worked so I need promotion, as if he is obliged to promote you, whether you work or you don’t work. No. The answer is, it depends on how you have worked within the period then the IGP will promote you. So in future, if you become police officers put that in your mind.”
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Pennsylvania cops issue warning over armed fugitive killer
The police in Pennsylvania have alerted people that Danelo Cavalcante, who escaped from prison, is carrying a weapon. They have been looking for him for 12 days because he is a dangerous person who has killed someone.
They are looking in South Coventry Township, which is north-west of Philadelphia, and told people to stay indoors early on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old person from Brazil is believed to have removed his beard to try and hide from the authorities.
He was found guilty of murdering his former girlfriend and given a lifelong prison term.
But a week after finding out his punishment, he escaped from Chester County Prison on August 31st by shuffling sideways between two walls, climbing a fence, and going through razor wire.
He took and later left behind a milk truck and people have seen him multiple times recently.
Cavalcante has a weapon. The police told people who live in the area to keep their doors and windows locked, keep their vehicles safe, and stay inside.
The amount of money offered for any information about where he is has gone up from $20,000 to $25,000.
Cavalcante was given a punishment of life in prison without any chance of being released for killing Deborah Brandao. He stabbed her 38 times in front of her two young children in April 2021.
Sarah Brandao’s sister told CNN that she has been unable to sleep for days since he ran away, and she is scared that he might come to her house.
She said that he and her sister became friends when they lived next to each other in Chester County. However, he started feeling jealous and angry.
He is being searched by the authorities in Brazil for his involvement in a murder that took place in 2017. -
Police initiate ‘Snatch them young’ campaign to combat crime
The Police Administration has initiated a campaign named “Snatch them young” aimed at instilling security awareness in children and fostering their appreciation of the police force’s work. The campaign intends to bolster children’s confidence in the police’s mission to prevent and solve crimes, apprehend wrongdoers, and maintain public order and safety. As part of this initiative, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) have been visiting schools nationwide to engage with students.
In a special arrangement, students from the Police Depot Cluster of Schools in Tesano, Accra, had the opportunity to visit the Police Headquarters. During their visit, they explored various units within the headquarters, including a television station within the Public Affairs Department. The students also enjoyed music from the Police central band and interacted with horses from the Mounted Squadron Unit of the police. POMAB members took turns educating the children about the police’s hierarchy, responsibilities, and operations.
The children were treated to assorted drinks and food and had the chance to exchange pleasantries with their hosts, including the IGP and senior officers, while taking photos together. The students were advised to be responsible citizens and reassured of police protection. They were encouraged to view the police as friends whom they could approach for assistance at any time.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Director of the Police Public Directorate, emphasized that the initiative aimed to make “the police is your friend” slogan meaningful. She highlighted that interactions like these would help children feel comfortable approaching police officers in times of need, rather than fearing them based on parental threats.
Michealla Annane, an 11-year-old Class Four student from the Police Depot One basic school, expressed her joy and appreciation for the opportunity to meet the IGP. She stated that she had learned a lot and would always remember the day.
Eugenia Modenu, a primary two teacher at the school, commended the Police for the initiative, emphasizing its role in deepening students’ understanding of the police force’s duties. Headmistress Evelyn Akorfa-Doe of the Police Depot Three and Four Junior High Schools acknowledged the unique experience provided to the children, allowing them to visit the headquarters of the institution that owns their school.
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Sad story of how these two were jailed because one bag of charcoal
In a heartbreaking tale of injustice, two individuals found themselves behind bars over a single bag of charcoal.
Recounting the incident, 36-year-old Baba Iddrisu explained that he had left the forest with two bags of charcoal to sell to a customer.
Unfortunately, he managed to sell only one bag and left the remaining bag in front of a shop while he went to another location.
Upon his return, he was shocked to discover that a woman had unloaded over 100 bags of charcoal in the same area where he had left his single bag.
When he tried to retrieve his bag from among the many, the woman accused him of stealing her charcoal.
At that time, his business partner in the charcoal trade had also come to visit him, and they both ended up at the police station after the woman refused to believe their side of the story..
“So she insisted that we go to the police station. Unfortunately I didn’t ask that we count the number of bags of charcoal assembled in front of the chop. So we ended up at the police station. We were interrogated by the officers. But i guess our explanation did not prove our innocence. We could not hire a lawyer to defend us,” Baba explained to the police officers including a CID.
Adding that, the CID asked him and his partner to pay an amount a little over GHS600.00 as demanded by the woman who reported them to the police.
“To get my sister to come over and pay the money, I thus asked the officers to lend me their phones so I could call her. I even had some bags of charcoal that I could have sold to help her raise the money, but the officers prevented me from doing so.”
Baba said that they were later taken to court, but the legal bickering nevertheless resulted in an 18-month term for each of them.
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FULL TEXT: The Minerals Commission’s statement about Shama’s quarry explosion
A second explosion in the Western Region was reported on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
Initial accounts of the explosion created a picture of a precarious situation.
And as more accurate information about what had occurred began to emerge, it added weight to the calamity of destructive scope.
However, a statement has been released by the minerals commission below;
MINERALS COMMISSION
PRESS STATEMENT
RE: EXPLOSION AT A QUARRY SITE IN ASSORKO IN THE SHAMA DISTRICT OF THE WESTERN REGION
The Western Regional Head of the Minerals Commission at Takoradi (the “Commission”) was notified by the Assemblyman of the Anto-Abosso area in the Shama District at about 11.50pm on 9th September 2023, regarding an explosion at a quarry site.
A team of Mine Inspectors from the Takoradi Office of the Commission arrived at the site of the explosion at about 6.45 am on 10th September 2023. The area of the explosion is about 1.5 km away from the nearest settlement, Kobenandohkrom.
The inspectors were joined by officials from other State institutions comprising NADMO, Environmental Protection Agency, The Ghana Fire Service, Ambulance Service, the Ghana Police Service and officials from the Shama District Assembly to inspect the site.The Commission, after the preliminary investigations can confirm that the site of the explosion is a subject of an application by a company with the name Sta Addsams Enterprise. The company has applied for a Restricted Mining Lease for granite commonly referred to as a quarry. The recommendation for the company to be considered for the grant of a formal lease was granted on 20th March 2023. At the time of the explosion, the company has not not issued a lease by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
Secondly, the site of the explosion is the residential facilities for the company. This included buildings and containerized structures. The inspectors also found at the site, empty drums believed to have contained diesel, other lubricants, cigarette pieces, oxy-acetylene cylinders were found at the scene.
Additionally, all the facilities including light vehicles and equipment close to the residential structures on site were destroyed and five (5) persons are confirmed dead and some injured persons were sent to various hospitals within Sekondi-Takoradi for treatment.
The administrator of the enterprise informed the inspectors that the company was working at night ostensibly to prevent them from being noticed by the inspectors of the Commission and the local task force comprising the police and members of the sand winners and quarry Association.
A routine monitoring visit by the inspectors from the Takoradi Office to the site revealed that the enterprise was engaged in site cleaning and preparatory works and had conducted run of the machines and equipment on site without the approval of the Commission.
The enterprise was therefore notified by the inspectors that such activities are illegal and was directed to cease any activity on the site until the lease is granted and all other permits and approvals for the storage, transportation and use of any substance to undertake operations are obtained.
In this regard, pending the completion of a full investigation into the cause of the explosion, the enterprise had no lease, approval or permit to undertake any activity or operation at the site.
Consequently, the activity of the enterprise was illegal. The Commission wishes to remind the media and the public that the Inspectorate Division is committed to ensuring that all quarry sites are licensed and all the requisite approvals and permits are obtained before operations are undertaken.
SIGNED
MANAGER
CORPORATE AFFAIRS -
WASSCE 2023: Four OPASS students write exams with police escort
Four students of Ofori Panin Senior High School (OPASS), have been allocated police escorts because of their alleged involvement in a variety of criminal activities, including robbery, are writing the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) this year.
63 additional applicants are escorted by their parents or legal guardians.
Among these candidates receiving police protection, one is currently on remand and is taking the exams from the Akyem Tafo Police cells. This arrangement stems from a prior incident in July this year when a deboardinized student, Kelvin Bonzy, who had been granted bail by the police for robbery, was fatally attacked by a mob in Koforidua while attempting to rob a female student from Koforidua Technical University (KTU).
The remaining 63 students who arrived with their parents or guardians are believed to have engaged in various forms of misconduct on campus prior to the final examination.
To distinguish these 67 candidates who have been listed for various forms of misconduct, they are required to wear an all-white uniform to school. This decision aligns with the directive issued by the Ghana Education Service (GES) aimed at addressing spontaneous indiscipline among final year students after registering for the WASSCE. The directive empowers school management to deboardinize students found guilty of gross misconduct, while those involved in criminal activities are to be handed over to the police.
In a separate incident at the Ofori Panin Senior High School examination center, during the English Language paper, a candidate was partially undressed by an official for wearing attire that did not comply with the prescribed dress code. The student had worn a white top and brown khaki shorts instead of the required all-white attire, resulting in the official removing the shorts, leaving the candidate in boxer shorts to continue the examination.
These incidents highlight reports of maltreatment and intimidation of candidates at the examination center, raising concerns about the treatment of students during the examination process.
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14-year-old girl gang-raped and set on fire in Rajasthan
A young girl, who was 14 years old, was sexually assaulted by a group of people and then set on fire. Her brother later found her jewelry and her body inside a furnace.
The girl disappeared after she left home to look after her family’s goats.
Police in India have accused 11 men of committing the attack in Rajasthan.
According to officers who spoke to Times of India, the girl’s brother saw some charcoal furnaces that were set up by a group of people who move around a lot and don’t have a permanent home.
He noticed smoke coming out of one of the kilns, which made him suspicious because they weren’t usually on at night.
‘He searched through the oven with a stick and carefully looked through the burned things. ‘
The brother found a bracelet that he had given to his sister only a few days ago.
The police found body parts and they figured out the clothes and shoes of the victim.
They later said that the person who was hurt was still alive when someone set her on fire.
The very scary attack has made a lot of people really angry all over the country.
In July, 15,000 individuals came together for a sit-in protest in Manipur. This protest occurred because a group of people had stripped and exposed two women to public humiliation.
The people who were hurt belong to a small Christian group called Kuki. They were recorded while being made to walk through a village by a group of men who are Hindu and belong to a larger group called Meitei. This happened on May 3rd.
The video shows the two people being pushed, pulled, and touched inappropriately by the men. One of the men even threatened to harm them. Eventually, they were taken to a field.
Police think that a group of people assaulted one of the women together, and they also think that another woman, who is not shown in the video, was made to take off her clothes by force. -
Court adjourns #OccupyBoG protest case to Sept 18 over error in Police injunction
The High Court in Accra has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service, requiring them to amend the title of their injunction application.
This application sought to prevent the Minority in Parliament from protesting against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his two deputies.
In a ruling delivered today, Justice Edward Twum stated that the use of the title “Republic” in the application, as filed by the Police Service, was a mere oversight by the legal team representing the Police Service.
The Court acknowledged that the supporting documents submitted by the Police clarified their true intention, which was to act on behalf of the Inspector General of Police for the Police Service, a corporate entity with the legal capacity to initiate legal actions under the 1992 constitution, rather than the Attorney-General.
Justice Twum commended the lawyers representing the Minority in Parliament for their diligent scrutiny of the Police Service’s application. However, he emphasized that technicalities should not be exploited to delay the core matter, stressing the importance of fairness.
As a result, the Court granted the Police Service a seven-day period to revise the title of their application from “Republic” to “Inspector General of Police.”
The case has been adjourned to Monday, September 18, 2023. In the meantime, the Minority is scheduled to meet with the Accra Regional Police Command later today to discuss the logistical details of their demonstration. Originally scheduled for September 5, the protest was rescheduled to Tuesday, September 12, 2023, following the Court’s intervention.
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Bugri Naabu in the centre of another controversy as leaked videos reveal police payroll, contract kickback
A fresh set of recordings has emerged on social media, intensifying the controversy surrounding the alleged conspiracy to remove the incumbent Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
These newly surfaced tapes consist of video recordings featuring Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, engaged in various conversations with unidentified individuals. These conversations encompass discussions of several schemes.
One of the video clips captures Bugri Naabu seated in his office while an unidentified individual accuses him of involvement in a contract kickback scheme, where he is alleged to have shortchanged them and others.
“The contract was given to Ben Kofi and Ben Kofi gave the contract to him. So it is not that me and him we know about IGP giving him the contract. That contract didn’t come, look at what they are telling me now.
“This particular contract, the job was given to Ben Kofi and Ben Kofi also intend subletting it to him… so tell me, are you halting any money for me to give to the boys or what?
“Because you said you got some calls from even vice president’s office people called you. Me I don’t know how they got your number but I called your sister and your sister told me the contract was ready, they are now going to do production.
“Now, I went to IG (Inspector General), IG too says the contract is completed. If you don’t want trouble, bring the money for me to give to the boys. Otherwise, I cannot guarantee you, the problem can come.
“So he told me that, today is Monday, he said today he is going to meet Ben Kofi, the person the contract was awarded to, they will discuss it and see if they can get some money,” Bugri Naabu could be heard saying.
Although the precise context of the video remains somewhat unclear, recent developments have shed light on a potentially significant aspect. During a session before a parliamentary committee investigating a leaked tape involving three senior police officers, Superintendent George Asare made a notable claim regarding the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Dampare, and his connection to Bugri Naabu.
Superintendent George Asare, while appearing before the parliamentary committee tasked with probing the leaked tape, asserted that a business relationship existed between the current IGP and Bugri Naabu. Asare contended that the IGP had received contracts from the police service with Bugri Naabu’s involvement.
According to Asare, this business association might have prompted the IGP to request Bugri Naabu to secretly record a private conversation involving Asare and other senior police officers. Subsequently, this recorded conversation was leaked, further complicating the ongoing controversy.
“He has lied on several occasions. I have Alhaji Bugri Naabu on tape, everything he came to say here, on video in his office. His relationship with IGP and contracts, 40,000 boots contract…” he spilled before being stopped in his tracks by the chairman of the committee, Samuel Atta-Akyea.
Bugri Naabu during his testimony before the parliamentary committee admitted to having lobbied for Dr Dampare to become IGP.
In an alternative rendition of the recent video recordings, Bugri Naabu can be heard confessing to being a recipient of financial compensation from the Ghana Police Service. This revelation came as a response to an unidentified individual who had accused him of receiving payments from Dr. Akuffo Dampare’s payroll.
“Chairman, let me tell you today, the reason why I set a lady for you is, the day we came to ask you about the CV you told us that you are not getting anything with Dampare and we made our investigation, Dampare is paying you… he is paying you GHC10,000,” he stated.
In his response, Bugri Naabu denied the allegation and clarified that it was, in fact, the police service that compensated him with GHC10,000 on a monthly basis for his role as an informant.
“Don’t tell me that he pays me GHC10,000; he doesn’t pay me, it’s the police… I don’t know, I receive GHC10,000 from the police and they tell me the security work I do as a paramount chief… when there is a problem I report to them,” he responded.
However, his accuser firmly insisted that the payment originated from the IGP and not the police service.
The disagreement over this matter escalated, with Bugri Naabu boldly challenging his accuser to take action and attempt to discredit him if they so desired.
Bugri Naabu Caught on camera fighting over an alleged contract Money from IGP Dampare. This may affirm what COP Mensah said that the IGP and Bugri Naabu set him and the other officers up. pic.twitter.com/4PhfgqOlqx
— Afia Manu Oppong (@manu_afia) September 8, 2023 -
Police pays me GHC10,000 every month for the security work I do for them – Bugri Naabu admits
A recent video has surfaced in connection with the ongoing stream of recordings related to the alleged scheme to remove the incumbent Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, from his position.
In this latest release, comprising both a video and an audio recording of a phone conversation, Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), can be heard openly acknowledging his affiliation with the Ghana Police Service. He made this admission in response to allegations made by an unidentified individual referred to as Amad, who accused him of being associated with Dr. Akuffo Dampare’s payroll.
“Chairman … you told us that you are not getting anything with Dampare and we made our investigation, Dampare is paying you… he is paying you GH₵10,000,” he stated.
In response, Bugri Naabu debunked the claim and clarified that it was the police service that was paying him for being an informant.
“Don’t tell me that he pays me GH₵10,000; he doesn’t pay me, it’s the police… I don’t know, I receive GH₵10,000 from the police and they tell me the security work I do as a paramount chief… when there is a problem I report to them,” he responded.
However, his accuser continued to assert that the payments in question came directly from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and not from the police service.
Their dispute escalated, with Bugri Naabu daring his accuser to take any actions he deemed necessary to harm his reputation if he was so inclined.
Background
In the preceding month, a leaked audio recording revealed several senior police officers seeking the support of Bugri Naabu to remove the current Inspector General of Police from his position.
These officers, who identified themselves as supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party, expressed concerns that Dr. Dampare’s tenure as Inspector General of Police posed a threat to the party’s chances of winning the 2024 election.
In a subsequent appearance before a parliamentary committee tasked with investigating the leaked tape, Bugri Naabu confessed to recording his conversations with the police officers as evidence of the alleged plot, with the intention of presenting it to President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo.
However, one of the officers implicated in the recording, Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah, claimed that the recording was actually orchestrated by Dr. Dampare himself, and it was he who leaked their conversations with Bugri Naabu.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, September 9, 2023, the Ghana Police Service announced the suspension of all the police officers involved in the leaked tape pending further investigation.
“The Police Service has interdicted Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr. George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Mr. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Superintendent Mr. George Lysander Asare in connection with the audio tape which has become a subject matter of investigation by Parliament.
“The interdiction is to make way for disciplinary proceedings into their conduct in line with Police Service regulations,” the police statement added.
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COP Bediako defends IGP, says he’s not mandated to promote officers
Director-General of Services at the Police Head Office, COP Enoch Adutwum Bediako, has emphasized that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, is not under any obligation to grant promotions to specific police officers.
During a session with students of the Police Basic School as part of the Snatch Them Young Police Initiative, COP Bediako advised future recruits not to assume that longevity in the service automatically entitles them to promotions from the IGP.
“You cannot go and tell the IGP that, I have worked so I need promotion, as if he is obliged to promote you, whether you work or you don’t work. No. The answer is, it depends on how you have worked within the period then the IGP will promote you. So in future, if you become police officers put that in your mind.”
COP Bediako’s remarks come in response to recent claims made by COP Alex Mensah during his appearance before the parliamentary committee investigating the leaked tape regarding an alleged plot to remove IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from office.
COP Mensah alleged that low morale in the Police Service was due to the IGP’s failure to promote eligible officers and mismanagement of the Ghana Police Service.
“Dampare is not managing the Police Service well and the majority of Police officers are not happy. You can call the Police officers underground and they will tell you,” he said.
In May this year, some 82 police officers filed a suit against the Attorney General (1st defendant), the Ghana Police Service (2nd defendant), and the Inspector General of Police (3rd defendant).
The plaintiffs contend that the Ghana Police Service failed to promote them after they finished their studies under the organization’s study leave with pay policy.
In the lawsuit filed at an Accra High Court on May 15, the officers led by Deputy Inspector Kofi Osal claim they were denied their deserved promotions as well as entry into the Police College after the successful completion of their studies during the 2017/2018 academic year.
They maintained that the agency refused to promote them despite duly notifying them of the situation and further appealing to be promoted.
The complainants are therefore requesting that the court issue an order directed against the 2nd and 3rd defendants to grant the plaintiffs who qualify for accelerated promotions.
They are also demanding that a permit is given to the plaintiffs who qualify to enter the Police College without further delay.
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Police in Kenya salvage 26 trafficked women after raiding a house
In the central town of Murang’a, Kenyan police made a discovery on Monday night, uncovering 26 Ethiopian women who had been held captive by human traffickers in a partially constructed house.
The women had endured confinement in the small house for approximately one week, with only a solitary mattress on the bare floor.
These women had reportedly been trafficked into Kenya through the Moyale border point, with their ultimate destination being South Africa.
Law enforcement authorities have taken the women into custody, seizing their passports and mobile phones in the process.
Furthermore, the proprietor and the guard responsible for the house have been apprehended, as the investigation to locate the human traffickers remains ongoing.
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Minority, Police to meet again over BoG protest
The Greater Accra Police Command has extended an invitation to the Minority in Parliament for a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
The meeting aims to discuss the upcoming #OccupyBoG demonstration, which is intended to protest against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his deputies.
This is the second time the Minority and the Police are meeting over the matter.
Originally planned for September 5, 2023, the Minority in Parliament has decided to reschedule their demonstration and picketing to September 12, 2023. This change in date is attributed to the recent court proceedings that took place on September 4, 2023.
The Police secured an injunction to halt the protest. They registered dissatisfaction with the intended route to be used by the Minority, arguing that it would affect public safety and order.
In a recent statement, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, explained in a statement that the court was unable to provide an immediate ruling due to the substantial preliminary legal objections raised by the lawyers representing the Minority in Parliament.
According to the Minority in a statement dated Monday, September 4, protestors would use its earlier proposed route.
The march will commence from the frontage of Parliament House – Osu Cemetery Traffic Light Ministry of Finance – High Court Complex – Kinbu – Makola – Rawlings Park – Opera Square – Bank of Ghana.
In response to this development, the Police, through a letter addressed to Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has requested a meeting on September 5, 2023, to discuss the logistical and operational details of the demonstration.
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Police issued with 10-day ultimatum by Akyem Hemang Chiefs to stop galamsey
The Chiefs and residents of Akyem Hemang, a farming community in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region, have issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service, Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, and the local assembly.
They demand that these authorities take action to either expel or apprehend illegal miners who are causing water pollution and devastating farmlands in the area.
The Chiefs have expressed that if the mentioned agencies do not intervene and put a stop to the miners’ activities within the stipulated 10-day period, the community will resort to taking matters into their own hands to safeguard and preserve their water bodies and agricultural lands.
Speaking to the media, the Chief of Akyem Hemang, Osabarima Mmirrikkissi Okasum Apori Atta, conveyed that he can no longer contain the anger of his people.
“We know you have done your best, but it is not good enough, if you can’t do it, give us about 10 policemen to accompany us. Who has authorised them to come and mine our waterbodies in the first place? We cannot build Ghana in this way…I cannot hold back the anger of my people again.
“Within 10 days, if we don’t hear anything we will apply officially, to follow due process to go on demonstration and we will need police guard to drive them away. If there are no laws in this land, let us know so we take the laws into our own hands.”
Several irate community members, in conversations with Citi News, pointed fingers at the government, holding it responsible for the shortcomings in combating illegal mining in the nation.
In the meantime, Ernest Ofosu, the District Chief Executive for Fanteakwa South, who also serves as the Chairman of the District Security Council (DISEC), has provided assurance that an urgent DISEC meeting will be convened to address the grievances expressed by the community.
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Nigerian police to arrest motorists using tinted glasses, unauthorised sirens
The Kebbi Police Command has issued an order for the arrest and prosecution of individuals using unauthorized sirens, tinted glasses, and unregistered vehicles.
According to SP Nafi’u Abubakar, the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), this directive was conveyed in a statement released in Birnin Kebbi and attributed to CP Samuel Musa, the State Commissioner of Police.
CP Musa emphasized the ongoing campaign against the abuse of diplomatic number plates, unregistered vehicles, covered number plates, unauthorized use of sirens, and tinted glasses.
He instructed his Tactical Commanders, Area Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to take action against offenders.
The commissioner assured that these officers had been directed to arrest and prosecute violators while also impounding their vehicles, sirens, and fake private number plates. He urged the people of the state to refrain from violating this order, emphasizing that anyone found in contravention would face appropriate sanctions.
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Drug user kills friend in order to ‘teach him a lesson’
A person who was addicted to drugs strangled their friend to teach them a lesson and then took their £15 television. They have been sent to prison.
Salieu Seray-Wurie, who is 26 years old, did a very mean thing at Darren Ammon’s apartment in Shoreditch, which is in east London, on October 15 of last year.
Mr Ammon, who is 47 years old, let a person who is addicted to Class A drugs stay in his apartment. However, on the day he was killed, Mr. Ammon called the police because he wanted the person to go away. This information was shared at the Old Bailey court.
Seray-Wurie came back later to get his bank card. He was very angry and used a cord to strangle Mr. Ammon while he begged for his life.
He left Mr Ammon sleeping under a blanket while he took the TV and sold it for £15.
The neighbors called the police when they found Mr. Ammon tied up with his wrists and knees, and the cord was still around his neck three days later.
Bernard Tetlow KC explained that Seray-Wurie went through mistreatment by his father and was sent away from his family in Sierra Leone. -
Afenyi-Dadzie was unaware her spouse had received $1.5m from Beige Group – Police
A report on the ongoing court case involving Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie’s First Africa Savings and Loans (FASL) and The Beige Group has highlighted contradictions in her statements to the police and the Receiver of Banks.
In a prior report by starrfm.com.gh, it was revealed that Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, the former Managing Director of FASL, had informed the police that she was unaware of her husband, Kwesi Tetteh Dadzie, receiving a $1.5 million partial payment.
This case stems from the collapse of Beige Bank during the 2019 banking sector cleanup.
According to the details shared by the news portal, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie’s statements to the police regarding her husband’s payment appear to be incorrect, considering her involvement in the agreement that made The Beige Group FASL’s majority shareholder.
The report also noted that in July 2017, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie approached Mike Nyinaku, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to discuss FASL’s financial difficulties. At that time, FASL was facing significant liquidity challenges, struggling to meet its depositors’ demands. Consequently, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie sought financial assistance from Michael Nyinaku.
“Thinking this was a temporary challenge and on the basis of the fact that Mike held her as a godmother, he gave her an amount of GHS200,000 (Two Billion old Cedis ) as a gift to augment her needs. Within a week of having given her the initial sum of GHS200,000 as a gift, Mrs. Afenyi Dadzie, approached Mike Nyinaku again requesting for more financial support for FASL.
“She explained that FASL had been given notice by the BoG that they were at risk of having their license revoked as a result of a continuous decline in their capital adequacy position. In principle, the company was in dire need of new capital injection far in excess of the initial amount gifted by Mike Nyinaku to GAD. Sensing that this could be a recurrent issue and considering his experience in the industry, Mike decided to make things more formal this time. Mike thus caused TBG to advance to First Africa Group, a loan of GHS200,000. This transaction was executed via a check dated August 8, 2017,” the report indicated.
According to the report, the two parties reached an agreement to address FASL’s persistent issues by having First Africa Group sell 90% of its stake to The Beige Group (TBG) for a value of USD 2.5 million.
Subsequently, the agreement was finalized, and an initial payment of $1.5 million was made to FASL in accordance with Clause 4.1 of the share purchase agreement. This clause stipulated that upon the payment of USD 1,500,000 of the purchase consideration, TBG would assume complete control of FASL.
Consequently, on September 4, 2017, TBG executed two installment payments to FAG, totaling GHS 7 million (equivalent to USD 1,589,684 at the time). The first payment of GHS 5 million (USD 1,136,519) was made on September 5, 2017, followed by the second payment of GHS 2 million (USD 453,165) on September 15, 2017.
As of September 15, 2017, TBG had fulfilled the crucial condition specified in the agreement, granting it the right to assume full control of FASL. Subsequently, TBG appointed Vanessa Atsu as the Responsible Officer, representing the new shareholders. Vanessa Atsu’s primary responsibility was to oversee the complete transition of FASL into a fully integrated subsidiary of The BEIGE Group.
Banking sector cleanup and the events that happened thereafter:
All bank accounts belonging to organizations connected to TBG were instructed to be frozen by the Receiver of Banks on August 1, 2018, the day the BEIGE Bank was taken over. As a result, FASL and all of TBG’s subsidiaries’ accounts were stopped.
Eventually, a few of the subsidiaries petitioned the Receiver to unfreeze their accounts because there were no legal justifications for this action. However, these appeals went unanswered.
Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie and another person by the name of Kwabena Osei Bonsu, who was then a manager at FASL, allegedly hired the Receiver of the BEIGE Bank to speak with The BEIGE Bank about the operations of FASL in order to get her accounts unfrozen.
“Kwabena Osei Bonsu in his statement to the Police indicated that the purpose for which he and GAD engaged the Receiver was for them to enquire about the status of the bank accounts of FASL held with the Beige bank. That meeting was held on August 15, 2018. It turns out that no official of The BEIGE Group – the then majority shareholders of FASL was informed about or invited to be in attendance at this meeting.
“It has further emerged that during that meeting, Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie and Kwabena Osei Bonsu presented themselves as officials of FASL to the exclusion of the representatives of The BEIGE Group who were the majority shareholders of FASL at the time. What was striking was that Vanessa Atsu, who had served as the representative of The BEIGE Group at FASL and the substantive person managing all the affairs of FASL was not invited to this meeting or even mentioned at the meeting by GAD and Kwabena Osei Bonsu,” the report added.
Also, it emerged that Afenyi-Dadzie told the Receiver at that meeting that TBG had only “expressed the intention to invest in FASL and consequently made a deposit for shares of GHS9M but the process was yet to be completed,” without the mention that prior to the investment of GHS9M into the company by BEIGE, an amount of GHS7M had already been paid by BEIGE to FAG, the outgoing shareholders to secure the shares that were being purchased.
The police Commercial Crime Unit (CCU) of the CID was notified of the situation by the Receiver of the BEIGE Bank, and an inquiry into it was then launched.
According to the report, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie reiterated the information she had previously given to the Receiver when she appeared before the police, with the exception of the facts that the shares had actually been partially paid for directly to FAG and that full control of FASL had been transferred to The BEIGE Group in accordance with the terms of the share purchase agreement.
“What is not known is whether she provided a copy of the share purchase agreement to the police or not however, what is known without a shred of doubt is that she did not disclose that First Africa Group – the company of which Kwesi Tetteh Dadzie, her husband was the Managing Director – had received and acknowledged payment of an amount of GHS7M being part payment for the share purchase consideration agreed upon between the two parties.
“Secondly, the CID invited Mike Nyinaku. In a statement issued to the Police dated September 12, 2018, Mike Nyinaku narrated the entire story about how the acquisition happened, the purchase consideration of GHS7M paid, the additional capital injection of GHS9M made into the company, the appointment of BEIGE officials to manage the company, amongst others and supported all these with the relevant supporting documentation including a copy of the share purchase agreement,” the report added.
The police chose to confront GAD with the former’s side of the story after Mike Nyinaku also showed up and provided supporting evidence for the agreement between BEIGE and FASL, contradicting what GAD had told them on August 27, 2018.
“Thus, in a supplementary statement offered by Mrs. Gifty Afenyi Dadzie to the Police on September 25, 2018, she admitted that ‘After consulting her boss, he confirmed that the cedi equivalent of USD1.5M had been paid by BEIGE to First Africa Group as part payment of the purchase consideration of USD 2.5M agreed,’” it added.
Kwabena Bonsu, the fourth prosecution witness, who was a manager at FASL at the time, insisted he was unaware of the existence of a share purchase agreement between First Africa Group and The BEIGE Group while being cross-examined by Thaddeus Sory, the attorney for Mike Nyinaku in the ongoing trial.
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Ghana Prisons to probe ex-convicts’ allegations against officers
The Ghana Prison Service (GPS) has taken proactive measures in response to allegations raised by two former inmates against certain officers at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons.
A dedicated committee has been established to thoroughly investigate these allegations.
In an official statement released by Superintendent Yaa Prempeh Sifah, the Acting Chief Public Relations Officer for GPS, it was emphatically stated that the service is fully committed to addressing these allegations with the utmost seriousness.
No officer found guilty of any misconduct will be protected, and actions inconsistent with the Service’s established rules and regulations will be met with appropriate consequences.
The statement further underscored the GPS’s commitment to upholding its integrity and reputation, emphasizing its zero tolerance for actions that could tarnish its image.
The GPS’s primary focus remains on its core responsibilities, including ensuring the secure custody of inmates, treating them humanely, supporting their reformation and rehabilitation, and facilitating their successful reintegration into society.
These efforts aim to foster responsibility, productivity, and law-abiding behavior among inmates, ultimately contributing to public safety. -
Man in his 20s fatally stabbed in broad daylight in north London
The police were contacted after receiving a report about a stabbing on Axminster Road in Islington at 11 this morning.39am
The police and ambulance found a man with cuts from a knife.
A police officer named Detective Chief Inspector Neil John is starting an investigation into a murder. He wants to figure out what happened before and after the murder. If you have any information or dashcam footage, please contact us.
‘A post-mortem examination will be arranged at a later time. ‘
Superintendent Jack May-Robinson said, “I am very sad to see another young person lose their life unnecessarily on the streets of our capital city. ”
In the next few days, there will be more police in the area that local people can easily see. If anyone has concerns, they should go up to the police officers they see. -
Police re-arrest jailbreaker who hid in forest for 3 days
Nine Community Police Assistants stationed in Ajumako Bisease, within the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of the Central Region, have successfully apprehended Augustine Ghansah, an escaped prison inmate.
Ghansah managed to break out of the Osamkrom Prison camp, situated in the Agona West District of the Central Region.
Following his escape, a report was filed at the Ajumako Bisease Police Station, prompting the launch of an investigation.
Upon learning that the police were actively searching for him, the fugitive took refuge in a dense forest in Ajumako Bisease. In response, nine Community Police Assistants were dispatched to comb the forest in pursuit of Ghansah.
After three days of relentless searching, they eventually spotted him concealed behind a large tree near a thick undergrowth. A swift chase ensued, leading to his capture.
Ghansah was subsequently taken into police custody and placed in a cell before being returned to the Osamkrom Prison camp.
The successful apprehension of the escaped prisoner has garnered widespread praise for the commendable efforts of these nine Community Police Personnel stationed at the Ajumako Bisease Police Station.
Residents are now urging the government and Inspector General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, to consider permanently recruiting these nine Community Police Personnel into the Ghana Police Service as a valuable contribution to national security.
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Man defiles ex’s 15-year-old daughter
The Gender-Based Violence Court at the Police Headquarters in Accra is currently hearing a defilement case involving a male driver.
Kingsley Asamoah is accused of defiling his ex-lover’s 15-year-old daughter on five occasions.
Kwabena Kodua Obiri Yeboah, who presided over the case, granted the accused bail in the sum of GHC 30,000 with two sureties.
The matter has been adjourned to September 7, 2023.
According to the prosecution, led by Detective Chief Inspector Simon Tekpor, the complainant is a hairdresser and a former lover of Kingsley who lives in Lartebiokorshie with her daughter.
The prosecution said Asamoah and the complainant had an intimate relationship during which she fell pregnant but miscarried.
Their relationship, however, ended.
However, because of the accused’s previous relationship with the complainant, the victim has been running errands for Asamoah.
The prosecution said Asamoah exploited his relationship with the victim to have sex with her behind the complainant’s back.
According to the prosecutor, on July 21, 2023, at about 2030 hours, Asamoah asked the victim to go and buy him a mosquito incense.
When the victim returned with the incense, Asamoah began to fondle her and eventually had sex with her.
The victim cried after the sexual act and went to inform her mother about the ordeal.
She told her mother that that was the fifth time that Asamoah had had sex with her.
On July 22, 2023, the complainant reported the incident to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit, and she was given a medical report form to take the victim to the hospital for treatment.
Asamoah was arrested after the complainant identified him.
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Eastern Region: Alleged assault by two policemen results in death of teenager
A 17-year-old young man, Kwesi Boateng has lost his life following an alleged assault by two police officers in Mamaso, Birem North District of the Eastern Region.
The grieving family is fervently seeking justice in response to this heartbreaking incident.
Prior to his untimely demise, Kwesi Boateng was employed at a car wash facility in Maamaso, a neighborhood near New Abirem in the Eastern Region.
According to accounts from friends and family, the two police officers purportedly subjected the teenager to physical violence due to what they deem a minor mistake.
A colleague of the deceased shared his recollection: “I was in the midst of working on a vehicle when the police officers arrived. Kwesi borrowed the pressure washer from me to clean his carpet. In the process, water accidentally splashed onto the policemen. They confronted Kwesi, and although he explained that it wasn’t intentional, they grew agitated.”
He further explained: “The situation escalated, and they reported the incident to the car wash owner. Despite the owner’s apologies, I witnessed one of the officers forcefully knocking Kwesi to the ground.”
The father of the deceased, Chairman Akimodis, expressed that his son lost his life due to the injuries inflicted by the officers.
“My son was brutally beaten. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after we transported him to the Abirem Police Station. An extensive investigation is imperative to identify those responsible for my son’s death. If justice is not served, I will employ all means at my disposal. I hail from Larteh, and I am prepared to rally the entire extended family of the policemen if necessary.”
Following the assault, the victim was admitted to the New Abirem Government Hospital before his unfortunate passing.
Although details of the deceased’s condition during his hospitalization remain undisclosed by the New Abirem Government Hospital, Dr. Sekyi Attaa Larbi, a medical doctor at the facility, cited legal restrictions on sharing patient information.
“By legal guidelines, I am prohibited from revealing a patient’s information to a third party. Regrettably, I cannot comply with your request.”
The Eastern Regional Police Command has taken custody of the deceased’s body from the I & I Private Mortuary in Afosu for an autopsy to be conducted in Accra, without the accompaniment of family members.
Family members, however, have contested this action, making their presence felt at the mortuary and demanding the return of the body. Rebecca Owusu, the elder sister of the deceased, articulated their stance:
“We insist on reclaiming my brother’s body. How could the police take the body away without informing us? This document is evidence that a body has been deposited here. Our demand is clear: we want our brother’s body back.”
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Zimbabwean police detain 40 opposition members ahead of elections
Zimbabwean authorities have reported the apprehension of 40 members affiliated with the primary opposition party on grounds of obstructing traffic and inciting disorder during a campaign event on Tuesday. This occurrence transpired just a week before the national elections are scheduled to take place.
In anticipation of the forthcoming elections, slated for August 23, tensions are mounting within this southern African nation. Analysts foresee a tense atmosphere due to an increased crackdown on dissent and apprehensions about potential vote manipulation.
During the campaign event held on Tuesday in a southwestern suburb of the capital city Harare, the opposition party Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) encountered interference from law enforcement, leading to the disruption of their supporters, as reported by party spokeswoman Fadzayi Mahere.
The police have officially confirmed that they took into custody 40 activists associated with the CCC. The authorities assert that the party initially communicated its intention to conduct a rally but subsequently deviated from the prearranged location.
The group “went on a car rally procession” in a nearby area, and stopped at a traffic light “openly blocking traffic”, police said, adding that CCC supporters “started chanting party slogans and singing”.
Social media users posted video of a packed junction of people wearing the yellow uniforms of the CCC, some of them were crammed within the bed of a small truck.
The opposition has long alleged that it was unfairly singled out for attention by the government in the run-up to the election, with its members being detained and numerous CCC activities being halted.
A report by Human Rights Watch this month said the upcoming ballot will be held under a “seriously flawed electoral process” that does not meet global standards for freedom and fairness.
It accused police of “partisan conduct” and of using “intimidation and violence against the opposition”.
In the presidential election next week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 80, of the ZANU-PF, who has led the country since its independence in 1980, is running for re-election.
Nelson Chamisa, a preacher and CCC leader who is 45 years old, is his biggest rival.
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Ghana Police labeled as most bribe takers
An alarming corruption report from 2022 has brought attention to the pervasive issue of bribery within Ghana’s public sector.
The findings reveal that police officers have shown the highest vulnerability to bribery among all public officials, with an alarming prevalence rate of 53.2 percent.
Conducted collaboratively by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the survey provides a troubling glimpse into the scope of corruption.
Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Officers and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) customs officers also stand out with significant bribery rates of 37.4 percent and 33.6 percent, respectively.
Interestingly, elected government representatives exhibit notably lower involvement in bribery, registering a mere 2.9 percent.
Different forms of bribes are given to public officials. A striking 84.8 percent of bribes in Ghana are in the form of cash. While the exchange of a public service for another service and offering food and drink are less common, rural areas (17.8 percent) show a higher tendency to use food and drink bribes compared to urban areas (10.1 percent).
The cumulative value of cash bribes in Ghana nearly amounts to a third of the Ministry of Education’s 2021 budget.
Urban cash bribes are 1.5 times larger than rural ones, with the national average bribe standing at 348 Ghanaian cedi. Considering approximately 17.4 million bribes were paid in Ghana in 2021, the annual sum for cash bribes to public officials is around 5 billion Ghanaian cedi, equivalent to 32.9 percent of the Ministry of Education’s 2021 budget.
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South African manhunt after ID-related shooting
Following a horrific shooting in which six people killed, a manhunt has been started in South Africa, according to authorities.
According to preliminary information, four suspects are suspected of shooting the victims in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, just before midnight on Friday.
One of the suspects thought one of the victims had his identification since it had been dropped accidently during a previous murder for which he was wanted.
One of the highest murder rates in the world is found in South Africa.
According to a police statement, it is believed that the suspects shot four people: two inside the home, one in a back room, and one close to an outdoor toilet.
The suspects allegedly then shot three victims in a neighbouring cabin.
Later, a casualty was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
Police have identified three of the suspects, and they are asking anyone with information to come forward.
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Destruction in Maui: From tropical paradise to battle zone in 24 hours – locals
Les Munn, like so many others here, has a tragic tale of survival. We spoke at one of the shelters on Maui.
His only source of guidance as he fled his Lahaina house through the smoky veil of the wildfires was a police car’s flashing blue light.
He continues, “They were landing on everything and there is just nowhere to go,” as smoke and amber began to fly and the fire simply devoured everything.
“It just went black, and the only thing I could see was the blue lights of the police unit, so that was the beacon I used to get to safety.”
In the evacuation centre, Munn claims he hasn’t run into any of his neighbours.
“That’s kept me tense, kept me stressed these past few days,” he claims.
I am unsure of their survival.
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Video: MP, DCE fight over broken traffic light causing chaos in Tuobodom
Lawyer Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, the Member of Parliament for Techiman North was in the district capital where contractors had brought their machinery to replace the faulty traffic lights at her instance.
According to the residents of the area, it was her 2020 campaign promise to fix it to reduce road accidents at the intersection in question.
However, the Chief Executive of the Techiman North District in the Bono region, Everson Addo-Donkor ordered the police commander to stop the legislator from replacing the traffic light because it is not her government that is in power.
This resulted in a clash between the supporters of the two politicians, with those of the MP insisting that the contractor should go ahead with the work, while those of the DECE were against it.
Eventually, the police commander asked the contractor to leave the site and keep his tools at the police station for the disagreement to be resolved before he proceeds.
The development has angered many residents of Tuobodom who have vowed to ensure the MP is allowed to fulfil her campaign promise to them, which would also bring an end to the incessant loss of lives at the said section of the busy road due to the absence of a traffic light.
In a video shared by Joy News, some of the residents are heard wondering whether the DCE has the interest of the people at heart or he is just pursuing parochial partisan interests.
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Ex-Police Chief of Sierra Leone is deported by Liberian authorites
A former police chief from Sierra Leone has been detained and turned over by Liberian authorities after that nation accused him of plotting a coup against President Julius Maada Bio’s administration.
He mentioned that Liberia had opted to surrender the former police chief to Sierra Leone as requested, following preliminary investigations.
He further stated that Sierra Leone had provided assurances that the ex-police chief’s rights would be upheld, including the right to a fair and expedient trial.
Nevertheless, Liberia’s Independent National Commission on Human Rights expressed reservations about the extradition, citing concerns about surrendered individuals potentially facing “physical abuse, unfair trial, or excessive punishment” from the requesting government.
In a statement, the commission also reminded Liberia’s government of its responsibilities, including the refusal of extradition requests if the offense “is considered a political offense or one associated with a political offense.”
The former police chief has been residing in Liberia since last year. He was among the officers dismissed from the Sierra Leone police force in 2020, with others compelled into retirement, according to local media reports.
His deportation comes after more than a week following the Sierra Leone police’s accusation against unspecified individuals “at home and abroad” of plotting violent protests.
Last week, the police reported the arrest of several individuals, including unnamed senior military officers, for allegedly “working to undermine the peace and tranquillity of the state.”
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6 Police officers injured after scuffle with Tricycle operators in Kumasi
A confrontation between tricycle operators and the police in Kumasi has led to the injury of six police officers.
On August 2nd, tricycle operators in the area heightened their protest against a directive aimed at limiting their mobility within specific sections of the Central Business District. The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly remains determined to enforce this policy.
On Wednesday, August 2nd, these tricycle operators occupied the streets and obstructed a primary thoroughway leading to Kejetia. This action resulted in substantial traffic congestion and disruptions to daily routines.
Officers of the Police Service were then summoned by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to restore order, as the tricycle operators had gathered at the KMA offices to reclaim their confiscated tricycles.
Tensions have escalated between the KMA and tricycle operators in Kumasi due to the KMA’s prohibition of tricycles, commonly known as “Pragya,” from operating within the central business district.
Nana Afuah Konadu, the Head of Communications at the KMA, conveyed to reporters that despite the situation, the KMA remains steadfast in its decision.
“If you go to the hospitals you will see various injuries they have sustained. We realised the situation was getting out of hand. They were not ready to comply, they were ready to hurt anybody that came their way. They just didn’t allow law or order to work, so the military came in, I think about seven or so came in to disperse the crowd. They have left. As you can see, we are continuing for one week, and it will continue again depending on the state of affairs,” the Head of Communications at the KMA said.