According to residents, the absence of a refuse container has forced households to dispose of their waste at an open dumping site, resulting in large heaps of garbage and creating what they describe as an unhealthy living environment.

They say the situation has become increasingly unbearable, with foul odours and swarms of houseflies affecting homes, businesses and daily activities.

Some residents lamented that the stench from the refuse dump has made it difficult for them to sit comfortably in their homes or conduct business in the area.

Beyond the inconvenience, residents fear the unsanitary conditions could trigger a cholera outbreak and other sanitation-related diseases, especially during the rainy season when floodwaters can spread contaminants across communities.

They have therefore appealed to the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly, government and Zoomlion Ghana Limited to urgently provide a refuse container and evacuate the accumulated waste before the situation escalates into a public health crisis.

The deceased have been identified as 45-year-old Kofi Appiah and his 16-year-old son, Adom Emmanuel.

According to reports, the victims were working on their farm when they were attacked by unknown assailants. A second son who was with them at the time has since gone missing, with search efforts currently underway to locate him.

The bodies of the deceased have been conveyed to the Nkwanta South Government Hospital morgue for preservation, autopsy and further examination.

The circumstances leading to the attack remain unclear. However, residents and family members suspect the incident may be linked to the protracted conflict affecting parts of the municipality, which has heightened security concerns in the area.

Police have launched investigations into the killings and the disappearance of the third victim.

Authorities are expected to engage witnesses and members of the community as part of efforts to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the attack.

In a statement issued on Sunday, June 14, 2026, the constituency described his passing as a great loss to the party and the people he served.

According to the statement, Chairman Iddrisu Sani passed away on Sunday after years of dedicated service to the party and the constituency.

The NDC said he was more than a party executive, describing him as a pillar, mobiliser and committed servant of the people whose contributions to the growth of the party would not be forgotten.

Preparations are currently underway for his burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The party extended its condolences to the bereaved family, friends and supporters, while praying for strength and comfort for all affected by the loss.

The event brought together pastors and their spouses, retirees and their spouses, as well as widows of pastors.

The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam, led an intensive three-and-a-half-hour prayer session focusing on key areas including thanksgiving, repentance, rededication, intercession for the Assemblies of God World Congress to be held in Accra in October this year, the needs of the church, personal concerns, and prayers for the nation.

Appreciation

The Greater Accra East Regional Superintendent, Rev. Andrews Nelson Awintia, who hosted the event, expressed appreciation to Rev. Wengam and his wife, Lady Mrs Monica Wengam, for their leadership and commitment to the church.

Mrs. Wengam also commended the pastors for their dedication and used the occasion to present cloth and cash donations to widows, retirees and their spouses. In addition, pastors’ wives received cloth, while the pastors were also presented with gifts.

Exhortation

In his exhortation, Rev. Wengam encouraged pastors to remain diligent in their calling and to avoid attitudes such as grumbling and anxiety, noting that such behaviours can erode peace and hinder their effectiveness in ministry.

Marriage Vows

As part of the visitation, the General Superintendent led ministers and their spouses in renewing their marriage vows, stressing the importance of keeping them unbroken until death, as ordained by God.

In a statement issued on Sunday, June 14, 2026, the association said the decision follows high-level engagements with key political and traditional leaders, including the Member of Parliament for the KEEA constituency, the Central Regional Minister, the MCE for Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem, the Paramount Chief of the Komenda Traditional Area, and a member of the Interim Management Committee of the Komenda Sugar Factory.

SUFAG explained that the leaders appealed for time to engage relevant authorities on the concerns raised by sugarcane farmers and the future of the Komenda Sugar Factory.

According to the association, the suspension is in the interest of dialogue and constructive engagement, although it stressed that its position on the matter remains unchanged.

SUFAG maintains that the Komenda Sugar Factory should be removed from the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and placed either under the Office of the President as a special initiative project or under the 24-hour economy framework to improve efficiency and accountability.

The association noted that despite significant public investment over the years, the factory remains non-operational, a situation it says continues to affect farmers and the wider agricultural value chain.

It further indicated that it has given authorities up to July 31, 2026, to present a clear roadmap on the future of the factory.

SUFAG warned that failure to meet its expectations within the stipulated period could lead to a peaceful picketing exercise at the Jubilee House.

The association, however, expressed appreciation to stakeholders who facilitated the engagement and urged members to remain calm as further consultations continue.

According to him, inadequate staffing, lack of logistics and delays in the release of funds continue to hamper the work of the assemblies, affecting their ability to enforce planning regulations and supervise developments within their jurisdictions.

He noted that although the assemblies have technical professionals, including architects, engineers, planners and surveyors, many of them are operating with limited personnel.

“We have architects, engineers, planners and surveyors within the assemblies, but many of them are understaffed. Some assemblies have only one or two engineers overseeing an entire municipality, making effective supervision of developments extremely difficult,” Emmanuel Cherry stated.

He stressed that the situation has contributed to challenges in processing building permits and monitoring construction activities.

The Chamber also expressed concern over delays in the release of budgetary allocations to assemblies, describing the situation as a major setback to service delivery.

“Without adequate funding and logistics, routine activities such as site inspections become difficult. Government must equip the assemblies, recruit more technical personnel and ensure the timely release of funds to help them carry out their regulatory responsibilities effectively,” he added.

He warned that inadequate logistics and operational constraints could create opportunities for irregularities in the building permit acquisition process, ultimately affecting orderly development.

Emmanuel Cherry made the remarks at an event where the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry honoured Nickseth Construction Company Limited as the Best Building and Civil Engineering Company of the Year 2024/2025.

Receiving the award, Nicholas Frimpong Boateng highlighted some of the major challenges confronting the construction industry, particularly delays in payments by both government and private clients.

“One of the biggest challenges in the construction industry is delayed payment. Construction is not something everyone can do without the required technical expertise. It requires skilled professionals, proper planning, budgeting and forecasting to achieve the desired results,” he said.

He further encouraged construction firms to remain innovative, embrace healthy competition and maintain high professional standards to drive growth within the industry.

“As a company, you must think positively, believe in competition and continue to improve. Competition helps raise standards and ultimately benefits the entire construction sector,” Mr. Frimpong Boateng stated.

According to the Odikro of Aworabo, Nana Kwaku Barfo, the incident marks the second time residents have had to resort to such measures due to the poor state of roads in the area.

He explained to Adom News that the situation has become worse during the rainy season, making the roads nearly impassable and discouraging commercial drivers from accessing the community.

The deceased, who died in Aworabo, was to be buried in a nearby town where the community’s cemetery is located. However, no vehicle owner was willing to transport the body because of the deplorable condition of the road.

Faced with the challenge, residents improvised by using a motorbike to convey the corpse to the burial site.

“When no vehicle was willing to transport the body to the cemetery, I suggested that the deceased be wrapped in a mosquito net and cloth and securely tied to a motorbike to ensure stability during the journey. That was the only option available to us, and it was how we managed to transport the body for burial,” Nana Barfo recounted.

The chief expressed concern that the poor road network continues to affect healthcare delivery, transportation, and other essential services in the community.

He warned that if urgent action is not taken to rehabilitate the roads, residents could face even more serious challenges, including potential health and sanitation risks.

Nana Barfo has therefore appealed to the government and relevant authorities to fix the roads to improve access and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Source: Kwame Kulenu

The deceased, identified as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, was found at the shoreline on Saturday, June 13, 2026, after residents of the Duakor community reported a body washed ashore.

Preliminary findings shared by the UCC District Police Commander, ASP Abdul Abubakar, indicate that the deceased’s roommate last saw her at about 7:00 p.m. two days before the discovery.

According to the roommate, the deceased received a phone call, dressed casually, and left their shared room. She reportedly did not return afterwards, raising concern among colleagues and prompting efforts to trace her whereabouts.

The body was discovered the following morning by residents and subsequently reported to the police. Officers who arrived at the scene said no visible injuries were observed during initial examination. The remains were later transferred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital morgue for preservation.

The deceased was later identified with the assistance of her roommate and confirmed by family members at the mortuary.

Police say a post-mortem examination will be conducted following a coroner’s request to determine the exact cause of death. Investigations are ongoing.

Authorities have also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information as inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the report, earlier that same day at about 0630 hours, Mensah received information that unknown persons had allegedly stormed the Adevukope Cemetery and damaged the graves of two recently buried persons, late Esi Havor Deku, aged 67, and Akakpo Agbobli, aged 93, who were buried three weeks and one month ago, respectively.

It was further alleged that the perpetrators exhumed and made away with the remains of Deku, while they were unable to remove the body of Agbobli.

The District Crime Officer, ASP Emmanuel Habada, together with the complainant, later proceeded to the scene, which is located a few metres from the Adevukope community.

They found Madam Deku’s grave damaged, with the coffin opened and the body missing, leaving behind pieces of cloth believed to belong to the deceased.

The grave of Agbobli was also found partially disturbed; however, the coffin remained intact.

Police have since begun an investigation into the incident.

The discovery was reported to police at about 3:15 a.m., prompting an immediate response team to be deployed to the beach.

According to preliminary findings, the body—believed to be that of a woman between 25 and 30 years—was found lying in a prone position with blood observed oozing from the nose.

However, the police have clarified that a careful examination at the scene revealed no visible marks of assault, contrary to early speculation that may have suggested foul play.

“The body was carefully inspected, and there were no marks of assault on it. Photographs were taken, and the body has since been deposited at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital morgue for identification and autopsy,” the UCC District Police Command stated.

A Post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.

Meanwhile, chief fishermen along the coastal stretch have been tasked to inform their respective communities to assist in identifying the deceased.

Police say investigations are ongoing, with the autopsy expected to provide critical clarity on whether the death was due to natural causes, drowning, or other underlying factors.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the university authorities to work closely with the Ghana Police Service to ensure a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

In a statement issued by the Ministry, the government extended condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the university community, describing the incident as a tragic loss.

The Ministry also urged the public to allow investigative authorities to carry out their work without interference, as efforts continue to establish the cause of death.

Signed by the Press Secretary to the Minister, Hashmin Mohammed, the statement reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring safety and accountability within tertiary institutions.

She made the appeal during the school’s 2026 graduation and commissioning ceremony for 672 students.

According to her, the school is struggling with insufficient tables and chairs, limited classroom space, lack of modern teaching facilities, absence of a dedicated office vehicle, and an inadequate administration block, all of which are affecting effective teaching and learning.

She stressed that although Ola Girls’ SHS remains one of the notable schools in the country, the infrastructure deficit is significantly hindering both staff and students.

Beatrice Adongo therefore called on government, corporate organisations, NGOs, and individuals to support the school to improve its learning environment.

She also urged parents to continue guiding their wards as they complete their second-cycle education and prepare for tertiary studies, emphasizing the need for proper care and supervision.

The Assistant Cathedral Administrator for Goaso Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adu Boateng, who was the guest speaker, commended parents for their support throughout the students’ three-year academic journey despite challenges.

He encouraged parents to maintain close relationships with their children as they await their results, warning that reduced parental engagement could expose them to negative peer influence that may affect their future.

The exercise, carried out on Friday, June 12, 2026, is part of measures aimed at restoring drainage channels and improving the free flow of stormwater, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

Officials explained that encroachment on waterways has significantly contributed to recurring floods in parts of Tema by obstructing the natural drainage system.

The operation involved relevant departments of the Assembly, with authorities stressing the need for traders, residents and developers to comply with planning regulations and avoid building on drainage reserves.

The Mayor of Tema, Ebi Bright, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to building a cleaner, safer and more climate-resilient city.

She noted that protecting waterways remains critical to safeguarding lives and property, and urged residents to support ongoing sanitation and flood-control measures by keeping drains clear.

The TMA indicated that similar enforcement exercises will continue across the metropolis as part of broader efforts to strengthen urban planning and reduce flood risks.

The crash occurred on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at about 16:48 hours in front of the Rashid Sumaila Washing Bay, along the busy highway.

The accident involved a Boxer motorcycle with registration number M-26-WR, a Toyota Corolla (CR 44-22), and a Daewoo Metro Mass bus (GS 5267-20).

Eyewitness accounts suggest the motorcycle collided with the side of the Toyota Corolla, causing the rider to fall onto the roadway. He was subsequently run over by the Metro Mass bus, leading to his instant death.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been made public.

Emergency responders later arrived at the scene to assist in managing traffic and clearing debris, allowing for the gradual restoration of vehicular movement along the route.

The police conveyed the body to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital morgue for preservation and further investigation.

The motorcycle sustained extensive damage, while the Toyota Corolla also recorded damage to its side.

Investigations have been launched to establish the exact circumstances that led to the fatal crash.

The intervention follows recent flooding incidents on campus and forms part of a coordinated effort between KNUST, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, and the Ashanti Regional Office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

Authorities say the exercise is intended to clear silted channels, remove obstructions and improve the river’s ability to carry excess water during heavy rainfall.

The Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of NADMO, Mr. Charles Oppong, said investigations showed that the recent flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall which caused the river to overflow its banks.

He explained that poor drainage maintenance and long-standing blockages had also restricted the natural flow of water, worsening the situation during downpours.

According to him, some drainage pathways had not been dredged for years, making it difficult for water to move freely during intense rainfall events.

He further noted that encroachment on wetland areas behind sections of the university had also contributed to the problem by disrupting the natural water absorption system.

Following these findings, the Ashanti Regional Minister directed the deployment of heavy equipment to support urgent remediation works.

Excavators are currently widening and clearing sections of the river channel to improve water flow and reduce the risk of future overflow.

Mr. Oppong assured students and staff that the situation had been brought under control, adding that ongoing works are expected to significantly improve the river’s capacity.

The exercise is part of broader flood prevention measures being implemented across the region ahead of the peak rainy season.

According to Citi News, the discovery was made by fishermen during a routine fishing expedition on the river.

Although the identity of the deceased is yet to be established, a resident of the area, Dr Samuel Agyei, reported that the man appeared to be in his late 30s and was not known within the community.

The police have since conveyed the body to a morgue for preservation and further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The incident comes just days after the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Seth Sabah Serwonoo-Banini, announced that two people; an adult and a child had drowned in a tributary of the Densu River near Nurses Quarters Junction on the Kasoa–Obom Road on Wednesday, June 10.

Authorities are yet to determine whether the cases are connected, as investigations continue.

More than 500 operators of aboboyaa tricycles used for waste collection are reportedly experiencing severe delays in disposing of refuse after key dumping facilities became either inaccessible or overwhelmed by increased demand.

The situation has resulted in long queues of refuse-laden tricycles and trucks along sections of the busy Mallam–Kasoa Highway, creating both traffic and environmental concerns.

According to operators, the crisis stems from the closure of a major dumping facility located on the Mortuary Road, as well as flooding at the Weija-Oblogo landfill site, which has significantly reduced the number of operational waste disposal points available to collectors.

As a result, waste transporters have been compelled to redirect their loads to the McCarthy Down disposal site, which has become the primary destination for refuse from several communities across the capital and its surrounding areas.

The sudden surge in patronage has reportedly overwhelmed the facility, forcing drivers and tricycle operators to spend several hours, and in some cases an entire day, waiting for access to dispose of collected waste.

Speaking to Adom News, some of the affected operators said the situation was severely affecting their livelihoods and disrupting waste collection services in numerous communities.

One of the riders explained that refuse collectors who previously relied on multiple disposal sites are now converging on a single facility, creating unprecedented congestion.

He noted that waste is collected daily from densely populated communities such as Madina, Pokuase, Kasoa and adjoining settlements, making efficient disposal critical to maintaining sanitation standards.

The operators complained that the additional travel distances and prolonged waiting times have increased fuel consumption and operating costs, reducing the number of trips they can undertake each day.

Many expressed concern that if the situation persists, refuse could begin accumulating in homes, markets and public spaces, potentially creating health risks and worsening sanitation conditions.

The congestion has also attracted the attention of motorists and residents using the Mallam–Kasoa corridor, where lengthy queues of waste transport vehicles have become a common sight.

Residents fear that delays in waste disposal could lead to indiscriminate dumping and exacerbate environmental challenges, particularly as the rainy season heightens the risk of blocked drains and flooding.

Sanitation experts have long warned that disruptions in waste collection and disposal chains can have far-reaching consequences, including the spread of diseases, environmental pollution and deterioration in urban cleanliness.

The affected operators are therefore calling on metropolitan, municipal and district authorities, as well as waste management agencies, to urgently intervene by addressing the challenges at the affected landfill sites and identifying alternative disposal facilities to ease pressure on the remaining operational sites.

They believe swift action is necessary to restore efficiency to the waste management system and prevent a larger sanitation crisis in the Greater Accra Region.

As of Friday, authorities had not issued an official statement on the situation or indicated when normal operations at the affected dumping sites would resume.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Agbodeka described the stretch from the Border Market to the main border yard as a high-risk zone, particularly at night, due to persistent darkness.

He noted that despite the area being designated as a security zone, it remained poorly lit in the evenings and at dawn, creating opportunities for criminal activities.

Mr Agbodeka said passengers arriving in Ghana through the Aflao border and those in transit to Togo often faced harassment and attacks while attempting to board vehicles at the lorry stations.

He revealed that some unidentified individuals frequently operated within the enclave during early mornings and late evenings, attacking unsuspecting travellers and robbing them of their belongings.

“Just a few days ago, a hiring car driver who is a member of our Union was killed while trying to protect a passenger from being attacked by these criminals,” he stated.

He described the incident as deeply troubling and indicative of the growing insecurity in the area, calling for urgent intervention by the authorities.

Mr Agbodeka appealed for the immediate restoration of streetlights within the border enclave and adjoining markets, as well as increased deployment of police and military personnel, especially during vulnerable hours.

He assured that driver unions were ready to collaborate with security agencies to help improve safety for commuters and traders operating within the area.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Mohammed Amuzu, Assembly Member for the area, told GNA that the issue had been reported to the relevant authorities, but efforts to resolve it had so far not yielded results.

He explained that the fault was attributed to damaged underground cables supplying power to the streetlights, which required replacement or repair.

Alhaji Amuzu said he had proposed an alternative solution of installing overhead connections through the poles to restore lighting, but the suggestion had not been adopted.

Residents and transport operators have since called for urgent action to address the situation and ensure safety at one of the country’s busiest border entry points.

The four-day regional event, organised by the ECOWAS Commission in partnership with Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), brought together some of West Africa’s most talented cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, software developers, and digital innovators under the theme: “Regional Collaboration through Technology: Building a Digitally Resilient West Africa, Together.”

This year’s Hackathon attracted participants from 12 ECOWAS Member States—Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo—who competed to develop innovative solutions to some of the region’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.

Over an intensive 48-hour period, teams worked collaboratively to design and present practical cybersecurity solutions aimed at combating ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, online fraud, digital extortion, and threats to critical national infrastructure.

The climax of the event came during the closing ceremony when Team Nigeria, competing under the name “Error,” was announced as the overall winner. Comprising Ige Adekunle, Mark Uchechukwu, Ezekiel-Inyele Victor, and Olawale Abdulrasheed, the team impressed judges with its creativity, technical sophistication, teamwork, and ability to address real-world cybersecurity threats.

For the Nigerian team, the victory was particularly significant, marking the culmination of four consecutive years of participation in the regional competition and highlighting the rewards of perseverance, continuous learning, and innovation.

Benin’s “Escadron” team secured the first runner-up position, while Togo’s “RedTeam TG” emerged second runner-up after delivering strong and innovative solutions during the competition.

The Hackathon also highlighted the increasing participation and impact of women in cybersecurity across the region. In recognition of their outstanding contributions, Codjia Fifamè of Benin’s Escadron team, Badom Grace of Liberia’s Cyber Warriors team, and Guylaine Marie of Côte d’Ivoire’s Back2Root team were honoured as outstanding female participants.

Delivering his closing remarks, the Director-General of Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, commended participants for their professionalism, technical excellence, and collaborative spirit throughout the event.

“Over the past four days, we have witnessed the very best of West Africa’s innovation, talent, and collaborative spirit,” he said.

According to Mr. Agbeti, the Hackathon reaffirmed that cybersecurity is not solely about technology but, more importantly, about people—young innovators, ethical hackers, and cybersecurity professionals committed to developing responsible solutions to real-world challenges.

“The solutions conceived during this competition testify to the creativity and ingenuity that thrive within our region,” he noted. “West Africa possesses the talent and potential needed to secure its own digital future.”

He urged participants to sustain the relationships and partnerships forged during the event and continue working together to strengthen regional cybersecurity resilience and advance innovation across the ECOWAS region.

Mr. Agbeti also expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission for entrusting Ghana with hosting the competition and acknowledged the contributions of technical partner DoubleOSec, sponsors, judges, media partners, and the Cyber Security Authority team for ensuring the event’s success.

The successful hosting of the Hackathon further reinforces Ghana’s position as a leading advocate for cybersecurity cooperation, digital resilience, and technological innovation within West Africa, at a time when the region faces increasingly sophisticated cyber threats amid rapid digital transformation.

Speaking during a working visit to the AMA as part of his assessment of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, the Minister said the limited availability of land in Accra should not hinder development, particularly when existing Assembly properties can be transformed into productive and revenue-generating assets.

According to him, Accra’s status as the nation’s capital and commercial centre demands bold planning, efficient land use and strong leadership to meet the growing needs of residents, traders and businesses.

He urged the Assembly to move beyond conventional development approaches and explore redevelopment models that would maximise the use of old markets, office buildings, sanitation facilities and other public infrastructure.

The Minister noted that modernising existing structures could help improve service delivery, enhance revenue mobilisation and contribute to the overall transformation of the city.

Welcoming the Minister and his delegation, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, said the visit offered an opportunity for the Assembly to highlight its achievements, challenges and development priorities.

He added that the Assembly continues to benefit from the experience and guidance of former city leaders, including Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, whose support has strengthened the work of the Assembly.

The training, facilitated by the Regional Manager, Mohammed Issah Baba (DCAEMT), was designed to equip the students with practical knowledge needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies on campus and in their future workplaces.

Participants received hands-on instruction in Basic Life Support (BLS), including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), choking management, bleeding control techniques, and the recognition and management of shock before professional medical assistance arrives.

According to NAS, the initiative forms part of efforts to promote emergency preparedness and strengthen community resilience through public education on life-saving interventions.

As future teachers, the students are expected to play a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils under their care, making emergency response knowledge an important skill in the classroom environment.

Management and students of the college expressed appreciation to the NAS team for the training, describing it as timely and practical.

They noted that the exercise had improved their confidence and preparedness to respond appropriately during emergencies.

The appeal was made when the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on the leadership of the GJA at the International Press Centre in Accra on June 10, 2026.

The visit formed part of preparations for the 2026 World Drug Day commemoration and was also aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two institutions in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Speaking during the meeting, Brig. Gen. Mantey expressed concern about the increasing rate of substance abuse among students and young people, describing the trend as worrying.

According to him, many young people engage in drug abuse without fully understanding the harmful effects on their health, education and future prospects.

He noted that NACOC has intensified educational outreach programmes in schools, religious institutions, workplaces and communities across the country to help prevent drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyles.

Brig. Gen. Mantey also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enforcing drug laws and prosecuting individuals involved in drug trafficking and related offences.

He stressed that the media remains a critical partner in shaping public opinion and educating the youth on the dangers associated with substance abuse.

Responding, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Dwumfour, acknowledged the growing threat of substance abuse, particularly among students in some senior high schools.

He assured NACOC of the Association’s readiness to support awareness campaigns and promote responsible reporting on drug-related issues.

The meeting also afforded both institutions the opportunity to discuss collaborative strategies ahead of this year’s World Drug Day celebration, which is themed: “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

The deceased, identified as Innocentia Avinu, was a 20-year-old Bachelor of Commerce student pursuing Human Resource Management.

According to reports, Innocentia Avinu was last seen on June 11, 2026, at Ayensu Plaza Hostel on the university campus wearing a black dress. Her disappearance prompted concerns among colleagues and loved ones.

Her body was reportedly discovered on Saturday, June 13, at the shoreline of the university’s coastal beach. She was found lying face down and dressed only in her underwear and bra.

The body was subsequently retrieved and deposited at a morgue pending an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

As of the time of filing this report, the University of Cape Coast had not issued an official statement on the incident.

The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, and investigations are expected to establish what led to the tragedy.

The accident occurred on Saturday, June 13, 2026, and involved a KIA container truck, a fuel tanker and a commercial taxi.

Among those injured were the taxi driver, some passengers and the driver of the fuel tanker. The victims were rushed to Steward Hospital at Yawkwei for medical treatment.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, assisted by good Samaritans, carried out a rescue operation to free victims who were trapped in the mangled vehicles. Rescuers had to cut through parts of the taxi and the fuel tanker to extricate the injured occupants.

Fortunately, no deaths were recorded.

An eyewitness, Abdella Usman, narrated to Adom News that the KIA container truck, with registration number GN 1591-20, was travelling towards Kumasi when it reportedly suffered brake failure.

He explained that the fuel tanker was stationary on the roadside heading in the same direction, while the taxi was travelling towards Juaso when the truck crashed into both vehicles.

The impact of the collision caused extensive damage to the vehicles and temporarily disrupted traffic along the busy highway.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Source: Isaac Amoako

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in a Facebook post confirmed that a six-member crew from the Sekondi Metro Fire Station, led by ADO I Kingsley Annane Ayakwah, responded to the incident on Saturday, June 13, 2026, after a distress call was received at 0935 hours.

Firefighters arrived at the scene at 0938 hours to find a fully developed fire involving two rooms on the hostel’s second floor. The team quickly moved in to contain the blaze, bringing it under control by 1007 hours and fully extinguishing it at 1025 hours.

Although the swift response prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the building, two rooms and their contents were completely destroyed.

One female occupant sustained partial burns during the incident and was rushed to the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, where she is receiving treatment.

Preliminary investigations by the GNFS indicate that the fire was triggered by a faulty two-in-one gas stove that ignited during cooking. The resulting explosion reportedly spread flames to nearby combustible materials, quickly escalating the situation and engulfing the two rooms.

The Service has since urged the public to exercise caution when using gas appliances, especially in enclosed residential spaces, to prevent similar incidents.

Source: Adomonline.com

The decision, delivered by Justice Kwame Gyamfi Osei on May 28, 2026, represents a significant victory for 23 academics and professionals who challenged GTEC’s decision after it sought to restrict the use of their doctoral qualifications within Ghana’s tertiary education sector.

The dispute arose following a directive issued by GTEC on November 5, 2025, which stated that certificates awarded by UNEM could no longer be used for teaching, appointments, promotions, or career progression within Ghana’s higher education system.

The affected degree holders, who obtained their doctoral qualifications from the Costa Rican institution between 2017 and 2023, argued that GTEC had previously assessed, recognised and validated their qualifications, only to subsequently reverse its position without engaging them or offering them an opportunity to be heard.

In its ruling, the court agreed with the applicants, finding that the directive directly affected their rights and professional interests and that GTEC ought to have followed due process before issuing such a far-reaching decision.

“Since this letter directly affected the applicants, they ought to have been given the opportunity to defend themselves before the derecognition of their certificates,” Justice Osei said in the judgment.

The court concluded that GTEC’s actions breached Article 23 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which requires public administrative bodies to act fairly, reasonably and in accordance with due process when making decisions that affect citizens.

A major issue before the court was whether GTEC possessed the legal authority to withdraw recognition of qualifications that had already been awarded and accepted within Ghana’s educational framework.

GTEC maintained that it was acting within its statutory mandate to protect academic standards and preserve the integrity of tertiary education. The Commission argued that it had not invalidated UNEM qualifications outright but had merely restricted their future use for academic and professional purposes within Ghana’s tertiary education system.

The applicants, however, contended that they had relied on GTEC’s earlier recognition and validation of their qualifications to obtain academic appointments, secure promotions and advance their professional careers.

Justice Osei sided with the applicants, ruling that GTEC could not retrospectively undermine qualifications that had already been conferred and recognised.

In reaching his decision, the judge referred to Regulation 14 of the National Accreditation Board (Accreditation of Tertiary Institutions) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1984), which provides that the revocation of an institution’s accreditation does not affect the validity of degrees that were awarded before such revocation.

Although GTEC argued that previously awarded qualifications remained valid despite the institution’s loss of recognised status, the court found the Commission’s position contradictory.

“It is a fact that Certificates are specifically acquired for those professional and academic purposes,” Justice Osei said.

“Hence, if the same are invalidated or derecognised in Ghana and cannot be used for those purposes, then what should they be used for?”

The court held that preventing graduates from using their qualifications for employment, promotion or academic advancement effectively deprived those qualifications of their practical value, despite claims that they remained valid.

The court also examined GTEC’s decision to revoke the registration of OAA Consulting Limited, the local representative of UNEM in Ghana.

According to the applicants, the revocation was carried out without complying with legal procedures that require regulators to provide institutions with notice and an opportunity to address alleged breaches before sanctions are imposed.

They argued that the law required six months’ notice to be given to allow any deficiencies to be corrected before registration could be withdrawn.

After reviewing the evidence, Justice Osei found that GTEC had failed to demonstrate that it complied with the necessary procedural requirements before revoking OAA Consulting’s registration.

The court therefore ruled that the revocation was procedurally flawed and unlawful.

Furthermore, Justice Osei held that the applicants had sufficient legal standing to challenge the revocation because GTEC’s subsequent decision to derecognise UNEM qualifications was founded upon that action.

As part of the judgment, the court directed GTEC and all tertiary institutions that had acted on the directive to reverse any decisions taken against holders of UNEM qualifications awarded before October 20, 2025.

The court also restrained GTEC and educational institutions from enforcing the directive against affected graduates and formally quashed the directive, effectively rendering it null and void.

The ruling means that holders of UNEM degrees awarded before the specified date cannot be denied appointments, promotions, teaching opportunities or other professional benefits on the basis of the derecognition directive.

Despite ruling in favour of the applicants on the substantive issues, the court declined to award damages.

Justice Osei noted that while the directive had been unlawful, the applicants had not produced sufficient evidence to show that employers or institutions had fully implemented the directive in a manner that resulted in quantifiable financial losses warranting compensation.

Nevertheless, the judgment represents a significant legal setback for GTEC and is expected to have far-reaching implications for the regulation and recognition of foreign academic qualifications in Ghana.

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Source: Myjoyonline.com

In a Facebook post on Friday, June 13, the GNFS said the victim, identified as Kwesi Salifu, believed to be in his 30s, was working inside a well when he ran into difficulties, suspected to be due to low oxygen levels in the confined space.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, after emergency services received a distress call that a worker had become trapped in a well.

A seven-member rescue team from the Abura Dunkwa Fire Station, led by Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO II) Louis Afful, was quickly deployed to the scene. The team was later reinforced by ADO I Jeffery Ampiah and Station Officer (STNO I) Morgan to support the operation.

Eyewitnesses and the site owner, Mr Henry Duker, said the mason was carrying out work inside the well when he began struggling to breathe.

It is believed that insufficient oxygen in the confined space left him weak and disoriented.

According to reports, the victim attempted to climb out of the well but lost consciousness and fell back into the shaft.

Firefighters, upon arrival, mounted a carefully coordinated rescue and recovery operation to retrieve him from the well.

Despite their efforts, Mr Salifu was pronounced dead by medical personnel shortly after he was brought to the surface.

His body has since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for preservation and further investigations.

The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers associated with working in confined spaces such as wells, pits, tanks and underground structures.

The GNFS has since urged contractors and workers to strictly adhere to safety measures, including proper ventilation, oxygen monitoring, protective gear, safety harnesses and standby rescue arrangements when working in such environments.

Source: Adomonline.com

The pilgrims, who arrived on Friday night, are predominantly from Bawku and its surrounding communities.

Upon arrival, the pilgrims were received by officials of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG), security personnel, family members, and well-wishers who gathered to welcome them home after the successful completion of the Islamic pilgrimage.

The arrival of the first batch marks the beginning of the return phase of Ghana’s 2026 Hajj operations, with additional flights expected to bring home the remaining Ghanaian pilgrims in the coming days.

The Communications Director of PAOG, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, indicated that all necessary logistical and transportation arrangements had been put in place to ensure the safe movement of the pilgrims from Tamale to their respective destinations, particularly those travelling to Bawku and its surrounding communities.

He added that PAOG, in collaboration with the Government, security agencies, Hajj agents, and transport operators, had deployed buses and coordinated security escorts to facilitate the smooth and safe transportation of the pilgrims.

According to him, the measures were intended to ensure that every pilgrim returned home safely and reunited with their families without difficulty.

Gratitude 

For his part, the Chairman of PAOG, Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, expressed profound gratitude to Allah, the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, and all stakeholders whose collective efforts made the transportation arrangements possible.

He also expressed hope for lasting peace, unity, and development in Bawku, saying, “I am prayerfully looking forward to seeing a total transformation and development of Bawku, anchored on peace, love, and harmony.”

The successful arrival of the pilgrims has been met with gratitude and celebration, as families and communities reunite with their loved ones after weeks of spiritual devotion in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

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Source: Graphic Online

In a statement issued on June 12, 2026, to mark the World Day Against Child Labour, the Commission stressed that protecting the rights of children remains a key measure of any society’s commitment to human dignity and social justice.

“The fulfilment of children’s rights is among the most fundamental measures of a society’s commitment to human dignity and social justice,” CHRAJ stated.

According to the Commission, child labour remains a significant obstacle to the well-being and development of children, depriving many of their right to education, protection and a safe childhood.

It noted that the challenge persists despite legal safeguards contained in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), and international agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

CHRAJ described the scale of the problem as worrying, pointing to global estimates showing that about 138 million children are engaged in child labour, with nearly 54 million involved in hazardous work.

The Commission also cited data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicating that more than 1.1 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 were engaged in economic activities in 2023. Of that number, more than 458,000 were not attending school.

“Alarmingly, over 458,000 of these children were not attending school,” the statement said.

CHRAJ noted that the figures highlight the reality that many children continue to miss out on educational opportunities that could help improve their lives and break the cycle of poverty.

The Commission therefore called for renewed national efforts to combat child labour under the 2026 theme, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”

It emphasized that child labour is not only a social and economic concern but also a violation of rights guaranteed under both Ghanaian law and international conventions.

CHRAJ further urged government, employers, communities and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to address the conditions that expose children to exploitation, warning that failure to act could worsen inequality and undermine the country’s long-term development goals.

Source: Adomonline.com

In a statement dated Saturday, June 12, Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed said a review of proceedings at the Nkawie District Court established that the trial magistrate acted in accordance with the law after prosecutors moved to withdraw the case.

The clarification comes amid public criticism and media reports following the handling of the case involving Eric Buernortey Apaflo, a teacher at Nyinahin Catholic Senior High School who was accused of assaulting a female student.

The case attracted widespread public attention after a video circulated on social media showing the teacher and the student engaged in a physical altercation on the school’s campus.

The matter was brought before the Toase District Court on June 10, where the case was subsequently struck out.

However, contrary to reports that the court encouraged the parties and their families to pursue reconciliation and an out-of-court settlement, the Judicial Service said no such advice was given by the presiding magistrate.

Mr Ahmed said he ordered a review of the proceedings after receiving complaints and observing reports that he believed had inaccurately portrayed the conduct of the magistrate, leading to what he described as unwarranted public condemnation.

According to the Judicial Service, the case was registered as Case No. ASH/NK/CC/D4/120/2026. The accused appeared before the court represented by lawyer Melody Christian, while Assistant Superintendent of Police Frank Acheampong led the prosecution.

“Upon the commencement of proceedings, the prosecutor informed the court that he was acting under instructions from his superiors to withdraw the case,” Mr Ahmed stated.

Following the prosecution’s request, the magistrate struck out the case and discharged the accused.

“It is important to note that no charge was read, nor was a plea taken,” the Judicial Secretary said. “Therefore, the allegation that the trial Judge advised the parties to reconcile their differences is categorically false and not reflective of the court’s actions on that day.”

He said official court records and handwritten notes from the proceedings corroborated the actions taken by the magistrate.

According to Mr Ahmed, the magistrate exercised judicial discretion appropriately and acted within the confines of the law.

He further urged the public, media organisations and social media users to refrain from drawing conclusions based on inaccurate accounts of court proceedings.

“The integrity of our judicial system depends on fair representation of its proceedings, and it is our duty as members of the Judiciary, the Judicial Service and the Judicial Council to uphold this standard,” he said.

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Source: Citinewsroom

The accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Saka, a community in the Bawku West District.

Accra-based Channel One News reported that the Toyota Sienta, with registration number UE 302-25, was travelling from Bawku towards Bolgatanga when it collided with the oncoming VVIP bus en route to Bawku.

The impact of the crash claimed the lives of three people, including the driver of the Toyota Sienta, who was popularly known among colleagues and passengers as “P Pant.”

Several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Bawku West District Hospital in Zebilla for treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue pending identification and further investigations.

Sources close to the incident revealed that “P Pant” had only recently purchased the vehicle and began operating commercially from his station just last month, making his death particularly heartbreaking for family members, friends and colleagues.

The identities of the other deceased victims have not yet been released by authorities.

Police are expected to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision as residents and commuters continue to call for greater caution on the stretch, which has witnessed a number of serious accidents in recent years.

Source: Adomonline.com

The operation was carried out following reports that the developers had resumed construction activities despite directives from REGSEC to halt work until agreed drainage improvement works in the area were completed.

National Security officials have since declared the site a restricted zone and warned that anyone found loitering around the premises could be arrested. The area has also been cordoned off by security personnel.

The latest development comes weeks after Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, inspected the project site and ordered the suspension of construction over concerns about flooding and drainage challenges.

Accra-based Citi News reported that National Security operatives first stormed the site at about 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, during a heavy rainstorm. A security guard, reportedly the only person present at the time, was arrested during that operation.

Authorities say the developers resumed work after holding discussions with Nana Kwaku Boateng III in an attempt to secure support for the continuation of the project.

However, security officials insist that the developers were required to complete drainage reconstruction works before any construction activity could resume.

During a follow-up operation on Friday, June 12, six workers were arrested at the site, while several others reportedly fled into nearby bushes upon seeing the security team arrive.

Authorities further disclosed that some of the Chinese developers locked themselves inside one of the buildings on the premises and refused to come out during the operation.

The China Mall project has generated significant public concern, with residents and motorists alleging that the development is being undertaken on a riparian zone that previously served as a natural channel for stormwater from the Nsukwao stream and other nearby waterways.

Residents argue that ongoing construction activities have worsened flooding in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Before work commenced on the project, the developers reportedly entered into an agreement with REGSEC and the Koforidua Municipal Assembly to reconstruct a drainage system near the traffic-light intersection to improve water flow and reduce flood risks.

Commenting on the matter, Eastern Regional National Security Coordinator Francis Annoh-Dompreh condemned what he described as the developers’ disregard for the stop-work directive.

He warned that security agencies would not tolerate actions that endanger public safety, regardless of the nationality of those involved.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh also cautioned Ghanaian workers against returning to the site while the stop-work order remains in effect.

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Source: Adomonline.com

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, June 13, Mr Baidoo made the remarks in response to the extradition and conviction of former Chief Executive of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, who was recently returned to Ghana from the United States after being convicted on more than 70 corruption-related charges.

The extradition was announced by the United States Embassy in Ghana in a statement issued on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, describing the development as evidence of strengthened law enforcement cooperation between Ghana and the United States and a shared commitment to tackling corruption. Attionu was convicted of offences including the embezzlement of more than US$6 million in public funds.

Mr Baidoo was emphatic that President John Mahama has not considered any form of pardon for the convicted former official.

“I can tell you at least in the interim… President Mahama has never contemplated a pardon, never. I can tell you on authority,” he stated.

He further argued that expectations of accountability for public officeholders remain consistent with the former president’s broader governance philosophy, particularly regarding the handling of corruption-related cases.

According to him, individuals who serve in public office must ultimately be prepared to account for their actions through established legal processes.

Mr Baidoo also referenced the widely debated Montie 3 case, arguing that it is often mischaracterised in public discourse and should not be conflated with financial crimes involving state resources.

He noted that, in his view, the nature of that case differed significantly, stressing that it did not involve the misappropriation of public funds.

“Montie 3, did anybody steal Ghana’s money? That matter is a different matter,” he said, adding that the comparison is frequently used inappropriately in political debate.

The Akwatia MP maintained that if any party believes there have been irregularities in the conviction or extradition process involving Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, the appropriate course of action is to pursue legal redress through the courts rather than seek political intervention.

“President Mahama believes that if you serve in public office, you must account for it one day and that is exactly what we have. If her lawyers think that something untoward has happened, they should use the judicial process,” he said.

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• Sedina unlikely to serve full jail term; I’m sure she’ll be given presidential pardon…

Source: Emmanuel Tetteh

According to some of the affected riders, the situation has been caused by the closure of a refuse dumping site located on Mortuary Road, coupled with flooding at the Weija-Oblogo dumping site, which has significantly reduced waste disposal options.

Speaking to Adom News, a rider explained that the closure and flooding have forced waste collectors to transport refuse to the McCarty Down dumping site, resulting in severe congestion and long queues.

The riders noted that they collect refuse from several communities, including Madina, Pokuase, and Kasoa, and now have to travel longer distances to dispose of the waste.

The increased volume of trucks and tricycles heading to Macharty Down has overwhelmed the facility, causing delays that have left hundreds of riders stuck on the road.

Many of the affected operators expressed frustration over the situation, saying it is affecting their daily operations and increasing transportation costs.

They are therefore appealing to the relevant authorities to urgently address the challenges at the affected dumping sites to ease the pressure on waste disposal activities in the region.

The traffic buildup of refuse-laden aboboyaa tricycles along the Mallam–Kasoa corridor has also raised concerns among motorists and residents, who fear the situation could lead to environmental and sanitation challenges if not resolved promptly.

Authorities are yet to officially comment on the matter.

Source: Prince Owusu Asiedu

The family has accused some staff of the facility, particularly a midwife who was on duty at the time, of possible involvement in the incident and is appealing to the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service to intervene and help reunite them with their child.

Speaking to Adom News, the husband of the woman, Gabuja Simon, said he took his wife to the hospital at about 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday for delivery.

According to him, between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., nurses informed him that his wife had successfully delivered a healthy baby girl.

“The nurses told me my wife had delivered a baby girl, but despite several requests, neither I nor any member of my family was allowed to see the baby,” Mr. Simon alleged.

He further claimed that after his wife was transferred from the labour ward to the postnatal ward, a midwife instructed him to travel into town to purchase some medications.

“When I returned from town, we were shocked to be told that the baby could not be found. Up till now, we still do not know where our child is,” he said.

Mr. Simon described the incident as suspicious and alleged that it could have been a calculated attempt to steal the baby.

“We want the authorities to conduct a thorough and independent investigation. We need answers, and we want our baby back,” he appealed.

According to him, the matter was reported to the Salaga Police, leading to the arrest of the midwife and another nurse who were on duty at the time of the alleged disappearance.

He said the suspects were initially detained in Salaga before being transferred to Tamale to assist with ongoing investigations.

“The two health workers were later arraigned before a court in Tamale, where they were denied bail and remanded into custody. They are expected to reappear before the court on June 18, 2026,” Mr. Simon stated.

Meanwhile, the Administrator of the Salaga Government Hospital, Aloysius Bokuma, says the facility has never recorded such an incident in its history.

“This is the first time we are experiencing an incident of this nature at the hospital,” Mr. Bokuma said.

He rejected claims that hospital authorities deliberately prevented the family from seeing the baby, explaining that the area they sought to access was a restricted section of the facility.

“The family was not denied access to the baby. The area they wanted to enter is a restricted section of the hospital and is not accessible to unauthorized persons,” he explained.

Mr. Bokuma noted that while cases of baby abandonment have occasionally been recorded at the facility, allegations of a missing newborn are unprecedented.

“We have had instances of baby abandonment before, but we have never recorded a case involving the disappearance of a newborn baby,” he added.

He assured the public that the hospital is fully cooperating with security agencies to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

“We are cooperating fully with investigators and remain committed to uncovering the truth behind what happened,” he said.

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Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

He made the disclosure on Nhyira FM’s’Kurom Yi Mu Nsem as public pressure mounts over the delay in commissioning the facility for patients.

Mr. Awuku Amoah claims the NPP government had even begun training staff in preparation for employment at the facility, indicating that steps were already being taken to make the hospital operational before the change in government.

According to him, former President Nana Akufo-Addo had scheduled the commissioning of the Afari Military Hospital alongside the Sawua Hospital, but the plan was disrupted due to the unavailability of the contractors on the scheduled date.

“The Afari Military Hospital was ready to serve the public before we left office. It was 100% complete and everything was intact, fully equipped and waiting for commissioning. The government even started training staff, and I personally know a nurse who was sent by my former member of parliament to take part in the military training, this person is now work at Tepa hospital,” he told the host, Nana Kwabena Ampratwum.

“The plan was for President Akufo-Addo to commission both the Afari and Sawua hospitals together, but the contractors didn’t make themselves available and refused to hand over the project due to contractor-related issues,” Mr. Awuku Amoah added.

He clarified that before the NPP administration left office, the government had no outstanding debt to the project contractors. As a result, any contractor-related issues were internal matters between the contractors themselves.

“At the time we were leaving office, the government did not owe the contractor even one pesewa. The contractor-related issue was that the contractor to whom the project was awarded had subcontracted the work to a different contractor. This led to a dispute between the main contractor and the subcontractors, which the government was intervening to resolve, but unfortunately the change of government prevented us from completing the process,” he disclosed.

The 500-bed capacity of Afari Military Hospital, located at Afari in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region, was initiated to ease pressure on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and improve access to specialized healthcare for military personnel and civilians in the middle belt of Ghana.

The facility is expected to offer services including surgery, maternity, pediatrics, and diagnostics.

Chaos erupted at the Afari Military Hospital in the Ashanti Region on June 10, 2026, when military personnel confronted and temporarily blocked Minority members of Parliament’s Health Committee from the premises.

The lawmakers, led by Ranking Member on Health Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, had arrived for an official site inspection to highlight delays in operationalizing the 500-bed facility

Commenting on the incident, Michael Awuku Amoah stated that since the project has not been officially handed over to the government, Ghanaian citizens still have the right to visit the site and access it.

He condemned the deployment of military personnel to prevent MPs from entering the project area, describing the move unfortunate.

“There is nothing to hide about the project. It is funded with Ghanaians’ taxpayers’ money, so they have every right to access it without anyone’s permission. If security personnel are present, their job is only to ensure that the equipment meant for the project does not go missing”.

When the host brought up a similar incident involving the then-NDC minority’s visit to the same facility during his tenure as MCE for the area, he denied giving the military such a directive.

“In fact, I wasn’t aware that the NDC MPs were coming to inspect the project, and I wasn’t worried about it because they didn’t have to inform me before going there. The military personnel who were deployed to block them from entering were not acting on my orders, and that was unfortunate,” he stated.

Source: Francis Mensah

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The project is being implemented under AGCL’s reforestation offset agreement with the Forestry Commission, which commits the company to rehabilitate forest land as an environmental offset for areas disturbed through its mining operations.

The program is expected to create over 350 jobs for people in surrounding communities and attract an investment of US$7 million over a period of 10 years.

Speaking at the launch, the General Manager of Asante Gold Chirano Limited, Ing. Stephen Asante Yamoah noted that AGCL recognises that economic progress and environmental protection must move together for the benefit of present and future generations.

He explained that the company is committing significant financial and technical resources to the project as part of its broader sustainability agenda.

According to Ing. Yamoah, the initiative goes beyond planting trees. It is aimed at restoring ecosystems, rebuilding habitats for wildlife, protecting watersheds, improving biodiversity and supporting global efforts to address climate change through carbon sequestration.

The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brenntum, commended Asante Gold Chirano Limited and the Forestry Commission for the initiative, describing it as a major contribution to environmental restoration and community development in the region.

He expressed optimism that the project would go a long way to improving the lives of the people while contributing to the protection of the region’s natural resources.

The National Director of Operations, Plantations at the Forestry Commission, Madam Valerie Fumey Nassah, explained that the initiative is being implemented in the Tano-Suraw Forest Reserve, an important forest landscape within the company’s operational area and one of the areas identified for restoration under the reforestation offset programme.

She noted that the project reflects the purpose of the agreement between AGCL and the Forestry Commission, which is to ensure that areas affected by mining-related activities are compensated for through deliberate forest restoration, biodiversity recovery and long-term protection of the natural environment.

The Acting President of the Wiawso Traditional Council, Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, urged farmers benefiting from the reforestation offset programme to commit fully to the work and treat the project as an opportunity to contribute to the restoration of the Tano-Suraw Forest Reserve.

He stressed that the success of the programme would depend on discipline, dedication and strong community ownership.

He therefore called on the beneficiary communities, including Akoti, Etwebo, Paboase, Nsuonsua and Anglo, to support the project and help protect the trees after they are planted.

Source: Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe

​The court found that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the accused. Consequently, Her Honour ruled that the evidence presented lacked the necessary probative value to justify requiring the defendants to open a defense.

​The three men, Godwin Kwabena Mensah (28), Kwadwo Frimpong (20), and Kwabena Antwi (30), were arrested following an intelligence-led operation by the Central North Regional Police Command.

They were accused of participating in an armed robbery that occurred in the early hours of June 25, 2025, at Assin Ntow-Krom, located in the Assin North District.

​According to initial police reports, a five-man gang attacked the residence of a gold buyer and a farmer around 1:00 a.m. The perpetrators were reportedly armed with machetes and a three-barrelled pump-action gun.

During the incident, a victim, Kwabena Amos, sustained severe injuries, including a machete wound and significant facial trauma caused by being struck with the butt of a gun, which resulted in critical damage to his right eye.

His brother, Richard Kumah, managed to escape without injury.
​Investigators had alleged that the suspects conducted surveillance on the community by posing as job seekers prior to the attack.

​After the prosecution concluded its case, the defense counsel filed a submission of no case to answer. Upon review, the court determined that the state had not met the burden of proof required to proceed with the trial, leading to the immediate acquittal and discharge of all three defendants.

​The ruling has drawn criticism from the victims and their families, who have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the outcome. They have signaled their intention to petition the Attorney-General, urging a review of the case to seek further legal action and justice for the attack.

Source: Samuel Alfred Amoh

​Christian Etse Dosey, a well-known local palm wine tapper and traditional healer, had been missing for three days before searchers located him. Mr. Dosey, who has three wives and 19 children, was last seen on June 10 when he left home to deliver herbal medicine to a client.

​When Mr. Dosey failed to return, his family and the local traditional authorities launched an intensive search operation. The efforts included traditional rites and public appeals to help track his whereabouts.

​The search ended when Mr. Dosey was found lying in the bush in an unconscious state. He had sustained severe injuries, including: a fractured arm, multiple wounds to the neck and other bodily injuries.

​Given the nature and severity of his wounds, the family and local residents strongly suspect that he was the victim of a targeted attack by unknown assailants.

​Following his discovery, Mr. Dosey was initially rushed to a local clinic in Assin Kushia. He has since been referred to the St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Fosu, where he remains under medical care.

​His brother, Daniel Dosey, has publicly expressed the family’s belief that foul play was involved. The family and eyewitnesses are now urgently calling on the Ghana Police Service to launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

Source: Samuel Alfred Amoh

The visit, which also served as a homecoming for the traditional leader, was primarily to assess firsthand the challenges facing the school and to identify what can be done to restore its lost glory.

Priority: A Complete Facelift

Upon inspection, Nene Odjidji II, who is also the CEO of Dromi Homes Company Limited, expressed deep concern over the school’s dilapidated infrastructure, noting that giving it a facelift is his top priority.

He said this facelift forms part of his company’s corporate social responsibility. Aside from infrastructure, some key areas he pledged to tackle include desks and furniture for classrooms, chairs and books for the library, repair and provision of computers for the ICT Lab, installation of fans, provision of waste bins, television sets and table top fridges for the staff common room and the headmaster’s office.

Nene Odjidji II also pledged to push teachers to enforce proper sanitation habits among students, promising to avail himself for any further help on that front.

Concerns from Teachers and Headmaster

During the tour, the teachers also shared their concerns. Key among them was the lack of discipline among the students, which was attributed to parental irresponsibility. Additionally, it was noted that some students have become family breadwinners, going to farm or sell mangoes. Hence they have money, are out of control, and do not respect the teachers.

Nene Odjidji II acknowledged the concerns and promised to hold a meeting with parents and guardians to address the issues head on.

Headmaster Samuel Ahasu, in his submission, worried that the capitation grant given to them is grossly inadequate. He explained that the school has a current population of 94 students after 48 students sat for the BECE. More students are expected to join from class six in the next academic year, and they must be prepared for them.

Interaction with Students

Interacting with the students, some concerns raised by them included the lack of textbooks, to which Nene Odjidji II pledged to provide. He further pledged to support any student who passes his or her BECE to continue into Senior High School (SHS). Nene Odjidji II elaborated that he will bring well doing alumni of the school, plus other successful people, to meet the students and serve as mentors and role models.

“This is my alma mater. I am proud of the training I and my colleagues got from here, which has served as a bedrock of our growing success. That training must be restored,” Nene Odjidji II said.

The headmaster thanked Nene Odjidji II for the visit and appealed to him to fulfill all the promises made, noting that the school’s fate now hangs on such interventions.

The tour ended with a homecoming rallying cry for all former students to return and contribute to rebuilding their alma mater.

The assemblyman for New Somanya, Edwin Yaw Tengey, Brands Consultant and Media Strategist for Dromi Homes Co. Ltd., Sangmorkie Tetteh and some royal members of the New Somanya Traditional Area were part of the team that visited the school.

Source: Sangmorkie Tetteh

His comments come in the wake of formal plea bargaining proceedings initiated in connection with an alleged GH¢14.3 million loan fraud case involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank), currently before the Accra High Court under Docket No. CR/0529/2026.

The development follows a letter dated June 5, 2026, in which Mr Wontumi’s counsel, Mr Andy Appiah-Kubi, requested the commencement of plea negotiations with the Attorney-General.

The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, subsequently filed a Notification of Commencement of Plea Negotiation at the High Court on June 11, 2026, pursuant to Section 162C(3) of Act 30, which governs plea bargaining procedures in Ghana’s criminal justice system.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Mr Awuah said the criminal justice process necessarily involves strategic decision-making by both prosecution and defence teams, particularly when considering whether to proceed to full trial or explore negotiated resolution.“We need to appreciate this: when you are a prosecutor, you have choices to make. And when you are a defence counsel, you also have choices to make,” he said.

He suggested that the defence team may have assessed the broader legal landscape, including the number of ongoing cases facing their client, and concluded that plea negotiations offered a practical avenue worth exploring.

“I can imagine that the defence team of Chairman Wontumi, taking cognisance of the enormity of cases that they are having to deal with, decided that let’s take advantage of this option,” he stated.

Mr Awuah further noted that where the underlying transaction involves a loan, its legal character must be properly understood within the context of repayment obligations rather than criminal intent.

“After all, it is a loan. A loan is meant to be paid. And so if anybody is raising issues in the manner in which the loan was procured and you are eventually going to pay it, and there is the option to pursue plea bargain, why don’t you explore it?” he said.

The Manhyia South MP stressed that Ghana’s plea bargaining framework explicitly preserves the presumption of innocence and does not equate participation in negotiations with guilt.

He explained that under Ghana’s criminal procedure framework, including provisions within Act 30 and its amendments, accused persons retain full constitutional protections throughout the process.

“That doesn’t mean there is guilt,” Mr Awuah said. “Because even if you look at plea bargain law, it stipulates that in the process the prosecutor would make it known to you the fact that you are not guilty, particularly when you have not pleaded guilty, and the fact that you have the right to a fair trial.”

He emphasised that defendants remain entitled to proceed to full trial should negotiations fail, reinforcing that plea bargaining is a voluntary legal mechanism rather than a presumption of culpability.

“We need to emphasise within context that the decision to do plea bargaining is not an admission of guilt,” he added.

Mr Awuah also framed plea bargaining as part of broader case management strategy, particularly where an accused person is facing multiple legal proceedings simultaneously.

He said legal counsel must weigh the efficiency and practicality of resolving certain matters while focusing attention on other ongoing cases.

“The decision will be based on choices that you as a lawyer and your client may want to make given the circumstances,” he explained.

He continued: “And if you are in the shoes of Chairman Wontumi, when you are already dealing with three prosecutions and you know that yes, there is no dispute that I took a loan, a loan is a loan, a loan is not the stealing of money, and you know that you will eventually pay it, and there is the option of entering into an agreement whereby you return the money, I would always advise my client, given the circumstance, that look, this is a low-hanging fruit. Let’s take advantage of it and then let’s move to deal with the three other ones pending in court.”

Source: Myjoyonline.com

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the government described the decision by Canadian authorities as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” arguing that it was based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reportedly rejected Partey’s application under Paragraph A36(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, citing inadmissibility grounds linked to those ongoing proceedings.

However, the government maintains that the decision appears to rely on unproven allegations, stressing that it undermines the principle of presumption of innocence, which it described as a cornerstone of justice in democratic societies.

“While respecting Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality,” the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry revealed that it has already initiated formal diplomatic engagement on the matter, including sending an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada on June 11, 2026, requesting a review of the decision.

It further disclosed that Ghana is prepared to explore all available diplomatic, legal and administrative channels under Canadian and international law, including the possibility of seeking judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada if necessary.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also held discussions with Canadian officials, including Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, since the issue came to the government’s attention.

The statement emphasized that Partey’s inclusion in the national squad for the FIFA World Cup carries significant sporting importance and urged Canada to reconsider its decision in the interest of fairness and established legal principles.

“Ghana remains committed to constructive engagements with Canadian authorities and to upholding the rule of law, human rights, and the presumption of innocence,” the ministry stated.

Government expressed hope that the matter will be resolved amicably through diplomatic channels, noting the long-standing cordial relations between Ghana and Canada.

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He insists that any negotiated settlement should include custodial sentences or criminal fines rather than allow an accused person to walk away without consequences.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday during a discussion on the reported plea bargain involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Dr. Kennedy defended the Attorney-General’s decision to engage in plea negotiations but stressed that accountability must remain central to the criminal justice process.

“I think that those who say the Attorney General shouldn’t, in effect, engage are wrong. There can always be negotiations and a plea deal, but I think that punishment is an important part of these things. It should not lead to a situation where people just return the money and go scot-free.”

He argued that Ghana’s justice system should apply the law equally, regardless of a person’s social or political standing.

“A nation that deals with fowl thieves and cassava thieves should not let big people go free when they commit crimes.”

While acknowledging that plea bargains can reduce the cost and duration of criminal prosecutions, Dr. Kennedy maintained that they should not amount to immunity from punishment.

“So, yes, the negotiation can save us prosecution cost and defense attorney cost and all that kind of thing, but still punishment ought to be part of a plea deal.”

Drawing comparisons with the United States, he explained that plea bargains typically result in reduced sentences rather than the complete avoidance of punishment.

“Here, a plea deal in the United States, for example, means that if this might have led to imprisonment for life, it may lead to, say, 10 or 15 years’ imprisonment. In other words, you might get a lesser sentence when you do a plea deal, but it does not mean that if you clearly committed a crime, you can walk away scot-free.”

Dr. Kennedy also cautioned against assuming guilt before the judicial process is concluded, reiterating the legal principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“So one should not presume anybody guilty. He’s innocent until proven guilty. He should be able to engage, but I think that some kind of custodial sentence or criminal penalties must be on the table.”

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Source: Myjoyonline.com

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, James Kwabena Bomfeh argued that plea bargaining is an established component of Ghana’s criminal justice system and should not be dismissed outright, particularly in cases where it can secure restitution for the state while avoiding lengthy and costly court proceedings.

According to him, the primary objective of a plea bargain is not merely to secure a conviction but to ensure that justice is achieved in a manner that benefits the public interest.

“The Attorney-General is working for all of us. They must consider all the issues at hand. In the interest of the state, if a plea bargain can achieve justice and recover what is due, then it should be considered,” he said.

However, he added that if such an outcome cannot be achieved through negotiations, then the matter should proceed to a full trial to allow the courts to determine the issues at stake.

Mr Bomfeh noted that plea bargaining has featured prominently in some of the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s successful cases and remains a legitimate tool within the country’s legal framework.

He, however, stressed the need to distinguish between cases where an accused person admits wrongdoing and those where allegations remain contested.

“We need to make a distinction between a plea bargain based on someone committing an offence and admitting to it, and a case where allegations are still being disputed,” he explained.

He also expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency within the criminal justice system to treat accused persons as guilty before their cases have been fully adjudicated.

He emphasised that Ghana’s Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence and places an obligation on the state to provide every accused person with a fair opportunity to defend themselves.

“The Constitution is clear that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Yet it is often assumed that once a report is made against someone, that person is guilty and must prove themselves innocent. That turns justice upside down,” he stated.

Commenting specifically on the Wontumi case, Mr Bomfeh observed that public discourse has focused almost exclusively on the NPP chairman, despite court documents indicating that multiple accused persons are involved.

He pointed out that the charge sheet names Bernard Antwi Boasiako, another individual identified as Thomas Antwi Boasiako, who is reportedly at large, and Wontumi Farm Limited as accused persons.

“If the charge sheet is anything to go by, then we are not talking about a Wontumi matter alone. It is Wontumi and others. We need to move away from personalizing it to his person,” he said.

Mr Bomfeh further questioned whether all individuals connected to the alleged offences were being subjected to the same level of scrutiny, arguing that prosecutorial discretion must be exercised fairly and consistently.

“If you are prosecuting for an offence and there are people associated with that offence, why do you leave some and proceed against others? These are questions that deserve answers,” he stated.

His comment follows lawyers of Chairman Wontuni formally requesting a plea negotiation with the Attorney-General in his ongoing criminal trial over an alleged GH¢14.3 million loan fraud involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank).

Source: Myjoyonline.com

According to the agency, a band of rain-bearing clouds earlier forecast has developed over sections of both coastal and inland areas and is expected to trigger showers, with or without thunderstorms, in several regions.

In its latest update issued at 0745 UTC, GMet indicated that parts of the Western, Central, Greater Accra and Volta regions are likely to experience rainstorms between 0745 UTC and 1000 UTC. These areas have been placed under “Be Prepared” and “Be Aware” alerts, signalling the possibility of weather-related disruptions.

The northern sector is also expected to be affected, with the Upper East, North East, Northern, Upper West and Savannah regions forecast to experience thunderstorms and heavy rainfall between 0745 UTC and 1400 UTC.

Some parts of the Upper West and Savannah regions are expected to face higher risk levels between 0945 UTC and 1500 UTC, with residents urged to take extra precaution due to the likelihood of more intense weather conditions.

GMet warned that the rainstorms may be accompanied by moderate to strong winds capable of damaging weak structures, uprooting trees and disrupting transportation.

The agency further cautioned that localised flooding could occur in low-lying and flood-prone communities, especially where heavy rainfall is sustained over short periods.

Residents have been advised to stay alert, avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rains, secure loose items around homes, and steer clear of floodwaters and storm drains.

Purchases for the 2026 Light Crop Season are expected to officially commence on June 18, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, June 12, and signed by COCOBOD’s Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Agronomy and Quality Control, Dr. Francis Baah, the Board said the producer price for Grade I and II cocoa beans will remain at GH¢41,241.76 per load of 30 kilograms and GH¢2,587.00 per bag of 64 kilograms gross.

The producer price per tonne, equivalent to 16 bags, will also remain unchanged at GH¢41,392.00.

According to COCOBOD, the decision was taken to cushion cocoa farmers from the impact of falling global prices and to safeguard their incomes ahead of the new light crop season.

“The decision underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the incomes and livelihoods of cocoa farmers, even as international cocoa prices experience a downward trend,” the statement said.

The Board noted that maintaining the current producer price is expected to provide stability and certainty for cocoa farmers as they prepare for the season.

COCOBOD further indicated that the decision has been communicated to key stakeholders across the cocoa value chain, including Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), management of the Board, relevant government ministries and other industry players to ensure a smooth start to cocoa purchases nationwide.

The announcement is likely to be welcomed by cocoa farmers, many of whom have expressed concerns about the impact of fluctuations in global cocoa prices on their earnings and livelihoods.

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Read the full statement below:

The transitional directives, issued by the Director of Legal Education and Director of the Ghana School of Law, Professor Raymond Atuguba, on behalf of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, are intended to ensure a smooth transition from the old legal education system to the new framework established under the Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170).

The reforms follow the passage of legislation that significantly restructures legal education in Ghana by decentralising professional legal training and allowing accredited universities to play a direct role in preparing students for legal practice.

The changes are regarded as some of the most far-reaching reforms to legal education in decades and are expected to expand access to professional training while reducing pressure on the Ghana School of Law.

A key reason for the transitional arrangements is the large number of LLB graduates who have been unable to gain admission into professional legal training under the previous system. Authorities estimate that between 5,000 and 8,000 graduates remain in the backlog after years of competing for limited places through the Independent Examinations Committee (IEC) admission process.

With the new law now in force, the IEC entrance examination system has been abolished, creating a new pathway for both recent graduates and those who have remained in the backlog.

Under the interim measures, accredited universities will be allowed to retain their graduating LLB students for an additional academic year to undertake a specially designed Pre-Bar Course.

The programme will cover key subjects required for legal practice, including Company Law, Commercial Law, Family Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Interpretation of Deeds and Statutes.

Students who successfully complete the programme will receive certification from their universities, enabling them to proceed to the Law Practice Training (LPT) Programme, sit the National Bar Examination and ultimately qualify for call to the Bar.

The directives also permit accredited law faculties to admit graduates from other institutions as well as backlog students who wish to enrol in the Pre-Bar programme.

Where universities are unable to offer the transitional course, they may collaborate with the Ghana School of Law or transfer affected students to the institution.

The arrangement is expected to ease pressure on the legal training system while universities prepare to seek accreditation under the new framework.

For students graduating this year, the route to becoming a lawyer will involve completing the one-year Pre-Bar programme before advancing to the practical Law Practice Training course at institutions accredited by the Council for Legal Education and Training (CLET), once the new body is formally constituted.

The practical training component will cover Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, Law of Evidence, Conveyancing and Drafting, Advocacy and Legal Ethics, as well as Law Practice Management and Legal Accounting.

Explaining the rationale behind the policy directives, Professor Atuguba noted that the measures largely align with proposals previously put forward by stakeholders.

“I am happy to note that the Policy Directives are substantially aligned with the recommendations made by the Conference of Law Deans at its emergency meeting on the impending reforms held on the 13th of May 2026.

“As you are well aware, the Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170), has been passed by Parliament, assented to by the President, and gazetted. However, the new Council for Legal Education and Training (CLET), established under the Act, is yet to be constituted. This letter serves as a set of Interim Policy Directives covering some very urgent matters.”

The government has also directed universities to use the transition period to strengthen infrastructure, improve practical legal training capacity and review their curricula to align with the new legal education regime.

Applications for accreditation to run the Law Practice Training programme are expected to begin in October this year, with authorities targeting full implementation of the decentralised legal education system by the 2027/2028 academic year.

The reforms are expected to broaden access to legal education, eliminate long-standing admission bottlenecks and create a more inclusive system for training future legal practitioners.

The transitional directives have already been circulated to universities and other stakeholders for immediate implementation as Ghana begins the transition to its new legal education architecture.

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The explanation comes after the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Sekondi College appealed for the affected students to be given another opportunity to write the paper. The PTA argued that the candidates were delayed by heavy rainfall and were subsequently denied entry by an external invigilator.

Speaking to Accra-based Citi FM, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, said strict adherence to examination rules is necessary because the examination is conducted simultaneously across several countries in the West African sub-region.

According to him, maintaining uniform standards is critical to preserving the integrity and credibility of the examination process.

Mr Kapi noted that while severe weather conditions could raise legitimate concerns in some situations, preliminary information available to WAEC suggests that the affected students were already on campus before the examination began.

“The information reaching us indicates that some were at the ICT lab, some were in the classroom, some were in the dormitories; they didn’t have to travel any distance to get to the examination hall.

“And mind you, there were others who were in there already and were writing, according to the report that we received. So, obviously, something may have gone wrong to make some of them not want to get into the examination hall early enough to start the exam.”

He further indicated that WAEC would not organise a special examination for the affected students, explaining that their next opportunity to write the paper would be during another examination cycle.

“They will only have a chance to rewrite in another cycle of examination. So, for example, if we are going to conduct a NOV/DEC this year, they are at liberty to register and write,” he stated.

The incident has sparked debate among parents, students and education stakeholders, with some calling for compassion and flexibility given the circumstances surrounding the candidates’ lateness, while others argue that examination rules must be applied consistently to all candidates.

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The meeting, scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Director-General’s Conference Room at the GES Headquarters in Accra, comes amid a standoff between the Service and organised labour over the collection of staff records.

In an invitation signed by Deputy Director-General of GES, Prof. Smile Dzisi, the Service indicated that the meeting is intended to address concerns surrounding the exercise and find a way forward.

“The meeting is aimed at resolving the impasse regarding the request for the submission of staff personal files for the job evaluation exercise,” the letter stated.

The development follows strong resistance from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG).

In a joint statement issued on June 9, the unions rejected a GES directive requiring teachers and non-teaching staff to submit personal information and employment records, including appointment letters, promotion letters and other supporting documents, through their district and municipal education offices for onward transmission to the GES headquarters.

The unions argued that the information being requested was already available within the Service’s existing records and questioned the need for staff to resubmit documents.

They further urged members across the country not to comply with the directive and called for its immediate withdrawal.

The exercise forms part of arrangements by the GES, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Public Services Commission (PSC) to validate and update staff records in preparation for the implementation of a new scheme of service.

The latest move by the GES is seen as an attempt to ease tensions and prevent a prolonged dispute with teacher unions, whose concerns have generated widespread debate within the education sector.

The outcome of Monday’s meeting is expected to determine whether both sides can reach a compromise on the exercise or whether the disagreement will deepen in the coming days.

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His warning comes amid growing concerns among Ghanaian doctoral students in the UK, many of whom say prolonged funding delays have left them struggling to meet basic living expenses and continue their studies comfortably.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Bansah described the situation as increasingly difficult for affected students and called for urgent intervention from government.

According to him, the challenges facing scholarship recipients have been worsened by what he sees as inadequate communication from the leadership of the Ghana Scholarships Authority, particularly the Registrar.

Bansah said the Registrar has met with executives of the PhD cohort only once and engaged students directly only once since assuming office, despite repeated calls for regular updates on outstanding payments and the status of funding.

“Our plea is that the President directly engages the Registrar to get the issue resolved because it appears the Registrar himself does not know what he is doing. The condition of some of these colleagues in the UK is debilitating. Some of us can survive it, but there are those who cannot survive the situation,” he said.

When asked whether he would recommend that a prospective student accept a Ghana Scholarships Authority scholarship under the current circumstances, Bansah’s response was unequivocal.

“Don’t even try,” he said.

His remarks follow concerns raised by the executive body of Ghanaian PhD students sponsored by the Ghana Scholarships Authority in the United Kingdom over delays in the release and disbursement of scholarship funds.

In a statement issued on June 8, the students said government and the scholarship management body had failed to release funds to cover outstanding tuition fees and stipends despite earlier assurances that payments had been processed.

According to the group, beneficiaries were informed in April 2026 that funds had been released to settle outstanding obligations. However, as of June 8, no member of the PhD cohort, nor any undergraduate or master’s scholarship recipient known to them, had received payment.

The students warned that the continued delays are taking a toll on their academic work, welfare and overall well-being, and called for immediate action to address the situation before it worsens further.

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