The five suspects were brought before the court for a second time during a committal hearing over the death of 27-year-old Yussif Zakari, who was allegedly lynched after being accused of stealing GH¢4,800.

The atmosphere at the court reportedly turned heated after the court’s decision to extend the suspects’ remand, leading to confrontations between some family members of the accused and those of the deceased.

Yussif Zakari’s death has sparked public concern over mob justice and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands.

The incident dates back to the early hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Sabon Zongo in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

According to reports, Zakari and another man identified as Baaba Adamu were accused by some residents of stealing GH¢4,800. The two were allegedly apprehended by members of the community, after which an angry crowd attacked them.

Zakari was reportedly subjected to severe beatings during the assault and sustained multiple injuries. Although efforts were made to save his life, he later died from the injuries.

The five suspects are currently facing legal proceedings as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The case has renewed calls for restraint and for suspected offenders to be handed over to the appropriate authorities rather than subjected to mob punishment.

Innocentia will be laid to rest on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at St. Anthony R.C. Church, Dzodze Hospital, where a burial Mass will be held before her interment at the church’s cemetery.

The family has indicated that there will be no wake-keeping.

The funeral schedule will begin with the collection of her body to St. Anthony R.C. Church, Dzodze Hospital, for laying in state and the burial Mass, followed immediately by the interment.

A memorial and thanksgiving Mass will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the same church to honour her life and legacy.

Innocentia Avinu, a Bachelor of Commerce student studying Human Resource Management at the University of Cape Coast, passed away under tragic circumstances after she went missing in June 2026.

Reports indicate that she was last seen on June 11, 2026, at Ayensu Plaza Hostel on the UCC campus, wearing a black dress. Her disappearance sparked concern among colleagues, friends and family, who joined efforts to trace her whereabouts.

Her body was later discovered on Saturday, June 13, at the shoreline of the university’s coastal beach. She was reportedly found lying face down, with investigations subsequently launched into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Mr. Parker said his years of service to the party have earned him the trust of delegates across the region, insisting that he requires little introduction because of the work he has already done.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he likened his popularity within the party to akpeteshie, the locally distilled alcoholic beverage, saying it needs no advertisement to attract patrons.

“Akpeteshie doesn’t need advertising to sell itself. I’m the right man for the job, and my people know me and the work I’ve done as Greater Accra Regional Secretary. I’m here to win again,” he said.

According to Mr. Parker, his longstanding relationship with constituency executives and grassroots members gives him an advantage in the race.

“I have worked with most of the executives. My magic is that I can campaign across a whole region within three days because the people know me. I worked hard even before I became Regional Secretary,” he stated.

He said the NPP faces significant work in Greater Accra if it is to return to power and believes his experience will be critical in repositioning the party.

“There is a lot we need to do in Greater Accra to win power, and I am the best person for the job,” he said.

Mr. Parker described himself as “the voice of the voiceless” within the party’s constituency structures and appealed to delegates to renew his mandate.

He pledged to help the party address the shortcomings that contributed to its electoral defeat and ensure similar mistakes are not repeated.

“I will ensure we correct all the things that did not work for us in the last election and prevent those old mistakes,” he said.

The aspiring Regional Secretary also promised to support newly elected regional executives with his institutional knowledge to enable them to settle quickly into their roles.

“I will also assist the new officers with the knowledge they need to learn fast and enable us to win power back. I understand the dynamics of the constituencies, and I am very assertive,” he added.

The NPP is currently conducting internal elections to elect regional executives as part of efforts to reorganise the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.

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The outreach, led by the University’s College of Health Sciences, brought together healthcare professionals and students from various disciplines to provide free medical screening, consultations, health education and referral services to residents of Anwomaso and neighbouring communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, Professor Francis Kemausuor, said KNUST’s anniversary was not only an opportunity to celebrate its achievements in teaching, research and innovation but also to reaffirm its responsibility to serve society.

“KNUST’s 75-year journey has been defined not only by excellence in teaching, research and innovation, but also by a strong commitment to service,” he said.

He described the outreach as a practical demonstration of the University’s commitment to ensuring that its knowledge and expertise directly improve the lives of surrounding communities.

Professor Kemausuor commended the College of Health Sciences, the planning committee and participating departments for collaborating to organise the outreach, stressing that multidisciplinary partnerships are essential in addressing today’s complex healthcare challenges.

He also thanked traditional authorities, market leaders, community members and development partners for supporting the initiative through logistics, equipment and other resources.

He urged healthcare professionals, students and volunteers to provide services with professionalism, compassion and respect while protecting patient confidentiality and ensuring participants requiring further treatment received appropriate referrals.

He also encouraged residents to make full use of the free services by participating in the health screening exercises and adhering to medical advice after their consultations.

The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Fred Stephen Sarfo, described the outreach as a practical expression of the University’s commitment to translating knowledge into meaningful community service.

“We are gathered not simply to mark an anniversary, but to demonstrate what 75 years of KNUST should mean in practical terms: knowledge translated into service, professional expertise brought closer to the people, and stronger partnerships between the University and its neighbouring communities,” he said.

Professor Sarfo noted that although the College is committed to training health professionals, advancing research and improving healthcare, those responsibilities must extend beyond lecture halls and hospitals into the communities where people live and work.

He explained that Anwomaso Market was deliberately selected as the venue because markets serve as centres of economic and social activity, making healthcare services more accessible to residents.

Professor Sarfo further highlighted the importance of teamwork in healthcare delivery, saying doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, laboratory professionals, physiotherapists, optometrists, veterinary professionals, public health practitioners and students all have vital roles to play.

“No single profession can meet all the health needs of a community,” he stated.

He encouraged residents to openly discuss their health concerns with healthcare providers and comply with referral recommendations where additional treatment was required.

Professor Sarfo also emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, noting that many diseases can be prevented or effectively managed through regular health screening, healthy lifestyles and early medical intervention.

He thanked the organising committee, faculty, students, volunteers, traditional leaders, assembly representatives, market leaders and development partners for contributing to the success of the outreach.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Anwomaso, Nana Osei Boah III, the Gyaasehene of Anwomaso, Nana Akwasi Poku, expressed appreciation to KNUST and the College of Health Sciences for bringing the outreach to the community.

He described the initiative as a major contribution to the health and well-being of residents and urged community members to take advantage of the free medical consultations, health screening and education.

“I hope this will not be the only time such a programme is held here. We welcome more of these initiatives in the future to continue supporting the health and well-being of our people,” he said.

Berko, 52, a dual US-Ghana citizen, was found guilty of conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, violating the Act itself, and conspiring to launder money. The verdict came after a nine-day trial before US District Judge Diane Gujarati. He faces up to 30 years in prison at sentencing and remains in custody until then.

Prosecutors said Berko and his associates paid Ghanaian government officials more than $1 million in bribes about a decade ago to secure approval for the development and financing of a power plant expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in profits.

How the scheme unfolded

According to trial evidence, Berko took charge of the deal in December 2014 while serving as an executive director in Goldman Sachs’ investment banking division. His task was to broker an agreement between Ghana and Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S., a Turkish energy firm and Goldman client, for the plant’s construction, at a time when Ghana faced a severe energy crisis.

To win the bid for Aksa, Berko and his co-conspirators allegedly paid off officials at multiple levels of government. In April 2015, they discussed a $1 million payment to Ghana’s power minister, who controlled key approvals, and $250,000 to his senior adviser. Officials also received bribes during an all-expenses-paid trip to Turkey to inspect equipment for the plant.

Ghana’s parliament ratified the deal in July 2015. The following month, the conspirators discussed a further $250,000 in payments, including $46,000 that Berko himself allegedly paid to members of parliament. Prosecutors said one recipient described awaiting the money as waiting for “holy rain.”

Berko concealed the scheme from Goldman’s compliance team and used a personal email account, rather than his work address, to coordinate the payments, instructing his associates to do the same, prosecutors said. The bribes were reportedly funnelled through shell companies, fake invoices, and cash withdrawals, laundered via both US and foreign bank accounts. Goldman later pulled out of the deal over corruption concerns.

International cooperation secured the arrest

US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. credited the UK government, INTERPOL’s UK bureau, the US Embassy in London, and the US Marshals Service with helping secure Berko’s arrest and extradition. Nocella said the case reflected the office’s push against corruption, while the Justice Department’s Tysen Duva said the conviction sent a message to those who undermine fair competition by bribing foreign officials.

The prosecution was led by the Eastern District of New York’s Business and Securities Fraud Section and the Justice Department’s Fraud Section.

The 19-year-old midfielder joins the Sky Blues from Danish club FC Nordsjaelland on a long-term contract, with the transfer fee remaining undisclosed.

Yirenkyi arrives in England after an impressive 2025/26 campaign that saw his stock rise significantly both at club and international level.

“I’m excited to be at this club,” he told the club website after completing his move.

“I’ve heard so much about it and I really feel positive about being here. 

“When I spoke to the Head Coach about the plans and the style, it’s something I really like, and I look forward to learning from him. 

“I want to give my best to the team each and every day. I’m still young so I want to learn from the Head Coach, the other players and work really hard for the team. 

“I’ve also heard a lot about the fans; they’re incredible and I can’t wait to play in front of them.,” he added.

The youngster was part of Ghana’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he made a major impact by scoring the decisive goal in the Black Stars’ 1-0 victory over Panama.

He featured alongside fellow Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante during the tournament.

Despite his young age, Yirenkyi has already earned 15 senior caps for Ghana, having established himself as one of the country’s most promising midfielders following his rapid development in Denmark.

His journey to senior football began at the renowned Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, where he developed before moving to FC Nordsjaelland in 2024.

Yirenkyi made his senior debut for the Danish club in September 2024 at just 18 years old and quickly became an important member of the first-team squad.

His breakthrough continued during the 2025/26 season, when he made 34 appearances for Nordsjaelland as the club secured a third-place finish in the Danish Superliga and booked a place in the UEFA Conference League.

His outstanding performances throughout the campaign earned him significant individual recognition.

Yirenkyi was named the Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year and was also selected in the league’s 2025/26 Team of the Year.

Coventry City will now hope the Ghanaian midfielder can carry that impressive form into English football as they prepare for the new Premier League campaign.

The move represents another significant step in Yirenkyi’s rapidly developing career and gives the young Ghana international an opportunity to continue his progression in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

Officials from the Ministry of Health received the hospital on Friday, August 7, before handing it over to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for management.

However, it remains uncertain when the 120-bed facility will begin operations, as questions remain over whether the GHS has constituted a management team to oversee the hospital.

Sources also indicate that the government is yet to fully settle outstanding payments owed to the contractor.

The handover comes after months of public pressure from residents and parents in Weija, who in May 2026 organised a demonstration demanding the operationalisation of the facility, which had reportedly been completed for more than a year but remained unused.

Following the protest, the contractor was reportedly invited by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) shortly after meeting with the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

When fully operational, the Children’s Specialist Hospital is expected to provide specialised paediatric healthcare services and ease pressure on existing child healthcare facilities, including the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, which has faced challenges associated with ageing infrastructure.

The facility is also expected to improve access to advanced healthcare services for children in Weija-Gbawe and neighbouring communities once it officially opens to the public.

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She said higher education institutions must also promote interdisciplinary research, support technology-driven entrepreneurship and equip graduates with the skills to use AI responsibly in an evolving digital world.

The Vice President made the remarks at the 15th Graduation Ceremony of Kaaf University, where 2,053 students graduated under the theme, “Transforming Lives, Transforming Ghana.”

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang encouraged the university to leverage Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to prepare graduates for the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape.

She commended Kaaf University for its commitment to producing graduates with the knowledge, practical skills and values needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The Vice President also highlighted the government’s Teacher Dabre initiative, which seeks to provide decent accommodation for teachers, particularly those posted to rural communities.

According to her, improving teachers’ living conditions will help make rural postings more attractive and reduce the challenges educators face in underserved areas.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor of Kaaf University, Michael Aidoo, appealed to the government to extend the No Fees Stress initiative to students enrolled in private tertiary institutions.

He argued that such support would ease the financial burden on parents and ensure that students in private universities also benefit from government educational interventions.

“Students in private institutions are also Ghanaians and deserve support,” he said.

The three content creators who work with online communications platform Feenal Digital were handed custodial sentences following their prosecution over TikTok posts considered offensive to the president.

According to their lawyer, the posts were intended as comedy and did not warrant criminal charges. He argued that the content creators should not have faced prosecution over satirical expressions shared online.

Mandoumbe Diop received the longest sentence of three months in prison without suspension. Diop, who has more than half a million followers on TikTok, is known for videos that often attract tens of thousands of views.

Two other influencers, Magueye Diaw and Moustapha Ndiaye were each sentenced to two months in prison without parole.

Reuters reports that Diaw and Ndiaye were also fined 500,000 CFA francs (about US$800) each.

The three men are associated with Feenal Digital, a platform that describes itself as producing content promoting government and private-sector activities. The platform has, however, been linked by critics to content that is favourable to the political movement of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party.

The case comes at a politically sensitive time in Senegal, following tensions between President Faye and his former ally Sonko, who recently moved to establish his own political party.

The convictions have drawn criticism from free speech advocates, who argue that criminalising online commentary, especially satire, could threaten Senegal’s reputation as one of West Africa’s strongest democracies.

Authorities have yet to issue a detailed public response to the criticism, while Feenal Digital and government representatives have not immediately commented on the ruling.

Speaking on The KSM Show on Friday, August 7, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the government is “dead serious” about creating the bank and is hopeful it will be launched before the end of the year.

“We said we’ll do the Women’s Development Bank. We are dead serious about it. I’m hoping that before this year ends, we’d have launched it,” she stated.

She explained that the bank will primarily target women in the informal sector, including petty traders, hawkers and small-scale entrepreneurs who often struggle to secure loans due to a lack of collateral and formal financial documentation.

The Vice President questioned whether existing financial institutions adequately serve low-income women who operate outside the formal economy.

“Does it include this lady who went to get somebody’s doughnuts to hawk? Where will this woman get her capital? She’s also a woman,” she said.

According to her, the Women’s Development Bank is designed to close the financing gap by creating opportunities for women who are often excluded from conventional banking systems to access capital and grow their businesses.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang added that the government’s key priorities also include economic recovery, strengthening security and expanding skills development opportunities to enable citizens to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

“You must start with the things that affect everyone, like the economy, like security. We must all feel safe. We must all get proper training to be able to contribute to that same economy,” she said.

She further praised President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts in addressing economic challenges and removing barriers that hinder growth and improved livelihoods for Ghanaians.

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The incident occurred at a house near God’s Way Maternity Clinic, with digital address number AT-1140-4270, where the fire affected two out of the four self-contained bedrooms in the building.

According to reports, the property, owned by Mr Ernest Boateng, was occupied by Mr Enoch Amoah Appiah and his family, as well as Madam Abena Mansah and her family.

A combined team from the Regional Sub-Station and the KNUST Fire Station responded to the emergency and successfully brought the blaze under control using water.

However, the crew discovered the lifeless body of Mr Opoku, who had been trapped during the incident and could not escape the raging flames.

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This deeply spiritual event, also known as Akwele Suma, is anchored in the rich history and beliefs of the Ga people. In Ga culture, multiple births are viewed as a sacred, divine blessing from the gods rather than a simple biological occurrence.

Twins are believed to possess unique spiritual energies that bring immense fertility, good luck, and prosperity to their families and the broader community.

The festival serves to purify and appease these twin spirits to ensure they bring fortune rather than misfortune to the state in the coming Ga New Year.

The day follows a strict, time-honored sequence of ritualistic events led by traditional priests and family elders. Early in the morning, high priests like the Nai Wulomo offer libations at local shrines and place pieces of cut yam at the entry and exit points of spiritual houses to invoke benevolent ancestral spirits.

Following this, the Nai Wulomo prepares a sacred herbal bath mixture using seawater, schnapps, an egg, and a precise combination of seven traditional herbs inside a traditional wooden bowl.

Twins undergo this spiritual washing to cleanse them of negativity before the remnants of the ritual bath water are carefully collected and carried through the streets to be dumped near the Korle Lagoon, symbolizing the physical casting away of bad luck from the Ga state.

Once purified, the twins are heavily smeared with white clay to represent victory and long life, and they are dressed in identical, spotless white calico garments. They are then served a ceremonial meal of Otɔ, which is mashed yam prepared with rich palm oil and accompanied by hard-boiled eggs to symbolize fertility and abundance.

Following the indoor family rituals, the festival spills into the public sphere as twins of all generations, from newborn infants carried by their mothers to elderly pairs in their eighties, march proudly down the principal streets of Accra.

The atmosphere is charged with traditional singing, heavy drumming, and the chanting of the signature festival phrase, “Ye Yee Ye,” while crowds line the streets to cheer on the twins and shower them with praise and small gifts to keep their spirits happy.

This Twin Festival always takes place on the Friday immediately preceding the grand climax of Homowo.

The next day, traditional chiefs and family heads will sprinkle Kpokpoi across communities to hoot at hunger, followed by Sunday family reunions and dispute settlements.

This year’s 2026 festivities are particularly monumental as the Ga Traditional Council observes the Bicentenary Homowo Festival under the unifying theme of one culture, one people, and one future.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on The KSM Show on Friday, the Vice President said the scale of the tragedy made it difficult to comprehend, especially considering the impact on the families of those who lost their lives.

She recalled that the incident required her and other leaders to remain composed and focused despite the overwhelming emotions that followed the loss.

“These are moments that require of you to focus even more tightly to look at what you have, know you’ve lost and know how to move forward. It wasn’t an easy time for us, least for the family, for a woman who had lost her own child, it was a very, very tough call,” she said.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged that accidents are part of life but noted that the magnitude of the crash made the situation particularly painful.

“We know accidents can happen, but sometimes when they do happen and on this scale, it takes so much out of you,” she added.

The Vice President revealed that she had met privately with President John Dramani Mahama shortly before the tragedy to discuss plans for the proposed Women’s Development Bank.

According to her, she had returned home after the meeting and was preparing to head to her office when she received the news of the crash.

“Just that same morning, I had a private meeting with my boss, our President, on another issue. It was on the Women’s Development Bank. So we had had the discussion and I had left his home to my own home and then got ready to come to the office. Within an hour, I got my phone buzzing and that was when the news broke,” she recounted.

She described her initial response to the news as a mixture of disbelief, shock and several emotions happening simultaneously.

“It’s disbelief, it’s shock, it’s many, many emotions going on at the same time,” she said.

However, Professor Opoku-Agyemang said the situation required immediate leadership and focus, adding that there was little room to be overwhelmed by grief at the time.

“But it also means that this is the time you have to be focused, this is the time you can’t lose it. So quickly, you try to find out what you have to do,” she stated.

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Family and scores of admirers will gather to bid a final farewell to late Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo, whose untimely passing in May left the entertainment industry in shock.

The actress will be laid to rest on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following a funeral service at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra, scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m. After the service, she will be buried in a private ceremony attended by close family members.

The final rites comes a week after the first phase of her funeral was held on August 1, 2026, in Laurel, Maryland, USA, where relatives and members of the Ghanaian diaspora gathered to honour her life and legacy.

A thanksgiving service will round off the funeral activities on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Action Chapel International, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Beverly Afaglo passed away on May 24, 2026, at the age of 42, just four days before what would have been her 43rd birthday after a cancer battle.

Throughout her career, Beverly carved a place for herself in Ghana’s movie industry, earning admiration from audiences who watched her evolve into one of the familiar faces on television and the big screen. Off-screen, she was known as a devoted wife and mother whose greatest pride was her family.

She is survived by her husband and their two children, who now prepare for one final goodbye as loved ones gather to celebrate a life that, though cut short, left lasting memories in the hearts of many.

The results are now available on WAEC Ghana’s official website for candidates who wish to access them online.

According to the Council, a total of 2,987 candidates registered for the examination, comprising 1,618 males and 1,369 females from across the country.

The examination was conducted at selected centres in some regional capitals, with 101 candidates recorded as absent.

Meanwhile, WAEC has announced that the results of nine candidates have been withheld following suspected cases of collusion detected during the marking process.

The Council explained that candidates whose results have been withheld can visit the dedicated irregularities portal to view the reasons for the action and receive guidance on the next steps.

WAEC has assured affected candidates that the withholding of results forms part of its standard procedures to investigate suspected examination malpractices and ensure the integrity of the examination process.

The Council expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful conduct of the 2026 BECE for Private Candidates and the release of the provisional results.

Speaking on the importance of expanding HIV prevention options, Dr. Teviu explained that Lenacapavir belongs to a new class of HIV medicines known as capsid inhibitors. Unlike older antiretroviral drugs, Lenacapavir targets the virus’s capsid—the protective protein shell that surrounds HIV’s genetic material.

According to him, the medicine works by disrupting multiple stages of the HIV life cycle. It prevents the virus from entering human cells effectively, interferes with its ability to replicate, and blocks the production of new virus particles.

Dr. Teviu noted that Lenacapavir can be used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals who are HIV-negative but face a substantial risk of HIV infection. As a long-acting injectable medication, it offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP, potentially improving convenience and adherence for eligible individuals.

He emphasized that people interested in using Lenacapavir should first undergo HIV testing and consult qualified healthcare professionals to determine whether the medication is appropriate for them.

Health experts believe that expanding access to innovative HIV prevention tools such as Lenacapavir could play an important role in reducing new HIV infections and supporting Ghana’s efforts to end the HIV epidemic.

The National AIDS/STI Control Programme continues to encourage the public to adopt proven HIV prevention measures, including regular HIV testing, consistent condom use, and seeking medical advice on available HIV prevention options.

The deceased, Kwesi Rahman, was reportedly returning home with his wife from an evening walk when the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 6.

According to eyewitnesses, the couple had just arrived at the entrance to their residence when an unidentified assailant emerged and opened fire on them.

Mr. Rahman sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died instantly at the scene, while his wife was also shot several times.

Residents who heard the gunfire rushed to the scene and assisted in transporting the injured woman to a nearby hospital, where she is receiving treatment. For security and medical reasons, the facility where she is being treated has not been disclosed.

Speaking to Adom News, an eyewitness, Faustina Antwi, said the body of the deceased had been conveyed to the police morgue for preservation and autopsy.

A resident who witnessed the aftermath of the attack said the sound of gunfire sent residents rushing from their homes.

“I was outside around 9:50 when I heard what sounded like a gunshot. So I quickly went inside and told my mum that I had heard gunshots. When we came out, we saw people coming from down there. When I got there, I saw him lying in front of his gate. I didn’t see anybody and I didn’t hear any noise. It was just the gunshot I heard,” the resident recounted.

The incident has left residents of Beach Drive Estate shaken, with many expressing concern over security in the community.

Some residents have called on the Ghana Police Service to intensify security patrols within the estate to protect lives and property and restore confidence among residents.

A relative of the deceased also appealed to the police to conduct a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

Police have since launched investigations into the shooting and are working to identify and arrest the gunman behind the attack.

Mr. Rahman, who celebrated his 50th birthday in July this year, was well known in the community as a car dealer. Authorities are yet to establish the motive behind the attack.

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He made the call on Friday, August 7, when the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Ghana National Mosque Complex in Accra as part of engagements ahead of the upcoming National Youth Conference.

Sheikh Dr Sharubutu encouraged the NYA to intensify efforts aimed at educating and empowering young people, noting that substance abuse remains a major threat to the future of the youth.

He urged young people to embrace education, hard work and integrity while avoiding behaviours that could undermine their ambitions and contribution to society.

For his part, Mr Ayariga said the visit was to seek the prayers, blessings and support of the National Chief Imam for the successful organisation of the National Youth Conference.

He said the conference would bring together young people from diverse backgrounds and key stakeholders to discuss challenges facing the youth and explore practical solutions to promote youth development in Ghana.

Mr Ayariga reaffirmed the NYA’s commitment to working with religious and traditional leaders to promote positive values, patriotism and responsible citizenship among young people.

The National Chief Imam offered prayers for the success of the conference as well as peace, unity and continued progress for Ghana.

This follows a courtesy visit by the NYA Chief Executive Officer, Osman Ayariga, on Friday, August 7, to brief the revered Islamic leader on preparations for the national event and seek his counsel and blessings.

Mr Ayariga said the conference is expected to provide an inclusive platform for young people and key stakeholders to discuss issues affecting youth development while promoting national cohesion, leadership and active citizenship.

He noted that the support and guidance of religious leaders are important in shaping conversations that encourage responsible behaviour and positive values among young people.

The National Chief Imam welcomed the initiative and encouraged the NYA to continue working with faith-based organisations and other partners to empower young people to become responsible, patriotic and productive citizens.

The visit, which took place on Friday, August 7, forms part of the Authority’s engagement with key stakeholders as preparations intensify for the conference.

The conference is expected to provide a platform for discussions on youth empowerment, leadership development, national unity and issues affecting young people across the country.

Mr Ayariga said the support and guidance of respected religious leaders remain important in promoting shared values, responsibility and unity among Ghana’s youth.

The National Chief Imam offered prayers for the success of the conference and expressed the hope that its outcomes would contribute to the development of young people and the advancement of the country.

The visit, which took place on Friday, August 7, forms part of the Authority’s stakeholder engagement efforts to secure support and participation from key national figures ahead of the conference.

The event is expected to bring together young people, policymakers, development partners, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting Ghana’s youth and explore solutions to promote youth development.

During the meeting, Mr Ayariga highlighted the objectives of the conference and stressed the importance of involving religious leaders in discussions on youth empowerment, national unity and responsible citizenship.

The National Chief Imam welcomed the initiative and commended the NYA for engaging traditional and religious leaders as part of the preparations.

He encouraged the Authority to continue implementing programmes that promote discipline, patriotism and create opportunities for young people across the country.

Officials of the GSA, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and ICUMS have toured the country to explain how the electronic system will ease cargo clearance and support the collection of data for policy formulation and adjustments.

On Wednesday, 5th August 2026, a sensitisation program was organised for executives of Freight Forwarding Associations at the Ghana Shippers’ House.

The engagement was aimed at promoting compliance with Section 26(1) of Act 1122, which requires all importers and exporters to register with the Authority before processing shipment transactions through the ICUMS platform.

Opening the programme, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Technical Services, Mrs. Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, underscored the importance of the mandatory registration and urged freight forwarders to support the process by ensuring that their clients registered to avoid disruptions to cargo clearance.

Officials of the GSA and Ghana Link Network Services Ltd. subsequently demonstrated the ICUMS registration process and responded to stakeholders’ questions to facilitate a smooth implementation.

During the discussions, freight forwarders appealed for the implementation deadline to be extended to Monday to 31st August 2026, to allow additional time for stakeholder sensitisation and compliance. Mrs. Dauda Owu acknowledged the request and assured participants that Management would consider the appeal and communicate its decision.

The meeting also addressed the implementation of the Container Administrative Charge (CAC). The President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Mr. Stephen Adjokatcher, and the Chairman of the GIFF Tema Chapter, Mr. Johnny Mantey, encouraged freight forwarders to ensure that importers complied with the approved GH¢720 Container Administrative Charge, emphasising the need for industry-wide support.

Also addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Mr. Divine Agbeko, called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to facilitate seamless cargo clearance and improve trade efficiency.

The engagement forms part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance stakeholder collaboration, and promote efficient trade through the effective implementation of Act 1122 (2024).

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Speaking on The KSM Show on Friday, August 7, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said it was premature to begin succession politics when the government had not yet completed two years in office.

According to her, the NDC was elected to address the country’s challenges and fulfil its campaign promises, not to begin campaigning for the 2028 general election.

She described the growing speculation over the party’s future flagbearer as a distraction that could undermine the confidence Ghanaians have placed in the administration.

Responding to a question about whether she intends to contest the NDC’s flagbearer position, the Vice President said the party’s future electoral fortunes would depend largely on its performance in government and the support members give to President John Dramani Mahama.

“Whether we are going or coming depends on the work we are doing. It depends on the support we are giving our president who’s leading the charge. And it depends on the quality of support we are giving,” she said.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general election was achieved through years of hard work, sacrifice and determination despite limited financial resources.

She stressed that party members should remain focused on governance rather than internal political contests.

“And if we are already going left or right, and centre and back, and it’s not even time, I think it’s a betrayal of the cause of the people, and I don’t think it is right. So please help us to fulfill the dreams of this beautiful country. Let’s focus on getting the job done,” she added.

The Vice President’s comments come amid increasing public discussion over the NDC’s future leadership, even as the Mahama administration continues to implement its policy agenda.

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The convicts, Nasiru Muftawu, 20, and Eric Salia, 36, were sentenced by the Wa Circuit Court after being found guilty of offences ranging from serial motorbike theft to residential burglary.

According to the Police, Muftawu was arrested on July 11, 2026, through intelligence-led investigations after he was linked to a series of motorbike thefts in various parts of the Upper West Region.

He was subsequently charged and prosecuted before the Wa Circuit Court, presided over by Samuel Boafo Amewuho.

Following a full trial, the court on August 5, 2026, found him guilty and sentenced him to 12 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

In a separate case, Eric Salia was arrested on July 26, 2026, after allegedly breaking into the residence of a public officer and making away with valuable personal belongings.

He was also tried before the same court, convicted and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

The Upper West Regional Police Command described the convictions as part of its continued efforts to combat crime and improve public safety across the region.

Police further appealed to residents to continue supporting law enforcement by providing timely and credible information on criminal activities, stressing that community cooperation remains essential in preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.

According to its Country Report on Ghana, domestic debt vulnerabilities remain elevated, given the heavy reliance on treasury bills and large rollover needs in 2027-28.

It added that the heavy reliance on short-term domestic instruments and  financial institutions’ large exposure to government securities further amplify risks, as the domestic market’s capacity to absorb additional issuance may be limited.

“A carefully calibrated debt management strategy aimed at a lengthening of maturities through a gradual scaling up of Treasury-bond issuance would help mitigate rollover risks. With IMF TA [technical advice] support, a strategy has been adopted to manage the 2027-28 maturity concentration, combining partial redemptions via sinking funds (funded by earmarking 7.0% of non-oil tax revenue and T‑bond issuance), buybacks, and rollover through T‑bills [treasury bills)”, it stated.

Monitor Consistency with DSA Parameters

It continued that non-resident participation in the domestic treasury bond market should be closely monitored to ensure consistency with DSA parameters.

“Non-resident participation in the bond market is not directly restricted. While non-resident participation can help deepen the market and support financing, it also introduces risks, given secondary-market flows’ potential impact on debt sustainability and financial stability through potential capital flow volatility and exchange rate pressures”.

It added that a close and continuous monitoring of non-resident participation in primary and secondary domestic debt markets will be essential, with readiness to adjust external borrowing plans if inflows exceed prudent levels.

It also called for the strengthening of public debt reporting standards, adding, expanding debt coverage to capture quasi-fiscal activities and improving inter-agency coordination will strengthen risk monitoring and support more informed borrowing decisions.

Public debt reporting standards should be strengthened by aligning compilation and dissemination with GFSM 2014 and broadening coverage to capture quasi-fiscal activities.

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The Authority generated revenue of US$145.9 million during the year, with total energy output reaching 1,438GWh, exceeding its projected target of 1,350GWh by 6.5%.

Chief Executive Officer of BPA, Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam, announced the figures at the Authority’s 2025 Annual Stakeholders Meeting held at BPA Heights in Accra.

He said the Bui Hydroelectric Plant maintained an average availability rate of 95%, reflecting the reliability of the Authority’s main generation asset.

According to him, despite leadership changes at the Ministry of Energy, the BPA Board and Executive Management during the year, the Authority maintained operational stability and continued implementing its strategic plans.

Mr Sam said BPA increased its installed Solar Photovoltaic (PV) capacity from 55MWp to 105MWp in 2025, strengthening its renewable energy portfolio alongside its 404MW hydropower capacity.

Hydropower remained the Authority’s dominant source of generation, producing 1,339GWh, representing 97% of total energy generated during the period.

He added that feasibility studies for proposed hydropower projects on the Tano, Pra and Ankobra rivers also made significant progress.

The Authority continued investments in infrastructure projects to support future expansion.

At the Bui Generating Station, Phase One of the Staff Accommodation Project reached 97% completion, while Phase Two achieved 51% completion.

The staff accommodation and five-kilometre access road project linked to the Yendi Solar PV Project also reached 75% completion.

BPA also advanced its digital transformation efforts through cybersecurity risk assessments, development of a Cybersecurity Solutions Roadmap, rollout of the BPA WorkPoint corporate intranet, and completion of its Corporate Data Centre and Disaster Recovery Infrastructure Project.

Despite the positive financial results, the BPA Chief Executive highlighted challenges affecting the Authority’s expansion plans.

He said cash flow remains constrained due to high outstanding receivables owed by the Authority’s major off-taker.

“This challenge,” he noted, affects BPA’s ability to fully finance its growth agenda and support critical operational activities.

The Authority also maintained its social investment programmes in communities affected by and hosting its operations.

Among the interventions were the award of 29 new tertiary scholarships and the organisation of the “TechQueens” Summer Camp, which trained 50 girls in foundational skills in information and communication technology, artificial intelligence and robotics.

Looking ahead, Ing. Sam said BPA will focus on plant maintenance, improving operational efficiency and expanding its renewable energy projects.

The Authority expects to add about 100MWp of Solar PV capacity, increasing its operationalised solar capacity to approximately 205MWp.

As part of Ghana’s Green Transition agenda, BPA also plans to develop 300MWp of dispatchable Solar PV Plants integrated with large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), targeted for completion by the end of 2028.

“Guided by its Vision, Mission and Core Values, BPA remains committed to innovation, operational efficiency, financial sustainability and the continued delivery of long-term value to its stakeholders,” Mr Sam said.

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During a farewell meeting, the Vice President, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, expressed gratitude to Ambassador Madeira for her dedicated service and efforts to deepen cooperation between the two countries during her tenure.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang praised the ambassador for advancing bilateral ties across several sectors and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to sustaining the strong relationship with Brazil.

Ambassador Madeira, in turn, reflected on Ghana’s progress and commended the Mahama administration’s efforts to strengthen the country’s economy.

She described Ghana as an important strategic partner for Brazil and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in agriculture and agribusiness, energy, security and defence, trade and social development.

The Vice President highlighted opportunities for increased partnership in the energy sector, particularly through collaboration with Brazil’s state-owned oil company, Petrobras, as Ghana seeks to expand its energy capacity and attract investment.

She noted that the relationship between Ghana and Brazil extends beyond diplomatic engagement, pointing to the deep historical and cultural ties forged through centuries of interaction across the Atlantic.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also acknowledged Brazil’s support for Ghana on several international initiatives, including cooperation on the United Nations resolution on the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, and programmes promoting women’s empowerment and social development.

She further commended Ambassador Madeira for broadening diplomatic engagement through partnerships with institutions such as the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ga Traditional Council and initiatives aimed at improving food security and social welfare.

The Vice President wished the outgoing ambassador success in her future diplomatic assignments and expressed confidence that Ghana would continue to strengthen its relationship with Brazil under her successor.

She said the meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepening cooperation and building partnerships that deliver lasting benefits for the people of Ghana and Brazil.

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Inside, police say, a 14-year-old boy had opened fire.

“I was standing in front of the teacher when she was shot,” a shaken seventh grader tells the BBC, near the gates of Debsirin School in Nonthaburi. “She was talking to me when [the gunman] showed up.”

Still in her uniform, with her mother by her side, she explains how the shooter stalked from room to room.

Authorities say he killed five teachers and injured more than 30 people – including fellow pupils – before turning the weapon on himself. Earlier, he had gunned down his grandparents.

“I had to climb over the school fence to escape with other friends,” the girl, who the BBC is not naming, continues.

Her mother says the girl thought she might die. “[She said] ‘I thought I’d never see you again’.”

One 18-year-old student told Reuters he initially thought firecrackers were going off.

“I didn’t think it was a gun at first,” he said. “There were many shots: bang bang bang. Then it went quiet. Then it started again.”

Metres from the school gates, paramedics loaded the wounded into ambulances and rushed them to hospital, as milling crowds hugged and cried.

Rescue worker Kiatikhun Verapongpradith rushed to the scene after hearing children as young as 12 had been hurt.

“I saw students who had been shot, some in the arm, some in the back, some in the chest. So I rushed to help get them to the hospital first,” the 47-year-old rescue worker told Reuters news agency.

One grieving teacher told the BBC his friend was among the dead.

“She was my age. We went to this school together as students. Then we both became teachers at this school,” the 31-year-old, who declined to give his name, said.

It is early days in the investigation and police haven’t said anything about a motive.

They believe the 9mm handgun the shooter used belonged to his grandfather. Forensic officers found the gunman’s shots to be “quite accurate”, with several hitting “vital spots” on victims’ bodies.

Others are filling some of the gaps. A teacher at the school has said the shooter was a good student – not aggressive and with good grades – and education authorities have described him as an avid gamer.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said study pressures may have played a role.

“We learned that his grandmother was a teacher and she might have been strict with him. From what the police gathered from his close friend, they knew he was quite stressed about it.”

It is clear authorities will have many questions to answer in the coming days – many of them about what change this crime must trigger.

Renewed calls for gun control reform

This is Thailand’s deadliest mass shooting in years – and the second at a school this year.

In February, a head teacher and a female student were shot by an 18-year-old gunman during a school siege in southern Thailand.

Four years ago, a 34-year-old in the eastern Nong Bua Lamphu province killed 37 people, most of them preschoolers, in a shooting and stabbing at a nursery.

These crimes have resurfaced questions about gun control in the country.

“This shouldn’t have happened,” the boyfriend of one of the killed teachers told reporters, clearly distressed and trying to hold back tears.

More than seven million people are believed to own guns in the country, one of the highest rates of ownership in the world. Of those, more than one million are unlicensed owners.

While there are restrictions on gun licences in Thailand, people can still acquire the weapons – legally or illegally – with relative ease.

There is a thriving black market, aided by Thailand’s porous land borders with four other nations. Problems with corruption and loose regulation in the police and military have seen weapons end up in the wrong hands.

Prime Minister Anutin said he had tightened regulations when he was interior minister three years ago – suspending new gun permits.

But gun crime remains rife, with deaths from gunshots among the highest in the region. And some in the community are calling for greater action.

“An act of violence in an educational institution, which should be one of the safest places in our society, serves as a stark reminder for Thai society to seriously and systematically review gun control measures,” Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party – an opposition party – wrote in a Facebook post.

At the fifth review under the Economic Credit Facility (ECF), the IMF Staff applied judgement to retain a high-risk rating despite all debt indicators falling below their respective thresholds. This was due to uncertainty around the exchange rate and gold prices.

With continuing macroeconomic and exchange rate stability, and a clearer fiscal outlook, the IMF said in its Country Report on Ghana that the Staff now proposes to remove this judgement and upgrade Ghana to moderate risk of debt distress, consistent with the mechanical signal.

Despite this improvement, it pointed out that the space under the external debt-service-to-revenue ratio remains limited.

Debt Vulnerabilities Remains

Despite progress, the IMF said the debt vulnerabilities remain elevated and require continued vigilance. “The DSA highlights that debt dynamics remain sensitive to external shocks given Ghana’s reliance on gold and other commodity exports”.

It added that stress tests show that adverse export and commodity price shocks could push both solvency and liquidity indicators above their thresholds for a prolonged period. “The exchange rate remains a key transmission channel, given the substantial share of FX-denominated external debt and non-resident holdings of domestic debt. Contingent liabilities represent another key source of downside risk: fiscal risks from the energy sector,  financial sector recapitalization needs, and quasi-fiscal activities remain particularly salient”.

According to the Fund, these risks underscore the importance of fiscal and sectoral reforms, adequate external buffers, exchange rate flexibility, and efforts to diversify exports.

“Completing restructuring negotiations with residual external commercial creditors and signing the remaining bilateral agreements also remain a priority”, it added.

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In a statement issued on Friday, August 7, and signed by its Executive Director, Esther Tawiah, the gender advocacy organisation said the incident highlights the challenges women continue to face while serving in public leadership and administrative positions.

The organisation stressed that public officials deserve to be treated with dignity regardless of political affiliation or differences.

“Regardless of political differences or disagreements, all public officials deserve to be treated with dignity and respect while carrying out their official responsibilities,” the statement said.

The incident occurred on Thursday, August 6, when Nana Yaa Jantuah received the NPP’s petition on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama following the party’s “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.

During the presentation, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioned the Presidency’s decision to assign Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition, arguing that the seniority of the opposition delegation warranted a higher-ranking government representative.

According to GenCED, while political actors are entitled to express their views, such engagements should not undermine or diminish women carrying out official responsibilities.

The organisation warned that actions or comments perceived as belittling women in leadership could reinforce stereotypes that discourage women’s participation in governance and public service.

It further noted that Ghana’s ongoing efforts to increase women’s representation in decision-making positions require a political environment built on mutual respect and inclusion.

“Political leaders have a responsibility to model respectful engagement and contribute to building a political culture that values inclusion, equality and institutional respect,” GenCED stated.

The organisation also reminded political leaders that respect for women in leadership should transcend partisan considerations.

“Respect for women in leadership is not a partisan matter; it is a democratic imperative,” the statement added.

The NPP has defended Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s remarks, maintaining that his concerns centred on the level of representation provided by the Presidency rather than Nana Yaa Jantuah personally.

The Minority Leader has also shared a video of a similar objection reportedly raised by former Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during an earlier opposition demonstration, suggesting that concerns over the rank of officials receiving petitions have arisen under previous administrations.

GenCED urged all political stakeholders to use the incident as an opportunity to promote civility, respect and inclusiveness in Ghana’s democratic discourse.

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The residents say hundreds of households have been without potable water for several weeks after a major water pipeline supplying the area was damaged by a contractor working on the Adjikpo-Asitey section of the Somanya-Kpong road project.

The delay in repairing the damaged pipeline has forced some residents to rely on water from the untreated Onuma Stream, which flows from Adjikpo through Agavenya and Sawyer to the Mount Mary College of Education junction.

However, some residents have raised concerns about the safety of the stream water, citing pollution from open drains connected to the water body and activities involving animals along its course.

Those unwilling to use the untreated stream water have resorted to buying borehole water from tanker operators at costs ranging between GH¢250 and GH¢300.

The residents say the situation has placed a significant financial burden on households and is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.

Information available indicates that repair works on the damaged pipeline have stalled because the contractor responsible for the damage has not yet provided funds to restore the facility.

Some affected residents told Channel One TV that the water shortage has affected households, educational institutions, businesses and other establishments in the area, forcing many people to travel long distances daily in search of alternative water sources.

They are therefore calling on the PURC and relevant authorities to intervene urgently to restore regular water supply to the affected communities.

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The nomination is aimed at filling a post that has been vacant since Dr Edward Omane Boamah died in the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash near Adansi Akrofuom. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has held the position in an acting capacity since then, alongside his substantive role at Finance.

Adjei will make a return to the Defence Ministry in a bigger seat than the one he last held there.

Who is Kenneth Gilbert Adjei

Adjei, 47, hails from Trede in the Ashanti Region. He had his secondary education at Opoku Ware School, where he served as dining hall prefect, before proceeding to the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) for a BSc in Marketing.

He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Ghana Business School as well as a Master of Arts in Peace, Security and Intelligence Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

He is married with three children and outside politics, he lists music and golf as his main interests.

Before entering mainstream politics, Adjei worked as a marketing executive with a background in financial and insurance services, and served as Programme Director of the Lordina Foundation, the charity founded by First Lady Lordina Mahama. He was also a board member of the National Lottery Authority.

He was active in the NDC’s student wing, Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN), while at GIMPA, where he was also a classmate of the First Lady, a detail that came up during his 2015 vetting.

His return to the Defence Ministry

Kenneth Adjei is no stranger to the ministry he has now been nominated to lead. He was appointed Deputy Minister of Defence in March 2015 in President Mahama’s first administration and was sworn into office in May after successfully going through vetting. He served in that postion until the NDC left office in January 2017.

When the NDC returned to power in 2025, President Mahama appointed Adjei again, this time giving him a full ministerial portfolio, as Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, a role he has held since.

His move to Defence marks a shift from a domestic infrastructure brief to one of the most sensitive portfolios in government, overseeing the Ghana Armed Forces, military modernisation, and the country’s role in regional security cooperation with the threat of extremist violence spreading in the Sahel.

As a sitting minister already approved by Parliament, Adjei is not expected to face a fresh vetting for the move, in line with how past ministerial reassignments have been handled.

The requirement has previously been contested by opposition MPs, though no reassignment has been struck down.

The move follows the bank’s successful transition from Atwima Mponua Rural Bank to a community bank, in line with the Bank of Ghana’s reforms aimed at strengthening the microfinance and community banking sector.

According to the bank’s 2025 Annual Report, Board Chairman John Yaw Gyedu Gyamerah said achieving the GH¢10 million capital target would position the bank to secure regulatory approval to operate in more urban communities and diversify its services.

“To better serve you and tap into new growth opportunities, our next strategic goal is to achieve a stated capital of GHS 10 million. This will qualify us to be registered as an Urban Community Bank, granting us the regulatory license to extend our footprint into more urban communities and diversify our offerings,” he said.

Mr Gyamerah added that the bank is currently in a strong position regarding capitalization.

The bank’s stated capital currently stands at GH¢5.6 million, up from GH¢2.5 million, exceeding the Bank of Ghana’s minimum requirement for existing community banks by GH¢603,354.

The bank is therefore encouraging shareholders and potential investors to acquire additional shares to support the recapitalisation drive.

Mr Gyamerah explained that regulations require shareholders of community banks to be Ghanaian, with local community participation accounting for between 20% and 30% of total shares to maintain local ownership.

“By increasing your stake in Atwima Mponua Community Bank PLC, you are not only helping us meet these regulatory requirements but also positioning yourselves to benefit from the higher returns that our expansion into urban markets will bring,” he said.

The reforms introduced by the Bank of Ghana have increased minimum capital requirements for existing community banks, expanded their operational reach and introduced stricter governance standards.

The ARB Apex Bank Ltd. has also been restructured to serve as a central service and supervisory institution for the community banking sector.

Meanwhile, Atwima Mponua Community Bank recorded strong financial performance in 2025, posting a profit after tax of GH¢17.3 million.

The bank’s total income increased by 39% to GH¢54.1 million, supported by a 43% rise in net interest income to GH¢47.8 million.

Its total assets grew to GH¢356.1 million, while customer deposits increased by 26.5%.

Loans and advances also more than doubled, rising by 104.1% to GH¢107 million, as the bank continued to support businesses in agriculture, trading and transport sectors.

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The appointment follows the nomination of the outgoing Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs-designate.

A statement from the Presidency said the changes form part of a ministerial reshuffle by the President and have been communicated to Parliament through the Speaker in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

As part of the reshuffle, the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has been nominated as Minister for Defence-designate.

The President also reassigned Ahmed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament and Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, to head the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

In addition, the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has been nominated as Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation-designate.

The nominations are subject to vetting and approval by Parliament before the nominees can officially assume their new portfolios.

The changes come in the wake of vacancies created by the deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who were among the eight people killed in the military helicopter crash in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025.

James Agalga’s appointment as Majority Leader is expected to ensure continuity in the leadership of the Majority Caucus as Parliament prepares to consider the President’s latest ministerial nominations.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Bobena said he was not surprised by reports that the headteacher had allegedly been involved in an incident involving the burial of a baby, adding that his daughter’s experience had already raised serious concerns for him.

“I was not shocked when I heard reports that he had allegedly buried a baby at dawn because of what he did to my daughter. He could have easily killed her,” he alleged.

Mr Bobena said the incident had left him deeply hurt and called on the IGP to ensure that all allegations are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served.

“I urge the IGP, we trust him, to listen to such incidents and ensure that there is justice in Ghana. It is not only my daughter who may have gone through this; there could be others who have suffered the same thing,” he said.

He said the matter had caused him emotional pain and appealed to authorities to protect the girl child in schools.

“This incident has hurt me, and I am heartbroken,” he added.

Mr Bobena also appealed to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as a woman and a mother, to support efforts to ensure justice for affected students.

“I also urge the Vice President to ensure that justice is done, and I plead with President Mahama to help address such issues in our schools,” he said.

He called on the government to strengthen measures to protect students in senior high schools and ensure that teachers who engage in inappropriate acts are held accountable.

He urged stakeholders to work together to create a safe environment where students can focus on their education.

“Let us all come together because this is not only about my child. It affects all children. We need to help them get peace of mind to learn,” he said.

Mr Bobena’s comments follow unrest at Obuasi SHTS after some students alleged that the headteacher was involved in an incident involving the burial of a foetus in a nearby bush.

Some students have also accused the headteacher of having inappropriate relationships with female students, with claims that the foetus was linked to an alleged abortion involving a student.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the headteacher has not publicly responded to the claims.

Authorities are currently investigating the matter.

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The initiative forms part of efforts by the YEA to support young people who have acquired vocational and technical skills to establish sustainable businesses and become self-employed.

Basintale said the intervention is aimed at reducing unemployment by providing beneficiaries with the necessary tools to apply their skills and create jobs for others.

After the presentation at Sefwi Wiawso, he encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment and contribute to the development of their communities and the local economy.

Meanwhile, the Western North Regional YEA director, Hayford Payin, advised the youth to seek skilled training if they do not have a formal education and avoid chasing drugs.

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The student killed his grandparents and five teachers before taking his own life, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters. The attacker still had “more than 30 bullets left” when he turned the gun on himself, the PM added.

Nine of the injured people remain in a critical condition, authorities added.

The school in Nonthaburi province is a local branch of the renowned Debsirin School, which in Thailand is widely associated with educational prestige.

Police were deployed to the scene during the active shooting.

National police chief police general Kittiratt Phanphet told reporters that forensic officers had found the gunman’s shots were quite accurate, with several hitting the vital spots on the body.

The PM said the attack was “well prepared” with “clear steps and clear goals”.

The attacker has not been publicly named.

Authorities earlier warned people to stay away from the area and for those in trapped in the building to hide and wait for rescuers. At one point police warned in a social media post that the shooter was in the school’s computer room.

The Debsirin School, founded in Bangkok in 1885, is one of Thailand’s top secondary schools with branches across the country. It counts many prominent Thai figures as its alumni, from diplomats and athletes to several prime ministers.

A seventh-grade student, who fled the building, told the BBC that she was in class when she saw the gunman walking from room to room.

When he reached her classroom, he shot the teacher standing near the entrance, she said. She added that she couldn’t see anything else after that.

Another student told Reuters that he had thought the sound of gunshots were firecrackers going off, or someone banging an object.

“There were many shots: bang bang bang. Then it went quiet. Then it started again.”

The 9mm handgun used by the shooter belonged to his grandfather, a former teacher, police said.

Students and school staff were seen fleeing from the scene, and those waiting outside the Debsirin school looked visibly distraught.

0:59Students shelter in classroom as gunshots heard

In a post on social media, the school later shared a call for blood donations.

Other schools in the vicinity suspended classes so students could return home early.

PM Charnvirakul expressed condolences for the victims of the school shooting. He said the tragedy “shouldn’t have happened”, adding “this is why the government do not allow [citizens] to possess firearms”.

“I don’t just feel sorry for the victims but I feel sorry that this happened. How can this happen in our country,” he said.

Thailand has strict gun laws, which punishes the illegal possession of arms with up to 10 years in jail. But enforcement of these laws has been an issue.

The country has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in South East Asia. It is estimated that about 40% of these guns are illegal.

The move forms part of a broader ministerial reshuffle announced by the President, with the nominations submitted to Parliament through the Speaker for prior approval in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

Mr Adjei, who previously served as Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, will now take charge of the Defence Ministry, a portfolio that has remained without a substantive minister since the death of Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah.

Dr Omane Boamah, who served as Defence Minister, was among eight people who died in the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

The reassignment comes exactly a year after the tragic incident, which occurred while the delegation was travelling to the launch of the government’s Cooperative Mining Initiative.

President Mahama’s latest reshuffle also includes the nomination of Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, subject to parliamentary approval.

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Speaking to Adom News at Goaso in the Ahafo Region, Mr. Owusu said the fertiliser programme should benefit all cocoa farmers regardless of their political affiliation, stressing that politicising the initiative could undermine cocoa production.

He made the remarks during a meeting attended by cocoa farmers from the Ashanti, Ahafo, Eastern and other cocoa-growing regions.

According to him, government interventions in the agricultural sector are often perceived to favour supporters of the ruling party, a situation he believes discourages some farmers and affects productivity.

Mr. Owusu urged the government to implement the fertiliser distribution programme in a transparent and equitable manner to ensure that all eligible cocoa farmers benefit.

He also appealed to the government to intensify public education on the new cocoa laws expected to be introduced soon.

According to him, creating awareness among cocoa farmers about the new legal framework would help them better understand the reforms and enable them to fully benefit from the measures aimed at improving the cocoa sector.

Mr. Owusu expressed the hope that effective implementation of the fertiliser programme and the new cocoa policies would contribute to increased cocoa production and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

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According to the Traditional Council, the land currently occupied by the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters, Police Bungalows, the Children’s Hospital area and adjoining lands was originally released to the government by the Pampaso Chief for public use.

However, the council alleges that the Ashanti Regional Police Command has extended beyond the agreed boundaries and allocated part of the disputed land to a private developer for the construction of shops.

Speaking in an interview, Pampaso Gyaasehene, Nana Obeng Afriyie, said the council has no objection to lands legitimately allocated to the government but is opposed to what it describes as the unauthorised occupation of additional stool lands without the consent of the Pampaso Stool or the Asantehene.

He further alleged that the Ashanti Regional Police Commander and the Kumasi Mayor had previously been invited before the Traditional Council to provide evidence of the Police Service’s ownership of the disputed land but were unable to do so.

Nana Obeng Afriyie accused the officials of attempting to take over traditional lands with the backing of the Interior Minister, warning that the council would not allow what it described as an unlawful occupation of its ancestral property.

As part of their protest, the chiefs performed traditional rites at the disputed site, slaughtering a sheep and invoking curses against the three officials.

The council said the ritual was intended to summon the officials before their ancestral gods and seek spiritual consequences if they continue with what the chiefs describe as an illegal occupation of the land.

The Pampaso Traditional Council maintained that it would continue to use all available traditional and legal means to protect the disputed stool lands.

Meanwhile, the Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has rejected allegations linking him to any unlawful takeover of the disputed land at Adum-Pampaso.

He said he played no role in the construction of the alleged police stores on the land and insisted that neither his office nor the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) approved any private commercial development at the site.

On the curses invoked against him, Mr Boadi said he was not worried because he had no involvement in the matter.

“I am not scared of their curse because I have no involvement in the construction of the police stores in Adum-Pampaso,” he stated.

The Mayor described the action as an affront to due process, arguing that traditional dispute resolution mechanisms should be pursued instead of invoking spiritual sanctions against public officials.

He added that he would report members of the Traditional Council to the Asantehene if he obtains evidence of the cursing ritual.

“I have not seen the video yet, and I will report members of the Adum-Pampaso Traditional Council who were involved to the Asantehene if I see video evidence of them cursing me,” he warned.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Ashanti Regional Police Command and the Interior Ministry were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Bobena said his daughter, who is currently in Form Three, called him last Monday to report the incident after she felt she had no one else to turn to for support.

According to him, his daughter told him that she had gone to retrieve her clothes from a drying line located near the headteacher’s residence when the alleged incident occurred.

He alleged that after she removed her clothes, the headteacher asked her to come back so he sends her, and upon her return, he began making sexual advances towards her.

Mr Bobena claimed his daughter told him that the headteacher ignored her attempts to stop him, pushed her into his bedroom and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

“She told me that when she left the room, she was devastated. She later went to her madam, who teaches her, and reported what had happened, but the teacher allegedly told her to keep quiet,” he said.

According to Mr Bobena, his daughter questioned the teacher, asking whether she would give the same advice if the situation involved her own child.

He alleged that efforts were made to prevent the matter from becoming public after the incident, which he said occurred on June 25.

“My daughter didn’t have anyone to talk to or support her, so she called me last Monday because the issue was affecting her,” he said.

Mr Bobena said he later visited the school but did not immediately disclose the reason for his visit.

He explained that he told school authorities his daughter was unwell and needed an exeat to seek medical attention.

He said when the staff member processing the exeat questioned why his daughter had not reported the matter to the school but had instead called him, he explained that she needed medical support.

Mr Bobena said he subsequently took his daughter to the police station, where she was referred to a government hospital at Mangoase for medical examination.

“After the hospital confirmed that something sexual had happened, it was already around 8:00 pm, so I gave her the letter to take to her teacher so they could report the matter to the police and we would see the way forward,” he said.

He said his daughter, who is 20 years old, had never experienced such an incident involving the headteacher before, adding that he was shocked by the allegation.

“This is the first time the headmaster has done something like this to her, and I was shocked,” he said.

Mr Bobena said he has confidence in the police and expects the appropriate action to be taken after investigations.

“I believe in the police, and I expect them to do the needful. That is why I have not gone back to the school to report anything. The police told me that when they need me, they will call me,” he added.

His comments follow unrest at Obuasi SHTS after some students alleged that the headteacher was involved in an incident involving the burial of a foetus in a nearby bush.

Some students have also accused the headteacher of having inappropriate relationships with female students, with claims that the foetus was linked to an alleged abortion involving a student.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the headteacher has not publicly responded to the claims.

Authorities are currently investigating the matter.

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The project stalled early on and now experts say the failure to pay the contractor on time has led to delays that may mean this misery continues for the community even longer.

The project is just one of many roadworks under the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure development program across the country that is going on longer than was promised. Delays, often caused by missed government payments to contractors, are leaving millions of Ghanaians exposed to increase risk of deadly diseases linked to air pollution such as asthma, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

“Here in Ghana we don’t implement engineering projects well, especially government of Ghana-funded projects,” said Joseph Odei, a fellow of the Ghana Institution of Engineers. He said poor oversight, corruption are among the reasons projects are delayed. “They delay paying contractors, so they face challenges and vacate the project.”

The 22-kilometre Adentan–Dodowa dual carriageway stretches from the Adentan Barrier through Katamanso, Oyibi and Gbortsui to the Dodowa Hospital Junction. The project is expected to ease traffic congestion between the Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions while improving road safety and reducing travel time. Experts agree it would be a boost to economic activity in the region.

The contract was awarded in March 2024 to experienced Ghanaian company Oswal Investments, under a 36-month agreement. Inspecting the project in a year later, Kwame Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways, conceded the project had stalled, blaming the previous government’s failure to make agreed payments. Agbodza said the Mahama government had settled outstanding payments.

Gabriel Foli, project manager for Oswald Investments, declined to comment for this story but in July he told Channel One TV that delays were caused by acquiring property, negotiating compensation for owners, and moving utility lines. But he assured the public the project was two thirds complete and on track to be finished by March 2027.

For residents, the roadworks are taking a heavy toll. People here are well aware of  the dangers.

Mary Adjiele, 50, says three of her grandchildren have developed severe coughs accompanied by high fevers since the work began. The family has been forced to spend much of their income on medical treatment at Alpha and Omega Hospital in Dodowa.

“Cough with blood,” Adjile said in Twi. “It is small streaks or drops of bright red blood that come with mucus from three of my grandchildren. The money we use for our business and family upkeep is now going into hospital bills.”

Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to dust particles is dangerous. Fine particulate matter enters the bloodstream, increasing the risk of chronic illnesses, including kidney and heart diseases, diabetes and cancer.

“Road dust often has fine particles, cement, silica, and vehicle exhaust,” said Dorcas Effah Agyeiwaa, a public health nurse at the community’s Amamorley Clinic. “When we breathe it in, it can irritate our airways and make asthma worse. That irritation can cause the blood vessels in the airways to break and lead to blood in the cough.”

Health authorities say the infrastructure development in Ghana is necessary boost to economic activity, but they say the health impacts cannot be ignored and that communities across the country should not be left to deal with the health consequences of delays that were caused by government failures.

The Ghana Health Service reports increasing cases of respiratory illnesses across the Greater Accra Region. According to Dr Robert Amesiya, Greater Accra Regional Director of Health Services, in the two years to 2023, hypertension – a disease closely linked to air pollution – was the fifth highest cause of death in Accra, claiming 200 lives and nearly forty thousand cases were reported. Asthma and cardiac cases also increased.

“We thank government for building the roads for our safety,” said Dr Amesiya in Twi. “But the dust on the construction roads is too much.”

A spare parts dealer operating along the road says the thick dust has made every working day a health challenge. Concerned about his wife’s worsening asthma and persistent coughing, he has asked her to stop assisting him at the shop.

“We sell car parts, but the dust has filled my wife’s and my nose,” the dealer said in Twi. “I clean my shop every twenty minutes, but the dust keeps coming back. My wife has been coughing continuously . We have nowhere else to go because this business is our livelihood. We humbly appeal to the government to asphalt the road to reduce the dust. Our health matters too.”

Provision shop owner Serwaa Ansah Opoku says the dust has left her battling constant illness.

“Because of the dust on the road, when we wear our clothes it turns brown,” she said in Twi. “We keep getting headaches. We take local herbal medicine and the drugs our doctors prescribed for us to take care of the headaches and blood pressure.”

While waakye vendor Hamdia Ishmahill, a student, reports frequent coughs that have affected her business.

“It worries me. The dust has reduced our customers who buy waakye from us,” the student said in Twi. “My mum is not able to come to the wayside to sell. I’m a student so I normally come to support her. I always get coughs. But because people complain there is no food around, I’m forced to sell in the dust.”

Traditional leaders are equally worried. Chief Adjie Kwashie, Linguist of the Adenta Frafraha, said asthma cases within the community are increasing, with many residents complaining of worsening respiratory conditions. The traditional palace has been suspended because of the unhealthy environment.

“We have elderly people who come to our palace reporting cases of asthma,” said Chief Kwashie, in Twi. “We’ve asked them to tell the contractor to continue watering the road to reduce the dust. We’ve also reached out to the workers constructing the road. Once in a while they come to sprinkle water on the road. We need asphalt on our road.”

In his April 2026 visit the Minister directed the contractor to regularly sprinkle water on the road to minimise dust and reduce its impact on surrounding communities, stressing that protecting residents’ health remains a responsibility of the contractor.

“We expect a lot more speed,” Minister Agbodza said in Twi, speaking with engineers and the contractor. “This is another very important corridor which, when completed, will help significantly. So pay attention to it. While you are doing it, the dust will be to the minimum. We know it is difficult. We know it’s not easy to water continuously, but that is your responsibility, so don’t run away from it.”

Ella Christine Esinam Nongo, Municipal Chief Executive for Adentan, has assured residents that the Assembly and the contractor are working together to reduce dust pollution.

“Residents, please be a little patient with us,” an assembly official said in Twi. “If the contractors come to fix it and there are still potholes, the same people will not be happy with us. We beg you. Since we have endured bad roads for a long time, give us a little time to fix it. Anytime the contractor is not around, the Assembly sprinkles water on the road.”

Dr Amesiya urged residents to wear nose masks to minimize exposure to dust while efforts continue to control pollution along the construction corridor.

This story is a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the Clean Air Reporting project. Funding was provided by the Clean Air Fund which had no say in the story’s content.

In a statement dated Friday, August 7, 2026, the President, acting in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution, submitted the names of the nominees to Parliament through the Speaker for prior approval.

Under the new nominations, Klottey Korle MP, Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, has been nominated as the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

She is expected to take over the portfolio previously held by the late Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who died in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in August 2025.

The President has also nominated Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, subject to parliamentary approval.

Meanwhile, President Mahama has reassigned the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, to head the Ministry of Defence.

The current Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has also been moved to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

The changes are expected to take effect after Parliament completes the approval process for the newly nominated ministers.

The statement announcing the reshuffle was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, who is the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.

Read the full nomination below:

Speaking at a memorial ceremony held at the Ministry to mark one year since the death of Dr Muhammed, Mr Armah Buah said the late minister’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources continues to shape government’s environmental policies.

He noted that the repeal of LI 2462, which allowed mining in forest reserves under certain conditions, represented a major step towards strengthening environmental protection.

“He is the one that spearheaded the repeal of LI 2462. And today, our forests are breathing again because of Honourable Murtala. We can clap for him,” Mr Armah Buah said.

The ceremony brought together family members, friends, colleagues and government officials to honour Dr Muhammed and the seven others who died in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025.

Mr Armah Buah said Dr Muhammed’s contribution to environmental sustainability went beyond the repeal of LI 2462.

He recalled that the late minister hosted the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) High-Level Meeting in 2025, which resulted in the Accra Declaration.

He also highlighted Dr Muhammed’s establishment of the Biannual Environment, Science and Technology Forum, which brought together researchers, innovators and industry players to promote solutions to national challenges.

“He wanted to make sure that research work was not an isolated issue, that it was practical, that the things people were researching into were really connected with the people of Ghana and that we could use them to transform our lives,” he said.

Mr Armah Buah added that the forum has since become a permanent feature on the ministry’s calendar due to its importance.

He also credited Dr Muhammed with laying the foundation for Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy and launching the One Child, One Tree campaign aimed at encouraging environmental responsibility among young people.

“He also launched what we call the One Child, One Tree campaign to make sure that we instil environmental responsibility in our children right from an early age and make sure that every child knows the importance of planting trees,” he said.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu also paid tribute to Dr Muhammed, describing his death and that of the seven others as a painful loss a year after the tragedy.

“Murtala Mohammed, a year on, our heart is still in ruins. Our heart is still in ruins,” Mr Iddrisu said.

He said Dr Muhammed viewed environmental protection not only as a government duty but also as a moral responsibility.

“For Murtala Mohammed, the protection of the environment, ensuring that our water quality, air quality was good enough, was moral,” he said.

Mr Iddrisu urged Ghanaians to honour the memory of the late minister and the other victims by continuing the fight against illegal mining and protecting the country’s natural resources.

“The best we can do to his memory and the memory of Dr Omane Boamah and all the eight is to preserve and protect the environment, to endeavour to succeed in fighting galamsey in order that we don’t compromise our water bodies, our farmlands and our air quality,” he said.

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was among the eight people who died when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025, while travelling to the launch of the government’s Cooperative Mining Initiative.

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The facility is expected to provide a permanent venue for community meetings, health education programmes, social events and other development activities.

For years, residents struggled to access suitable spaces for important programmes, including health education sessions, education-related activities and child welfare services such as postnatal weighing, especially during bad weather.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Manager of TENET Marketing Partners Limited, Isaiah Adzokatse, said the project reflects the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in underserved communities rather than providing one-off donations.

He noted that the lack of a suitable public gathering space had affected residents for years, making the new centre a significant milestone for the community.

Mr Adzokatse disclosed that the organisation has already provided more than GH¢1 million worth of relief and development support within the Kpassa area, including bags of rice, cooking oil, tomato paste, farming tools, school supplies and other household items aimed at improving livelihoods and education.

He said the success of a business should not only be measured by financial performance but also by the positive impact it creates in the communities where it operates.

The TENET manager also announced plans to construct 1,000 large-scale community facilities in rural areas as part of the organisation’s long-term corporate social responsibility initiative.

Assemblyman Ernest Bilidon, Ubor Tayon Talido Stephen and other residents expressed appreciation to TENET Marketing Partners Limited, describing the facility as a symbol of hope and a foundation for future development.

They also appealed to the government and other organisations to provide additional support to help improve essential services in the area.

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Mary Agyeman, the Midwife in Charge of the facility, acted swiftly when the woman developed complications during labour and needed urgent referral for advanced medical care.

With no immediate access to an ambulance or other means of transport, Madam Agyeman facilitated the woman’s transfer on a motor king and continued providing skilled obstetric care throughout the journey.

She successfully delivered the baby on the tricycle before they arrived at the referral facility.

Her quick response, professionalism and dedication ensured that both the mother and newborn survived the emergency. The two are reported to be in stable condition and doing well.

The incident has attracted praise from members of the public, with many describing Madam Agyeman’s actions as a demonstration of commitment and sacrifice in providing healthcare, especially in underserved communities where access to emergency transport remains a challenge.

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According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the truck was travelling from Takoradi towards Cape Coast when the incident occurred.

The fire was detected by a patrol team from the Customs Division, which spotted the burning vehicle and alerted emergency responders.

Firefighters arrived at the scene to find the truck engulfed in flames. They quickly brought the fire under control before completely extinguishing it.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have started after one of the truck’s rear tyres burst.

The driver told firefighters that he pulled over to inspect the damaged tyre but noticed flames shortly afterwards and immediately raised an alarm.

Although the blaze caused significant damage to the truck, the vehicle was not completely destroyed. No casualties were reported.

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The assurance was given by Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, when leaders of GNACOPS called on the Ministry of Education to present their concerns and recommendations regarding this year’s examination results.

In the petition, the association called for an independent inquiry into the assessment process, quality assurance measures and accountability surrounding the conduct and release of the 2026 BECE results.

Presenting the petition, one of the conveners of the group, Obengfo Kwasi Gyetuah, urged the government to thoroughly investigate the issues raised to help restore public confidence in the examination process.

Receiving the petition on behalf of the ministry, Dr Apaak assured the delegation that the government remains committed to ensuring fairness and equity in the education system.

He urged members of the association and the public to remain calm while the investigations are conducted, adding that the findings would be made public once the process is completed.

The petition comes amid growing concerns over the provisional 2026 BECE results.

Earlier, the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) also called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to conduct an urgent audit and reconciliation of the results, citing alleged discrepancies.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, the Association’s General Secretary, Kennedy Donkor, said GNAPS had received numerous reports from member schools across the country highlighting inconsistencies in the results released to candidates.

According to the association, some candidates were awarded grades for subjects they did not register for or sit, while others received results that did not reflect their known academic performance or recorded unexplained failures.

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Read the full petition below:

The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m., when armed men reportedly attacked a mobile money vendor at Fiapre.

According to the police, officers responded to a distress call but the suspects had fled the scene before they arrived.

The mobile money vendor, Amina Abu, 30, and three others — Khadija Abu, 23; Anifa Tanko, 24; and Ibrahim Osei, 40 — sustained gunshot injuries after being hit by pellets during the attack.

Police also found an unidentified man wearing a black mask behind Ibrahim Osei’s house with severe injuries.

All five victims were rushed to the Bono Regional Teaching Hospital for treatment. However, Ibrahim Osei was pronounced dead on arrival, while the unidentified man later died while receiving medical care.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that the suspects made away with GH¢30,000 belonging to Amina Abu before fleeing the scene.

Police recovered six spent BB cartridges from the scene, which have been retained as exhibits for forensic examination.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly disembarked from a cattle truck travelling towards Berekum to carry out the robbery.

The Twumasikrom Police checkpoint was immediately alerted to intercept two cattle trucks travelling on the route, leading to the arrest of nine suspects who are currently assisting with investigations.

The suspects are expected to be processed for court as investigations continue.

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation, identification and autopsy.

The Bono Regional Police Command said efforts are underway to arrest other suspects believed to be on the run and assured the public that everyone found culpable will be brought to justice.

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Speaking in an interview with Adom News, the Minister said inspections conducted by the authorities revealed that owners of the affected structures did not have valid permits to build on the waterway.

According to her, the demolition exercise forms part of a broader strategy to reclaim waterways, improve drainage systems and minimise the recurring flooding that affects several parts of Accra during the rainy season.

Meanwhile, the Political Coordinator at the Office of the President, Anthony Nukpenu, said preparatory works would be carried out before the demolition exercise begins.

He explained that the Kpeshie Lagoon would first be dredged and widened to improve water flow and restore its capacity before the illegal structures are removed.

Mr Nukpenu said the exercise forms part of the government’s broader flood mitigation strategy, which includes desilting drains, reclaiming waterways and enforcing planning regulations to prevent further encroachment on water bodies.

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