The court ordered Daniel Ansah, 46 and Sampson Gyamfi, 33, both electrical technicians at KIA, to report to the Police three times a week.

They have since denied conspiring to steal the 160 litres of diesel, valued at GH¢1,793.60, belonging to the Ghana Airport Company Limited.

The two are to reappear at the court, presided over by Maame Yaa Kusi-Mensah, on February 18, 2026.

Police Chief Inspector Christine Bansah, giving the facts, said Mr Foster Afloh, the Complainant, was a National Investigation Bureau officer stationed at the Kotoka International Airport.

Ansah and Gyamfi, the accused persons, are both Electrical Technicians with Ghana Airport Company Limited.

On January 18, 2026, the prosecution stated that at 0328 hours, the complainant was conducting routine checks at the Ghana Airport Company Limited when he intercepted the accused persons transporting eight yellow gallons of diesel in a Nissan pickup with registration number GV531-14.

The accused persons, she said, were questioned but could not provide any reasonable explanation. They were arrested together with the exhibits and escorted to the Airport Police station, where a formal complaint was lodged.

During investigations, the accused persons admitted the offences in their cautioned statements.

They led the police to the emergency power plants section at the KIA, where they siphoned the diesel.

They were arraigned after investigations.

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Justice Kofi Boateng, who has been charged with defrauding by false pretences, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court admitted the accused to bail in the sum of GH¢150,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be justified. The court further ordered the accused to deposit all travelling documents, including his passport, with the court registry and to report to the police once every two weeks.

The case has been adjourned to March 24, 2026.

Earlier, counsel for the accused prayed the court to grant bail, describing his client as a professional nurse with a fixed place of abode. Counsel told the court that the accused was married with children and had persons willing to stand as sureties.

The prosecutor, Inspector Frederick Asare, opposed the bail application, arguing that the accused had no fixed place of abode and was a student nurse who was arrested at a hospital.

According to the prosecution’s case, the complainant, Beatrice Asante, is a trader and resident of Amasaman, while the accused is a nurse who resides at Dansoman.

In May 2025, the complainant informed a friend, Louisa, who lives in the United Kingdom, of her intention to travel there in search of better opportunities. The complainant and her husband, Dickson Junior Sarfo, later contacted the accused and met him at Latebiokorshie, where discussions were held.

He further represented that he had access to a United Kingdom Certificate of Sponsorship, which came with a five-year work visa at a cost of GH¢280,000 for one applicant.

Convinced by the representation, the complainant paid GH¢250,000 into a Fidelity Bank account provided by the accused. Boateng later instructed the complainant to submit her application documents and biometrics at the VFS Visa Application Centre at Airport Residential Area in Accra.

A few weeks later, the accused allegedly demanded an additional GH¢7,000 to pay for a United Kingdom residence permit, which the complainant paid via MTN Mobile Money to a number, 0242169747, registered in the name of Justice Kofi Boateng.

Subsequently, the complainant received an email from the United Kingdom Embassy informing her that her visa application had been refused. She later realised that the application did not include a Certificate of Sponsorship, contrary to the earlier representations allegedly made by the accused.

Suspecting foul play, the complainant reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of Boateng. In his caution statement, the accused admitted collecting a total of GH¢257,000 from the complainant for the purpose of securing a Certificate of Sponsorship.

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The motor rider is alleged to have dropped the arms and ammunition when he saw he was being trailed by the police.

When the abandoned packages were opened, one A-Tac semi-automatic shotgun, two Jojef semi-automatic shotguns, and two boxes of cartridges containing a total of 500 BB cartridges were found, a police brief said on Friday.

It said on January 27, at approximately 1530 hours, the Ghana Police Service received intelligence about an unknown person on a blue Royal motorcycle allegedly transporting arms and ammunition to Kpandai.

It said a surveillance team was immediately deployed to monitor the motorcycle’s movement from the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange toward the Agbogbloshie Bus Terminal.

On realising he was being trailed by police, the suspect reportedly dropped several parcels wrapped in black nylon bags and fled the scene.

Despite a coordinated search, police were unable to apprehend the motorcycle rider.

However, investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the suspect.

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The convict, Kweku Fosu, 55, pleaded guilty to the charge of indecent assault and was accordingly convicted and sentenced by the court, presided over by Mr Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah.

In his plea, Fosu expressed remorse and told the court that he would not repeat the offence of “inserting his fingers into the vagina of minors,” adding that he could not explain what compelled him to act as he did.

Prosecuting, Superintendent of Police Agnes Boafo told the court that the complainant was a cleaner and the victim’s father, while the convict was a trader, both residing in Abossey Okai.

In November 2025, the victim complained of vagina itching, and she was offered some first aid.

Prosecution said the victim, after the first aid, still continued to complain, compelling the mother to inspect her private part.

Her mother detected that there were sores around her vagina, which had become “reddish.”

The victim disclosed that the convict had indecently assaulted her, the prosecution said, adding that the complainant subsequently lodged an official complaint with the police on December 10, 2025.

A Police Medical Report Form was issued to enable the victim to receive medical attention at a government hospital, which was duly done.

Supt. Boafo said the convict was arrested on January 8, 2026, cautioned, and later charged with the offence.

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The exercise, which was carried out under strict security supervision, involved consignments of suspected cannabis, tramadol, and other illicit drugs intercepted during various anti-narcotics operations across different parts of the region.

According to the Police, the destruction was carried out in line with legal and environmental safety procedures, after the substances were tendered in court and the necessary orders were obtained for their disposal.

Officials said the move is intended to prevent the drugs from finding their way back into circulation and to send a strong warning to individuals involved in drug trafficking and abuse.

The Police noted that the Narcotics Division will continue with intelligence-led operations to arrest suspects, seize illicit drugs, and ensure that offenders are dealt with according to the law.

“Those involved in drug dealing must stop. We will pursue and arrest them wherever they operate, and they will be made to face the law,” the Ashanti Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit Commander, Superintendent Frazer Nutakor, cautioned.

The Ghana Police Service also reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and safety, particularly among the youth, through sustained enforcement and public education.

“We believe that it is drug use that is leading these youth into criminal activities, so we are committed to dealing with it,” the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, emphasised.

The Police further called on the public to support the fight against drug abuse by providing timely information on suspected drug-related activities within their communities.

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Mensah pleaded guilty and was convicted on his own plea.

Police Chief Inspector David Opoku Kwabi told the court, presided over by Jephthah Appau, that the complainant, Vashti Adwoa Apperkon, an Accra-based event planner, discovered on January 18, 2026, that her bedroom window had been damaged and that items had been stolen.

The stolen items included two iPhones, a Samsung Galaxy phone, an iWatch, other belongings valued at GHS34,000, and a bag containing $20, 20 Canadian dollars, 20 pounds, and GHS650.

Following investigations, Mensah was arrested at Asafo.

He admitted breaking into the room, stealing the items, and selling them to an accomplice, now at large.

He said he converted the foreign currencies and used the proceeds for personal expenses.

Following the investigation, he was charged and sentenced.

The incident reportedly occurred about two weeks ago when unknown assailants attempted to attack the chief.

Police subsequently arrested three suspects out of an initial nine persons of interest. However, the chiefs claim the suspects were later released without being arraigned in court.

Speaking to Adom News, the traditional authorities said they are deeply concerned about the decision, stressing that it has heightened fear and insecurity in the community.

They allege that some of the released suspects have issued threats against traditional leaders, increasing tension among residents.

The chiefs are calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene urgently, warning that the situation could escalate if authorities fail to act swiftly.

Samuel Kwabena Obo, the youth leader of Gomoa Wassa, said the town is currently living in fear, noting that residents are uncertain about what might happen next. He appealed for an increased security presence, including possible military support, to restore calm.

Peaceful Aidoo, the Assembly Member for Gomoa Wassa–Gomoa Nkran Electoral Area, echoed these concerns, adding that peace has eluded the community since the suspects’ release. She urged the IGP and police authorities to take immediate action to prevent further disturbances.

Attempts to obtain a response from the Gomoa Dawurampong Divisional Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

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The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Wednesday, January 21, by local fishermen, who reportedly found them engaging in light fishing, a banned practice known to deplete fish stocks and threaten the sustainability of marine resources. 

The Chief Fisherman of Agavedzi, Torgbui Korshivi Sorsorkpliwo, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that fishermen from the community encountered the suspects at sea and immediately alerted him. 

“When they called and explained what they had seen, I advised them to make a citizen arrest and bring the suspects ashore, which they did,” he said. 

Torgbui Sorsorkpliwo explained that light fishing attracts juvenile fish to the surface at night, leading to the indiscriminate harvesting of both young and mature fish, which ultimately reduces fish populations and affects future catches. 

He said preliminary information indicated that the suspects were natives of Akplabanya in the Ada Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. 

The Chief Fisherman said the suspects were subsequently handed over to the Denu Police for further interrogation and possible prosecution in accordance with fisheries laws. 

Checks by GNA at the Denu Police Station confirmed the arrest of the three suspects and the retrieval of an outboard motor, a generator, and a gallon containing perishable fish. 

The suspects were later granted bail and are expected to reappear as investigations continue. 

The incident comes amid growing concern among fishermen and other stakeholders over the increasing incidence of illegal fishing activities along the Ketu South coastline. 

Local fishermen told GNA that some offenders employ banned methods such as light fishing, the use of chemicals, unapproved fishing nets, and other destructive practices, which they said pose a serious threat to marine life and the livelihoods of coastal communities. 

Stakeholders described the situation as a blatant disregard for fisheries regulations and warned that continued illegal fishing could further worsen the already declining fish stocks. 

They have therefore called on the Fisheries Commission, the Marine Police, and other relevant authorities to intensify sea patrols, strengthen monitoring, and strictly enforce the law to deter offenders and protect the livelihoods of law-abiding fishermen. 

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The women were picked up during a swoop in areas including Jubilee Park and the Bank of Ghana stretch, locations security officials describe as emerging hotspots for commercial sex work.

According to the Northern Regional Security Liaison Officer, RSM Adam Mohammed, the decision to make the suspects clean the market was intended both as a cautionary measure and to support sanitation efforts in the city.

Prostitution, he noted, has been on the rise in Tamale, attracting both Ghanaian and foreign nationals, prompting National Security to intensify efforts to clamp down on the practice alongside drug trafficking.

Speaking to JoyNews‘ Martina Bugri, RSM Adam Mohammed explained the rationale behind the exercise.

“We carried out a swoop on night workers, and they were highly profiled and handed over to the authorities. Our city or the municipality has been engulfed with so many dirts and trash,” he said.

“So we thought it would be wise to direct them so that they could aid in the clean-up exercise of our cities. For that matter, we gave them brooms and other logistics to help us in the clean-up exercise.”

He added that some of the women welcomed the exercise and expressed remorse.

“I think they were also of the view that it’s a good exercise, and some of them even confessed that they would desist from such activities,” he stated.

RSM Mohammed said the women were later handed over to the appropriate authorities, adding that the operation also led to the arrest of suspected drug peddlers.

“On record, I think they were about 13 of them. Aside from that, we’ve carried out operations on drug peddlers,” he said.

He reaffirmed National Security’s commitment to enforcing the law without favoritism.

“As I said upon assumption of office, anyone found to have broken the law will not be shielded from prosecution. If you find yourself to have broken the law, the law will take you on,” he stressed.

“We have been on top searching for the peddlers, and wherever they are, we are in for them and we shall bring them to book.”

The action, which saw the women sweeping public spaces, has generated mixed reactions among residents, with some supporting the move as a deterrent and others questioning its appropriateness.

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The suspects comprise 12 Ivorians, two Liberians, and 31 nationals from Burkina Faso. An additional seven suspects were later arrested at Fou, a community in the Sagnarigu Municipality, bringing the total number to 52.

Authorities say the suspects are currently being processed and will be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further action.

The arrests, according to National Security, form part of intensified efforts to clamp down on cross-border and organised crime in the Northern Region.

Officials have assured residents that security agencies remain firmly on top of the situation and that the region is safe.

Speaking to JoyNews’ Martina Bugri, the Northern Regional Security Liaison Officer, RSM Adam Mohammed, disclosed that preliminary profiling revealed that many of the suspects were lured into Ghana under false promises of traveling to Europe.

“We tried to run a profile of each and every one of them, and we realised that some of them had been lured into the country with the hope that they would be taken abroad,” he said.

RSM Mohammed explained that investigations have uncovered a wider criminal network and that those arrested so far represent only part of the operation.

“Upon thorough interrogation and profiling, we realised that it’s a chain. Those that we have arrested are basically about 45, but they are more than that,” he noted.

“We are digging into getting the rest, and very soon, the assurance can be given to the general public that we will get hold of them.”

However, one of the suspects who spoke to JoyNews denied any wrongdoing, claiming the arrests were unjustified.

“I don’t know why I was arrested. They just suddenly showed up on us. I asked why they brought us here. We sell products. We are not involved in a scam or any other criminal activity. We were just marketing our products,” the suspect said.

The suspect explained that language diversity among the group was purely for business purposes.

“Most of the people here don’t understand us, so we try to speak different languages so they understand what we are selling. Some speak French, others speak English,” the suspect added.

“We have been doing this in Côte d’Ivoire. I speak a little English, and I am also eager to learn the language. That is what motivated me to come here for business.”

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Mr. Oduru was taken into custody on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

A video shared on social media by Accra-based Citi FM showed Oduru being escorted into a police vehicle.

The suspect reportedly admitted that he has no formal medical training and has been performing diagnostic procedures without authorization.

He is expected to appear in court on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on unlicensed medical practitioners and safeguard public safety.

Step to Christ Hospital has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrest.

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Bentum was held for unlawful entry and stealing pleaded guilty to the charges.  

Police Sergeant Adwoa Yeboah, Prosecuting told the court presided over by Mr Charles Owusu Nsiah that Degraft Hagan, the complainant, was a student and managed a mineral water company in Railway quarters, a suburb of Tarkwa.  

She said the complainant usually worked during vacations, and Bentum also worked for the same company.  

The prosecutor said that while Bentum and the other staff resided in one large hall, the complainant resided in a section of the hall made of plywood with a door.  

She said on September 27, 2025, the complainant and some workers went out to supply water, while Bentum was bagging water at home.  

When they left, the convict abandoned his work, unlocked the complainant’s room, and stole the complainant’s iPhone 7 Plus and its charger, valued at GH¢1,650, a Tecno mobile phone with a broken screen, value unknown, and GH¢5,000. cash.  

After the act, Bentum packed his belongings and bolted with them, and when the complainant returned home, he found the door to his room had been forced open and could not find his two mobile phones and money, Sergeant Yeboah added.  

The prosecutor said the complainant did not see Bentum again, but noticed his bag and clothes had also disappeared from the hall.  

The complainant informed their employer, Isaac Esuon, who works in Twifo Praso, about the incident.  

She said on October 2, 2025, Bentum emerged from his hideout and went to Twifo Praso to look for another job. The witness saw him, detected that he had repaired the Tecno mobile phone he had stolen from the complainant’s room, and was using it.  

The witness arrested him and took him to the Atieku Akyempim police station. With the help of the officers, he was brought to the Tarkwa police station, where the complainant lodged a complaint with the police.  

Prosecution said Bentum admitted he entered the complainant’s room and stole his mobile phones, charger, and cash of GH¢2,500, but denied taking GH¢5,000.

Bentum added, “I used part of the money to buy clothes, food, and repair the defective Tecno mobile phone I stole.” 

He further confessed that the iPhone 7 Plus, charger, and the clothes he bought were in his bag at Takoradi, while the Tecno mobile phone was with the Atieku Akyempim police.  

Sergeant Yeboah said Bentum led the police to Takoradi, where they recovered the iPhone 7 Plus, charger, and additional items, including a pair of jeans, a Lacoste T-shirt, boxer shorts, two pairs of PT shorts, and two pairs of knickers, which he purchased with the money.  

She mentioned that GH¢2,600 was recovered from Bentum’s mobile money account, while the Tecno mobile phone was retrieved from the Atieku Akyempim police, adding that all the items and money were kept for evidence.  

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Prince Edwin Brem, 47, who is also a businessman, has been charged with defrauding by false pretences and forgery of stamps.  

The court is expected to take his plea on the next adjourned date. 

When the case was called last Thursday, Brem was absent, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest. 

He later appeared before the court and was remanded into lawful custody by the presiding judge, Ms Angela Attachie. 

Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo led the prosecution. 

The prosecution said the complainant, Mr Kofi Kuwada, a resident of Aflao in the Volta Region, is the owner of the tugboat, MV Ebenezer, while Brem resides at Tema Community Two. 

According to the prosecution, on September 1, 2025, at about 0840 hours, Kuwada reported the matter to the Tema Fishing Harbour Police Station with a ship charter agreement, alleging that Brem, on November 14, 2024, had presented himself as a director of a company known as Clearsail Shipping International Management Limited. 

Brem was said to have entered into an agreement to charter the tugboat, valued at US$500,000, for a period of three months.  

The charter period expired on February 24, 2025, but the tugboat was not returned. 

The prosecution said Brem signed the charter agreement and stamped it with what he claimed was the official company stamp, thereby creating the impression that he had lawful authority to act on behalf of the company. 

All efforts by Kuwada to retrieve the tugboat were unsuccessful, leading to a formal complaint to the police. 

Investigations led the police to engage Mr. Boniface Acheampong, a director of Clearsail Shipping International Management Limited, who stated that neither he nor the other director had authorised Brem to sign the agreement. 

Mr. Acheampong also indicated that the stamp used by Brem was neither sanctioned nor recognised by the company. 

On September 5, 2025, Brem reported to the Tema Police, where he was arrested.  

During investigations, he admitted chartering the tugboat and promised to return it but failed to do so. 

Police intelligence later revealed that the tugboat was in Guinea-Bissau.  

While arrangements were being made for its return to Ghana, Brem allegedly ordered the vessel, without the complainant’s consent and contrary to police directives, to sail to The Gambia and subsequently to North American waters. 

“It has become clear that the accused has no intention of returning the boat to the owner,” the facts before the court stated. 

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The arrest comes barely days after the NTMT was officially inaugurated on Monday, January 12, 2026, and deployed nationwide to intercept illegal timber transportation and curb the continued degradation of Ghana’s forest resources.

Since its deployment, the team has mounted sustained surveillance operations along key timber corridors across the country, signalling a renewed enforcement drive that appears to have unsettled some actors within the forestry value chain.

Sources familiar with developments suggest that the NTMT’s operations may be disrupting the activities of an entrenched network allegedly operating within sections of the Forestry Commission, accused of perpetuating large-scale illegal logging and timber trafficking despite significant environmental and revenue losses to the state.

The latest incident is understood to be linked to earlier efforts to expose forestry-related cartels and their financial networks. A formal complaint was previously lodged by Yeboah Kwaku Ninson, a Range Manager with the Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, who accused a former Deputy Chief Executive, together with some military personnel and other individuals, of conducting similar operations last year to uncover illegal timber activities.

According to sources, those efforts reportedly exposed well-organised cartels benefiting from illicit timber movements, while the state continued to lose revenue and forest cover.

Although several senior officials within the Forestry Commission are said to have been implicated in the alleged malpractice, their identities have not been publicly disclosed.

Sources indicate that the matter has since been referred to the appropriate appointing authority, with further directives awaited before any additional names are officially released.

Meanwhile, the arrest of the NTMT Director’s aide has raised concerns among environmental advocates and sector stakeholders, who fear the team’s enforcement mandate may be facing resistance from individuals seeking to protect long-standing illegal interests.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the arrest are ongoing, and the Tepa Police Command is yet to issue an official statement.

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The victims, who were trafficked from various African countries to Ghana, were allegedly lured with promises of lucrative business opportunities and travel abroad but were instead held and exploited at the Buduburam location.

Police sources said intelligence gathered by the Command revealed that a Beninese national, Nathaniel Obassa Oladedji, had been brought into the country and confined at the facility.

Following days of surveillance, officers traced the operation to a heavily secured house within the Royal City enclave.

The building was fortified with an electric fence, forcing the police to disconnect the system and scale the walls before gaining access.

The rescued victims are believed to be from Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, and other French-speaking African countries.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate collected large sums of money from the victims and their families under the pretext of arranging overseas travel and business opportunities. Some relatives were reportedly still in the process of making payments when police intervened.

Residents told Adom News that the rescue operation was swift and tactical, drawing significant attention within the neighbourhood.

A family member of one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspects deceived the victims and extorted money from them through false promises of facilitating travel abroad.

Confirming the operation, the Public Relations Officer of the Central East Regional Police Command, DSP Victor Dosoo, said one suspect is currently in police custody while investigations continue to identify and arrest other accomplices.

He assured the public that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to clamping down on human trafficking and fraud syndicates operating across the country.

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The conviction follows a robbery incident at Sefwi Elluibo in the Juaboso District, where the convict and his accomplices attacked miners with cutlasses, guns and other sharp weapons, making away with a large sum of money.

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, Maxwell Awuni was arraigned before the court, presided over by His Honour Frank Asiedu Nimarkoh, Esq, following a full trial on charges of conspiracy to rob, robbery and possession of firearms or ammunition without lawful authority.

The court found him guilty on all three counts.

He was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment with hard labour on each of the first two counts—conspiracy to rob and robbery—contrary to Sections 23(1) and 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). On the third count, possession of firearms or ammunition without lawful authority, contrary to Section 11 of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1972, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

All sentences are to run concurrently.

Following the judgment, the convict was remanded in custody and is currently being held in a police cell pending his transfer to the Kumasi Central Prison to begin serving his sentence.

The Juaboso District Police Command, led by Superintendent Isaac Ostin, has assured the public of its continued commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the district.

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Bawah Yusif Sarkodie, an alleged national security operative, is accused of collecting the amount to facilitate the purchase of a Toyota Land Cruiser.

The vehicle was purportedly seized by the government and auctioned at the Tema Harbour, but Sarkodie failed to deliver.

Charged with defrauding by false pretences, he pleaded not guilty.

The court admitted him to bail in the sum of GH¢600,000 with two sureties and ordered him to report to the police every Monday.

Prosecution, led by Chief Superintendent of Police Patience Mario, told the court that the complainant, Charles Amoakoh, was a businessman engaged in car rental services at Adenta Pantang Junction, while the accused was a businessman resident at West Legon.

In May 2025, Sarkodie, who had been renting vehicles from the complainant, visited him at his garage and introduced himself as a National Security operative and an official of the National Democratic Congress, the prosecution said.

Sarkodie allegedly informed the complainant that he could assist him in acquiring Toyota Land Cruisers seized by the government and being auctioned at GH¢500,000 per vehicle at the Tema Harbour.

He further claimed to have an office near the Tema Community 18 Municipal Assembly and invited the complainant to meet him there with the money to facilitate the transaction.

On May 6, 2025, at about 1000 hours, the complainant, accompanied by two witnesses, met Sarkodie at the stated location, the prosecution said.

The court heard that Sarkodie requested the complainant to hand over the money, claiming it was needed to pay a token to some officials at the Assembly to enable easy access to the vehicle.

While seated in the complainant’s car, Sarkodie allegedly received the GH¢500,000, but deliberately left GH¢20,000, his Samsung mobile phone and two reflective jackets in the vehicle before entering one of the buildings at the Assembly, pretending he was going to make the payment.

Prosecution said the complainant waited for some time but became suspicious when Sarkodie failed to return.

A search for him proved futile, as he had switched off his phones and fled.

A complaint was subsequently lodged with the police, and Sarkodie was arrested on September 11, 2025, following investigations.

Further investigations revealed that the accused was allegedly involved in a series of similar fraudulent activities in Accra.

The case has been adjourned to March 9, 2026.

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 The two accused are Isaac Odoi, 33, and Kwame Mani, 39.

 The court presided over by Cynthia Wiredu, a High Court Judge sitting as an additional Circuit Court judge, remanded them to reappear in court on January 28, 2026, as the case is still under investigation.

 Presenting the facts of the case, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Kraku Mensah indicated that the two were arrested after police intercepted a total of 1,613 parcels of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs in a well-coordinated intelligence operation along the Akosombo-Tema Road.

The facts stated that the operation followed intelligence received on January 10, 2026, indicating that suspected narcotic substances were being transported from the Volta Region towards Tema, adding that police teams quickly mounted surveillance along the route, focusing on the Agomeda Junction area.

 The prosecution added that at about 00:45 hours on January 11, 2026, two vehicles, a white Toyota Highlander with registration number GS 2013-13 and a black Mitsubishi Pajero with registration number GC 400-22, were intercepted.

 The vehicles that were being driven by the accused persons, Odoi and Mani, were searched, leading to the discovery of numerous compressed, yellow-wrapped parcels suspected to be narcotic drugs.

 “In total, 872 parcels were found in the Mitsubishi Pajero, while 741 parcels were found in the Toyota Highlander, “the persecution said

 The suspects, the prosecution added, were immediately arrested, and both vehicles were escorted to the station for further action, stressing that on January 12, 2026, the exhibits and suspects were handed over to the Regional CID, Tema, where photographs and inventories were taken.

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“The operation was a success, and we’re committed to continuing our efforts to keep Tamale safe,” said DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, leader of the team.

He said the operation commenced with a swoop at Belpela, following actionable intelligence on suspected drug-related activities in the area, adding that Ibrahim Abubakari was arrested for trading in illicit drugs, with two tablets of Royal 225, one tablet of Tramadol 120mg, and GHC 1,378.00 cash seized from him.

DSP Bawah said Awumi Andrew was also arrested for using dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, with one roll of the substance found on him.

“We’re seeing a lot of young people getting hooked on these substances,” DSP Jalil said. “We’re working hard to stop the supply chain and educate our youth on the dangers of drug abuse.”

He said the team also retrieved four mobile phones belonging to other suspects who fled the scene, as well as four unregistered motorcycles from Lamashegu and the Taxi Rank.

The operation was part of efforts to ensure safety and security in the Tamale Metropolis. The IGP Special Operations Team conducted patrols at the Tamale Central Market and Taxi Rank, with no further arrests made.

“The security situation in Tamale remains calm and stable, and we’re committed to keeping it that way,” DSP Jalil said.

The suspects and exhibits have been taken to the Sakasaka Police Station for further investigation.

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The operation took place in the early hours of January 11, 2026, following intelligence that a consignment was being transported from the Volta Region toward Tema.

Police teams set up surveillance around Agomeda Junction, stopping two vehicles at about 12:45 a.m.—a white Toyota Highlander (GS 2013-13) and a black Mitsubishi Pajero (GC 400-22), driven by Isaac Odoi, 33, and Kwame Mani, 39. Both men were immediately taken into custody.

A search revealed 872 parcels in the Mitsubishi Pajero and 741 parcels in the Toyota Highlander, all suspected narcotics.

ASP Dede Dzakpasu, Head of Public Affairs for the Tema Regional Police Command, praised the operation. “The swift response of our teams ensured that these dangerous substances did not reach our communities,” she said.

The suspects and the seized items were transferred to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Tema on January 12, 2026.

Samples will be dispatched to the Forensic Crime Laboratory for testing, while investigators pursue searches at the suspects’ residences. Police say court processes are underway.

ASP Dzakpasu encouraged residents to remain active partners in crime prevention.

“We urge the public to continue sharing credible information to help us keep our communities safe,” she added.

The Tema Regional Police Command says the operation forms part of intensified efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and reinforce public safety.

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The accused, Mohammed Issah, an Immigration Officer, and Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, a Jamaican-Canadian national, were each admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢350,000 with two sureties, to be justified with landed property.

The court, presided over by Angela Attachie, ordered Tomlinson, the second accused, to deposit her passport at the court’s registry.

The accused persons, in the presence of their lawyers, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, namely causing harm, and causing unlawful damage to their landlord’s water tank, the value of which was unknown.

Tomlinson was additionally charged with causing unlawful damage to a building valued at GH¢350,000 belonging to her landlord, Frederick Atogiyire, by allegedly setting it ablaze.

The case was adjourned to February 11, 2026.

When the matter was called on Monday, January 12, 2026, the prosecution amended the facts and charges.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo, did not oppose bail but prayed to the court to ensure that the bail terms would compel the accused persons to attend court.

According to the amended facts, the complainant, Atogiyire, was a public servant and a resident of Oyarifa, Accra, and the landlord of the accused.

The prosecution said Issah and Tomlinson, who were in a relationship, rented a two-bedroom apartment from Atogiyire in October 2025 for one year.

It said that on December 21, 2025, a misunderstanding arose between Issah and Tomlinson, during which they allegedly set the landlord’s polytank on fire, damaging it.

The prosecution said that some hours later, Issah, the first accused, left the house without informing the police or the landlord of what had occurred.

The court heard that on December 23, 2025, Tomlinson drove to the residence of a friend, a prosecution witness who operated a drinking spot in the same neighbourhood, to inform her that she had had issues with her boyfriend and that, as a result, Issah had left home for days, adding that she had set the apartment ablaze.

The prosecution said the friend sat in Tomlinson’s car, and they returned to the apartment while it was on fire.

“Immediately, the friend got down from the second accused car, she sped off and went into hiding,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecution said Atogiyire reported the matter to the police on December 23, 2025, leading to the arrest of Issah at his hideout, where he was cautioned.

It said Tomlinson was arrested on December 25, 2025, at about 1230 hours from her hideout, but declined to give a statement to the police, indicating she was waiting for her lawyer.

The prosecution said Tomlinson later gave her statement voluntarily on December 27, 2025.

It said Issah and Tomlinson both denied the offences after investigations.

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This was when he appeared before the court on Monday, January 12, 2025.

Moses was arrested on January 7 after his girlfriend was found in a pool of blood, with a concrete block reportedly placed on her face.

Police sources said the suspect, a resident of Oboman in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, had visited the deceased to spend the night.

The incident allegedly occurred after the woman refused the suspect’s sexual advances.

Preliminary information indicates that the suspect first attacked the deceased with a cutlass, inflicting injuries to her face, before allegedly smashing her head with a concrete block, resulting in her death.

Moses is scheduled to re-appear before the court on January 26.

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This was after the suspects appeared before the court on January 8, 2026, following the circulation of a video showing the altercation involving the officers on duty at the park.

The individuals remanded are Joshua Frimpong, popularly known as Joey B; Bannor Williams; Isaac Dwumfour, also called Sporty; Evans Bannor, also called Pressure King; Asiedu Ronald, known as Case Close; Sarfo Alex, referred to as Okele; Yaw Alex; Obidiaba Desmond; and Agyemang Emmanuel.

They have been charged with assault on public officers.

The suspects, together with others yet to be identified, allegedly confronted and attacked the police officers present at the location.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack are still underway.

The Police have cautioned that individuals who engage in attacks on officers will be traced, arrested and prosecuted, stressing that such conduct will not be tolerated and offenders will face the full consequences under the law.

This was contained in a statement signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Accra Region, and released on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

The statement explained that the arrests were the result of intelligence-driven investigations into a robbery that occurred on November 29, 2025, at a residence in Peduase near Aburi.

During that incident, the suspects were said to have used weapons to seize mobile phones, jewellery and cash from the occupants.

Police indicated that officers from the Eastern Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, in collaboration with their counterparts in Accra, first arrested one suspect, Kofi Ishmael, at Avenor on January 6, 2026.

He reportedly confessed to taking part in the Peduase attack and named Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Star Boy, as the group’s leader.

Acting on this information, officers arrested Bediako at Ablekuma Agape, where a search allegedly uncovered a pump-action gun hidden in a fence wall together with four BB cartridges. He is said to have admitted involvement in several other robberies.

Further inquiries suggested that the group had been operating along major transport corridors, targeting motorists and trailer drivers on stretches such as the Tema Motorway, Achimota Forest Road, Pokuase, Amasaman, Suhum, Nkawkaw and the Juaso–Kumasi road, with the suspects believed to have been planning another attack before their arrest.

In all, seven suspects are now in custody, with one receiving medical care.

They include Salia Mohammed (known as Kwaku Nuah), aged 27; Kofi Ishmael (also called Ishmael Addo or Kofi Ketewa), aged 32; Kwame Bediako (known as Star Boy or Nkokorpor), identified as the alleged ringleader; Kwadwo Kalovi (called Aticho); Mumuni Abdul Razak (known as Mogambo), aged 39; Kwasi Akambuley (known as Kwasi Fresh), aged 27; and Kwame Bonsu (known as Killer Ntua).

According to police, the suspects have been linked to earlier robbery incidents involving motorists and traders, with some of them said to have previously jumped bail in pending court cases.

Items retrieved during the operation include weapons, ammunition, machetes, knives, mobile phones and other belongings believed to be proceeds of crime. Investigations are continuing to track down remaining accomplices.

The Regional Police Command has assured the public that it remains committed to tackling crime and encouraged anyone with relevant information to report to the nearest police station to assist ongoing investigations.

Read the full statement below:

The suspect, Salim Mohammed, also known as Fariwata, is alleged to have participated in the robbery in which GHC7.5 million, proceeds from a gold transaction, was stolen while being conveyed to a bank on November 2, 2024.

Mohammed, 26, unemployed, was arrested on November 20, 2025, at a hospital in Ashaiman, where he had gone to seek medical attention, following months of intelligence-led surveillance by the Police.

The prosecution said Mohammed allegedly committed the crime together with six other accomplices, who are currently at large.

His plea was preserved, and he has been charged with conspiracy to commit crime, to wit robbery, and robbery.

The Court adjourned the case to January 13, 2026.

Prosecution informed the Court that investigations were ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects.

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Speaking in an interview, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, described the incident as “very unfortunate” and disclosed that the clash escalated rapidly before police intervention.

“This is a very unfortunate situation here. We all have the information that just the latest part of the day yesterday, there was a clash of the family over a piece of land,” DCOP Yiribaare stated.

According to him, upon receiving information about the disturbance, the police immediately deployed their Quick Response Team (QRT) to the scene. However, by the time officers arrived, the situation had already deteriorated.

“On arrival, we discovered that the clash had gone too far, resulting in the death of one person right on the spot,” the Regional Commander revealed.

He further explained that another victim found unconscious at the scene was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention but later died, bringing the total number of fatalities from the incident to two.

“One that we met at the scene was also unconscious and was immediately rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, he also passed,” he added.

DCOP Yiribaare noted that the police have since commenced full-scale investigations into the incident, with the cooperation of residents in the area.

“The general public has been very cooperative since we started. We have processed the crime scene, and the management team covered and processed every particle that mattered in the issue,” he said.

As part of ongoing investigations, the police have arrested two suspects in connection with the clash.

According to the Regional Commander, one suspect is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard, while another was arrested in the early hours of the morning and remains in police custody.

“So far, one person is on admission but under police guard as a suspect, under arrest. We have one other individual who was also arrested in the later part of the dawn of this morning and is also in detention,” DCOP Yiribaare confirmed.

He assured the public that the police are committed to ensuring justice is served.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of it and ensuring that justice takes its own course,” he stressed.

Beyond the investigations, the Regional Police Commander used the opportunity to appeal to the affected family and the general public to resolve land and other disputes through peaceful and lawful means.

“I want to encourage the family to continue to revert to the police for every other issue surrounding this land or to the locals for a very peaceful resolution of the matter,” he advised, adding that violence only undermines peace and development.

He emphasized that peaceful dispute resolution is key to maintaining stability in the Upper West Region.

“In matters like this, we should try to use peaceful means rather than violence. In so doing, we continue to preserve the peace and stability of the region and also create a safer community for development and social activities to go on,” DCOP Yiribaare said.

On the reopening of the affected road, which was temporarily closed for security and investigative purposes, the Regional Commander indicated that access would be restored once outstanding processes are completed.

“We are still processing a few issues and once that is done, we should be able to open it up,” he assured.

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Addressing the media on Wednesday, December 31, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, explained that the stolen cash was the proceeds from a gold transaction and was en route to a bank when the attack occurred.

The suspect, Salim Mohammed, popularly known as Fawata, was arrested on November 20, 2025, at a hospital in Ashaiman, where he had reportedly gone to seek medical care. His arrest followed months of sustained, intelligence-driven police operations.

Initial investigations indicate that Mohammed and other members of the gang, wielding AK-47 rifles, intercepted the victims’ vehicle, fired multiple shots to intimidate bystanders, and wounded the driver before escaping with the money.

COP Donkor assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects and retrieve the stolen funds, stressing the police service’s commitment to ensuring justice and public safety.

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A police officer, General Constable Oppong Damoah Seth, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen during the incident, which occurred at about 11:30 pm on Sunday, December 28, at the Karimenga Police Checkpoint. Two other officers sustained serious injuries.

According to police sources, the assailants initially ambushed a bus in the area, triggering a distress call. Police personnel who responded to the call reportedly managed to foil the attack, forcing the gunmen to flee into the surrounding bush.

However, the attackers later regrouped and returned to launch a second assault on the Karimenga Police checkpoint.

During the renewed attack, General Constable Oppong Damoah Seth, who was seated at the checkpoint, was shot in the head from behind and died instantly. Two other officers who returned fire were also shot in the legs.

The injured officers are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

In a statement, police said the incident occurred on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the family home. After the alleged incident, the suspect reportedly left the area.

Acting on intelligence, officers later traced and arrested Innocent Owusu at a hideout in a nearby forest close to Abrani.

Police confirmed that the body of the deceased has been retrieved and conveyed to the Hohoe Government Hospital Mortuary for preservation and further examination.

The suspect remains in police custody, assisting with investigations, and will be taken through the appropriate legal processes.

The Oti Regional Police Command praised residents of Likpe Abrani for their cooperation, noting that community support played a key role in the swift arrest.

The Command also expressed condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time.

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Below is the full statement:

The suspects, identified as Kwame Afram, a bus driver, and Godfred Essel, his assistant, were intercepted on 26th December 2025 while traveling from Accra to Walewale via Paga in a Kia Granbird bus (registration GT 5771-18).

During a thorough inspection of the vehicle, police discovered two containers hidden inside the bus, holding a total of 2,600 AK-47 rounds.

Further searches uncovered a bag concealed under the driver’s seat containing two bulletproof plates, a black helmet, and a pair of long boots.

The suspects remain in police custody to assist with ongoing investigations. The bus and all recovered items have been impounded as authorities continue their probe into the incident.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Head of Public Affairs of the Tema Regional Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dede Dzakpasu, said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle a notorious robbery gang of about 15 members that has been terrorising Tema and its environs over the years.

ASP Dzakpasu said that on December 27, 2025, the police received intelligence that a group of ex-convicts were planning to carry out armed robbery attacks in the metropolis.

Based on the information, officers were deployed to the area and placed on surveillance.

She said in the early hours of December 29, at about 1:00 a.m., four suspects were spotted attempting to gain entry into a residential property at Afienya-Mataheko.

According to her, the suspects opened fire upon seeing the police, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

ASP Dzakpasu said three of the suspects, identified as Kwabena Azuwebi, alias Lastman, Yaro Bawku, and Faisal, were taken to the Police Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.

She added that the fourth suspect, Kassim Hussein, initially escaped after sustaining gunshot wounds but was later arrested.

He subsequently succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.

“It must be noted that the deceased robbers, Kwabena Azuwebi alias Lastman, Yaro Bawku, Faisal, and Kassim Hussein, have all been involved in a series of robberies within the region and have all been on the Police wanted list for their involvement in several robberies. It would be recalled that the deceased suspect, Kwabena Azuwebi, was recently granted a court bail in a robbery case after a long remand,” she said. 

Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, a Taurus pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition, two cutlasses, and two Royal motorbikes, one unregistered and the other bearing registration number M-25-GT-4243, believed to have been used by the suspects.

ASP Dzakpasu said all the exhibits had been retained by the police to aid further investigations.

She said the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary pending autopsy, while investigations continued to identify possible accomplices and establish links to other criminal activities.

Present at the press briefing were senior police officers including Chief Superintendent Ferdinand Amengor, Tema Metro Divisional Commander; Superintendent Kwasi Kwarteng, Tema Regional Crime Officer; Chief Superintendent Isaac Forson, Tema Community One District Commander; DSP Gerhard Ekey, Tema Newtown District Commander; ASP Mark Yeboah, Tema Community Two District Commander; ASP Frances Martey, Tema Community Two District Crime Officer, and ASP Joseph Kyei-Mensah, FPU Commander.

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According to the Deputy Regional Police Commander, ACP Cephas Arthur, officers stationed at the checkpoint stopped a commercial bus with registration number GT 5771-18 that was travelling toward the northern part of the country.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 2,600 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, along with two bulletproof vests and protective helmets.

ACP Arthur said the retrieval forms part of intensified police operations aimed at preventing crime and ensuring public safety, particularly during the festive season.

He assured residents that the police command has put in place adequate security arrangements ahead of December 31, 2025, to protect lives and property across the region.

He also appealed to the public to take personal safety measures, including securing their homes, to reduce the risk of robbery and other criminal activities.

Investigations into the origin and intended destination of the ammunition are ongoing.

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In a statement, the police said the suspect, identified as Abubakari Sadick, popularly known as “Cyborg,” was picked up on December 29 at Adenta.

According to the police, his actions contravene provisions of the Firearms Act, 1962 (Act 118), as well as the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).

A firearm believed to have been used in the incident—a Derya MK-12 with registration number 22-GHA-1162—has been retrieved and secured as evidence to aid ongoing investigations.

Sadick is currently in police custody and assisting investigators. He is expected to be arraigned before court to face the appropriate charges.

In a caution to the public, the Police Service stressed that possession of a licensed firearm does not permit indiscriminate use.

The Service warned that anyone found discharging a weapon unlawfully risks losing their licence and being prosecuted, as authorities move to enforce public safety laws strictly.

Read the full statement:

The arrests were carried out in areas including Kofekrom, Bedieso, Gawusu, Kyekyewere and Dadwen as part of efforts to clamp down on crime during the festive season.

Of the suspects, 21 are males while four are females. Police say some of them were involved in the sale of suspected marijuana, tramore and other unlawful activities.

Speaking to Adom News at the Obuasi Central Police Station, the Divisional Operations Commander, ASP Robert Adommbila Apelkiwine, explained that the operation began last week to rid the municipality of criminal activity and allow residents to celebrate Christmas in a peaceful atmosphere.

He noted that the police command remains determined to sustain the operation through the end of the year, particularly on December 31, to ensure residents can attend watchnight services without fear of robbery or attacks.

ASP Apelkiwine assured the public that the police will maintain a strong presence across Obuasi to guarantee calm and security as the year draws to a close.

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The victim, a Nigerian national who gave her name as Nancy, told Takoradi-based Connect FM that the incident happened on Friday night, December 26.

Narrating her ordeal, Nancy said the man approached her and they agreed on a fee of GH¢50 for a short time before heading to his residence.

Nancy said trouble began when she realised the man was trying to extend the encounter beyond what had been agreed but told him she was tired and could not continue, a response she said angered him.

She alleged that the man then demanded a refund of the GH¢50, which she refused, insisting she had already delivered the agreed service.

The situation reportedly escalated further when the man demanded her mobile phone. When she declined, he allegedly attacked her.

Nancy said she has since reported the case to the Sekondi Police. She has been issued a medical form to seek treatment at a health facility, while police investigations into the incident continue.

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The convict, Bismark Owusu, was charged with causing unlawful harm and pleaded guilty to the offence. 

Prosecuting, Inspector of Police Patrick Essien told the court, presided over by Charles Owusu Nsiah, that the complainant, Bright Akwasi Aboagye, was a student residing at Bompieso. 

On October 7, at about 12:00 noon, the complainant was riding a tricycle at Bompieso with one Ishmael on board when he suddenly saw a group of illegal miners holding a young man, accusing him of stealing gold-bearing stones. 

Inspector Essien said Owusu was among the group and that the suspected thief was being beaten when the complainant intervened and struck one of the attackers to stop the assault. 

The prosecutor said the illegal miners, unhappy with the complainant’s intervention, warned him to leave the scene. 

According to the prosecution, Owusu also took offence at the complainant’s conduct and picked a fight with him and Ishmael, but they were separated, and each went their separate ways. 

Later that same day, the complainant and Ishmael were at a game centre when Owusu confronted them and warned that the earlier confrontation was not over. 

Inspector Essien told the court that Owusu later attacked the complainant, slashing him twice on the back with a blade before fleeing when the victim started bleeding. 

He said residents who rushed to the scene sent the complainant to the Bompieso Clinic for medical treatment, after which he reported the incident to the police. 

Owusu was arrested the same day and handed over to the police for prosecution. 

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In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, the Police identified the suspects as a Canadian national, Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, and her Ghanaian partner, Mohammed Issah.

According to the statement, initial investigations indicate that the fire was intentionally set by the suspects, who were occupying the apartment as tenants at the time of the incident.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects, who were tenants occupying the apartment, deliberately set the property ablaze on December 23, completely destroying it without any apparent provocation,” the Police explained.

Details provided by the Command show that Mohammed Issah was arrested by officers from the Ayimensah Abokobi Police Station on the same day the incident occurred.

His partner, Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, reportedly went into hiding but was later tracked down and arrested on December 25.

The Police noted that both suspects are currently being held to assist with ongoing investigations.

“Both suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, and they will be put before the court to face charges in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

The Command assured the public of its commitment to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is dealt with in line with Ghana’s laws.

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The incident occurred at Dalogu Yili, a suburb of Tamale, and was reported to the police at about 9:00 a.m. on December 26.

According to reports, the Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP) Special Operations Team, led by Chief Inspector Abdullai Tahiru, responded swiftly to the scene and rescued the victim without incident.

The suspect was apprehended and handed over to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further investigation, while the victim was safely reunited with her parents.

Meanwhile, as part of a festive season crackdown on crime, two suspected drug peddlers were arrested in separate operations in Tamale.

The suspects, Ziyad Inusah and Majid Fuseini, were picked up by the IGP Special Operations Team during a routine Christmas patrol.

The team, made up of 105 personnel in 10 vehicles, targeted crime-prone areas within the Tamale Metropolis and seized quantities of opioids from one of the suspects.

The Ghana Police Service said the operation reflects its commitment to protecting lives and property and intensifying efforts to clamp down on drug peddling and other criminal activities during the festive period.

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Accra-based Citi News reported that the latest arrests were made on Saturday morning, December 27, as police intensified investigations a day after the incident, which left several worshippers injured and sent shockwaves through the Ho Zongo community.

The shooting occurred on Friday, December 26, during activities around the mosque, prompting an immediate security response and heightened patrols in the area.

According to the Police, the new arrests mark a major step forward in efforts to unravel the circumstances that led to the violence.

Investigators are examining multiple angles, including a long-standing leadership dispute within the mosque, which authorities believe may have contributed to the clash.

The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all individuals found to be responsible will be held accountable under the law.

Residents have also been urged to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies as efforts continue to restore and maintain peace in the area.

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The intelligence-led exercise was carried out on Saturday, December 27, 2025, by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service.

The operation targeted organised cybercrime syndicates operating in Tabora and Lashibi and believed to be involved in a range of cyber-enabled financial crimes, including Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud and Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams.

In Tabora, 100 suspects were arrested, while an additional 41 were picked up in Lashibi, bringing the total number of arrests to 141. Preliminary investigations indicate that most of the suspects are Nigerian nationals.

Security operatives also seized items believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes, including 38 laptop computers and about 150 mobile phones.

The devices are currently undergoing forensic analysis to establish their exact use and linkages to reported cyber fraud cases.

In a related development, a Ghanaian landlord was arrested for allegedly harbouring about 100 of the suspects in his residence.

Authorities say landlords have a responsibility to ensure their properties are not used for criminal activities.

The Minister for Communication and Digitalization, Sam George confirmed the development in a post on Facebook.

He stated that the suspects are believed to be linked to several forms of cybercrime, including romance scams, sextortion, wire fraud, MoMo fraud, and Business Email Compromise schemes that target individuals and businesses.

Investigations are ongoing, and officials say suspects found culpable will be processed in line with Ghanaian law.

The Minister urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious digital activity, stressing that public cooperation remains critical in the fight against cybercrime.

While reiterating that Ghana remains open to foreigners engaged in legitimate business, he warned that individuals who exploit digital platforms to commit crimes will be tracked, arrested, and prosecuted decisively.

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The incident emerged during Operation Sentinel, a coordinated cybercrime crackdown led by INTERPOL between October 27 and November 27 across 19 African countries, targeting business email compromise, digital extortion and ransomware schemes.

According to INTERPOL, the ransomware attack on the Ghanaian institution (name withheld) resulted in the encryption of 100 terabytes of data and the theft of approximately USD 120,000, severely affecting operations and access to sensitive systems.

Ghanaian authorities responded with advanced malware analysis, which enabled investigators to identify the specific ransomware strain used in the attack. This led to the development of a decryption tool that successfully recovered nearly 30 terabytes of encrypted data, significantly reducing the damage caused.

INTERPOL said multiple suspects linked to the attack have been arrested, as investigations continue into the wider criminal network behind the breach.

The case formed part of a broader operation that led to 574 arrests across Africa and the recovery of about USD 3 million in illicit proceeds, with financial losses linked to the investigated cases estimated at more than USD 21 million.

Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime, warned of the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks across the continent, particularly against essential sectors such as finance and energy.

“The scale and sophistication of cyberattacks across Africa are accelerating, especially against critical sectors like finance and energy. The outcomes from Operation Sentinel reflect the commitment of African law enforcement agencies, working in close coordination with international partners. Their actions have successfully protected livelihoods, secured sensitive personal data and preserved critical infrastructure,” he said.

INTERPOL noted that Operation Sentinel was conducted under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime and supported by international partners, including private sector cybersecurity firms that provided technical assistance in tracing malicious activity and freezing illicit financial assets.

The attack has renewed calls for stronger cybersecurity frameworks and continuous investment in digital resilience within Ghana’s financial system as cybercriminals increasingly target institutions holding large volumes of sensitive data.

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The three were part of a gang of five who reportedly opened fire on the police when they saw them.

The remaining two are on the run.

Following the shootout, the suspects, who sustained injuries, were taken to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. 

They have been identified as Seidu Issah, 29, Musah Yakubu, 35 and Yahaya Munkaila a.k.a. Tijani, 25.

Their bodies have been deposited in the hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy. 

“An investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to apprehend the accomplices and retrieve the guns,” a police situational report (SITREP), a copy of which has been seen by Graphic Online, stated.

The SITREP indicated that Seidu, Tijani and others were wanted persons in connection with several robberies and killings in Manso, Jacobu and the Anwiankwanta area.

It said on December 24, 2025, the police command received intelligence that the gang had converged in a bush in between Anwiankwanta and Jacobu junction, preparing to strike on the Anwiankwanta – Obuasi road.   

“An intelligence-led operation was conducted, and the team deployed four service vehicles that raided the converging place in a bush near Anwiankwanta. 

“The team on arrival spotted about five young men with guns. The gang on seeing police opened fire and attempted to escape through the bush. The police tactically returned fire, and three suspects sustained gunshot injuries but the other two with suspected gunshot wounds managed to escape,” the report indicated.

The report said two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds of ammunition each, and one unbranded pistol were retrieved from the scene. 

Also, a sack containing 25 live cartridges and six spent cartridges were retrieved.

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The disturbance reportedly occurred around 9:30 a.m. when a group of masked men, said to be armed, entered the mosque area and attempted to force some individuals away from the premises ahead of Jummah prayers.

The situation quickly deteriorated, with sporadic gunshots causing fear and confusion among those present.

Initial information suggests that at least seven people sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.

They are reported to be receiving medical attention, while security agencies continue to assess the full extent of the casualties.

Although the exact trigger of the violence has not yet been officially established, residents have linked the incident to the long-standing dispute within the Zongo community over the rightful Volta Regional Chief Imam.

In response, a joint team of more than 20 police and military personnel was deployed to the area to restore calm and secure the mosque and its surroundings. Despite the tension, residents were seen preparing to proceed with Jummah prayers under heavy security presence.

Investigations are ongoing as police work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the roles of those arrested.

The arrests were made at identified crime-prone locations including Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Nungua, Adabraka, Achimota, East Legon and the Railways enclave, following intelligence-led patrols and stop-and-search exercises by police personnel.

According to the Police Command, the special operation forms part of nationwide security measures rolled out during the festive season to prevent crime, ensure public safety and maintain law and order as residents gather for Christmas and end-of-year activities.

The Christmas Special Operations are conducted annually by the Ghana Police Service, typically involving intensified day and night patrols, snap checkpoints, swoops at known hideouts, and collaboration with other security agencies. The initiative is aimed at deterring armed robbery, drug trafficking, assault, and other criminal activities that often spike during festive periods.

Police sources indicated that the suspects were picked up for various offences, including possession of narcotic substances, robbery-related activities, unlawful assembly, and other forms of suspected criminal conduct.

Items retrieved during the operations are said to be undergoing examination as investigations continue.

The Command noted that the operations were deliberately focused on busy commercial hubs and high-traffic areas where criminal activities are more likely to occur during the holidays.

All suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations and will be processed in accordance with the law.

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the Christmas Special Operations throughout the festive season and into the New Year, urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to help keep communities safe.

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The network was uncovered during Operation Sentinel, which focused on business email compromise, digital extortion and ransomware activities identified as growing threats in INTERPOL’s 2025 Africa Cyber Threat Assessment Report.

Investigators said the syndicate used professionally designed websites and mobile applications to impersonate well-known fast-food brands, collecting online payments from unsuspecting customers but failing to deliver any orders.

INTERPOL confirmed that ten suspects were arrested in Ghana in connection with the fraud, while more than 100 digital devices were seized during coordinated raids. Authorities also took down 30 fraudulent servers used to facilitate the scam.

The Ghana-Nigeria network was among several high-impact cases uncovered during the operation, which resulted in 574 arrests across Africa, the takedown of over 6,000 malicious links and the decryption of six ransomware variants.

The crackdown revealed how cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting consumer trust in familiar brands to carry out large-scale fraud across borders, making detection and enforcement more complex.

Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime, said the operation demonstrated the value of international cooperation in tackling cyber-enabled crime.

“The scale and sophistication of cyberattacks across Africa are accelerating, especially against critical sectors like finance and energy. The outcomes from Operation Sentinel reflect the commitment of African law enforcement agencies, working in close coordination with international partners. Their actions have successfully protected livelihoods, secured sensitive personal data and preserved critical infrastructure,” he said.

INTERPOL said partnerships with private sector organisations played a critical role in tracing IP addresses, disrupting criminal infrastructure and assisting authorities to freeze illicit financial assets linked to the fraud.

Operation Sentinel was conducted under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime and supported by funding from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as well as the European Union and the Council of Europe through the GLACY-e project.

The arrests come amid growing concern about cyber-related offences in Africa, with INTERPOL reporting that two-thirds of surveyed African countries now classify cybercrime as a medium to high proportion of all criminal activity.

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The arrests were made in Salaga, Damongo, Buipe and Bole as part of intensified policing efforts aimed at curbing crime and ensuring public safety during the festive period.

In a statement on the Ghana Police Service’s official Facebook page on December 26, the police said the suspects, made up of both men and women, were found with quantities of suspected narcotic drugs, including dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp.

According to the police, the operation forms part of broader preventive measures to clamp down on drug abuse and related criminal activities, especially during periods of increased public movement and social gatherings.

The suspects remain in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations, after which they are expected to be processed in accordance with the law.

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Effah-Dartey is accused of aiding two other suspects to deceive a prospective buyer into paying GH¢800,000 as part payment for an excavator that was never lawfully owned by the sellers.

He has denied the charge of abetment of defrauding by false pretences and was granted police enquiry bail, following an application made by his father, retired naval officer Captain Nkrabeah Effah-Dartey.

Two other accused persons, Mawuli Awadzi Amenyo, a 49-year-old carpenter, and Jiang Tao, a warehouse manager, were also arraigned. Amenyo, who has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and defrauding by false pretences, was granted bail in the sum of GH¢400,000 with two sureties, one to be justified.

Jiang Tao, charged with abetment, was admitted to police enquiry bail. A fourth suspect, Rishan Mahanta, is currently on the run and faces an additional charge of forgery.

Presiding judge Evelyn Asamoah adjourned the matter to January 23, 2026.

Presenting the facts, Detective Chief Inspector Abel Amanie said the complainant, Kofi Boateng, a businessman from Asankragwa in the Western Region, was seeking to acquire an excavator for commercial rental. In September 2025, a third party linked Boateng to Amenyo, who later introduced him to Mahanta, claiming he was an excavator importer based in Accra.

According to the prosecution, Boateng travelled to Accra on October 1, 2025, with associates to inspect the equipment. They were taken to the premises of Caitec Delta Limited, where Mahanta allegedly passed off several excavators as his property.

Jiang Tao was said to have released a key to enable Boateng test one of the machines, despite access to the area being restricted.

Satisfied after the inspection, Boateng agreed to purchase a Sany hydraulic excavator valued at GH¢1.7 million and paid GH¢800,000 upfront.

He was subsequently taken to a law firm at Kaneshie, where Effah-Dartey, introduced as Mahanta’s lawyer, allegedly received the cash, issued a receipt, and provided what prosecutors say was a forged Import Declaration Form purportedly from the Ghana Revenue Authority.

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The prosecution told the court that Amenyo later abandoned Boateng under the guise of arranging transportation for the excavator and went off communication. Further checks revealed that neither Amenyo nor Mahanta owned the equipment and that Mahanta was not a registered client of the law firm involved.

Amenyo was arrested on October 7, 2025, and allegedly admitted his involvement, claiming the money was handed over to Effah-Dartey. Investigations are ongoing as police continue efforts to locate Mahanta.

The case will resume in January 2026.

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The incident occurred on Thursday, December 25, 2025, while the deceased was on his way to his farm.

Mr. Nyankomago was said to have gone to the farm with his wife to irrigate their crops. On their way, a chemical they were carrying reportedly spilled, prompting him to return home to get a replacement while his wife continued to the farm.

On his return, he encountered the suspect, who allegedly attacked the farmer with a locally manufactured firearm, shot him twice before slashing his throat, leading to his death.

When James failed to return to the farm and did not respond to repeated calls, his wife became alarmed and returned to look for him.

She found him lying motionless and immediately raised an alarm, drawing the attention of nearby residents, who then informed the police.

Police officers who later arrived at the scene discovered that the suspect had also died under circumstances that are not yet clear.

The bodies of both men were transported to the Anhwiaso Community Hospital mortuary for preservation and further investigation.

Some residents of Sehwi Atwima told Adom News that the suspect was believed to have mental health challenges and had been living in the bush for some time.

They claimed he had previously threatened farmers in the area and was suspected to have injured another person earlier the same day.

Police have launched investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and the deaths of both the victim and the suspect.

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According to a statement signed by the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Alhassan Luckman Niendow, the arrest was carried out on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Kpalsi, a suburb of Tamale.

He said officers seized 98 parcels of compressed dried leaves suspected to be cannabis during the operation. The arrest followed a distress call from the Tamale Taskforce, which had earlier apprehended another individual, identified as Hashim, in possession of the exhibits.

Hashim reportedly implicated Mohammed Alhassan, leading to his arrest. Alhassan was subsequently handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) for further investigations.

Chief Inspector Niendow said preliminary investigations revealed that Hashim, now on the run, was the one controlling the narcotics.

“Strenuous efforts are underway to arrest suspect Hashim, as he is currently at large, to assist in investigations,” he said.

The Police PRO added that Mohammed Alhassan is expected to be arraigned before court on Monday, December 29, 2025, on charges of possessing narcotic drugs without lawful authority.

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The two suspects, the matron, Nyamadi Benedicta, and cook, Rachel Kyeremateng, were arrested on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, while transporting the food items to a private residence at Atronsu in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.

They appeared before the court on the charges of stealing and were remanded into police custody at Sehwi Bekwai.

The stolen items include 21 bags of rice, 6 gallons of cooking oil, 40 tins of tomatoes, 4 boxes of milk, a bag of sugar, and quantities of maize, millet, gari, and other essential foodstuffs.

The suspects are scheduled to reappear on January 5, 2026.

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