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

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

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

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

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

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

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During his tour of the Western Region, he assured residents and traders that completing ongoing projects remains a key priority for his administration.

The Takoradi Market-Circle redevelopment, which began under President Akufo-Addo in 2020 at an estimated cost of €48 million, was designed to modernize the century-old market, improve trading conditions, and enhance revenue generation.

Initially scheduled for completion within 30 months, the project remains unfinished, with reports indicating about 70% progress.

Addressing traders and residents, Mahama emphasized his administration’s determination to see the project through.

To fast-track its completion, he has scheduled a meeting between the contractors and the Finance Ministry on Friday to finalize discussions and ensure the necessary resources are allocated.

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According to reports, Paulina Azari reported the incident to the police at 6:45 PM on January 9, 2025, after receiving a distress call from her mother earlier that day around 3 PM.

Her mother explained that the two children were found unconscious inside a water-filled drum in their kitchen.

The siblings were rushed to the Takoradi Government Hospital for treatment but were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation.

Further police investigations revealed that the children had been playing in their room before moving to the kitchen, where they entered the drum.

They asked their 6-year-old sister to close the drum, but she was unable to open it afterward, leading to the heartbreaking incident.

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According to Ankrah, the two had been in a relationship and met regularly in Accra.

The incident occurred on October 12, 2024, at Rodrigues Da Silva’s residence in Takoradi.

Ankrah claims they had agreed on a payment of thirty thousand cedis for their sexual encounter.

However, after the agreement, Rodrigues Da Silva allegedly reduced the payment to twenty thousand cedis, leading to a confrontation.

Ankrah alleges that, a scuffle ensued when Rodrigues Da Silva threatened him with a knife.

During the altercation, Ankrah overpowered him, resulting in Rodrigues Da Silva’s death.

Following the incident, Ankrah fled the scene with the deceased’s mobile phone and vehicle.

The Police were alerted about the incident and tracked down Ankrah, who was arrested on October 17, 2024.

He was arraigned before the Takoradi District Court on October 21, 2024, and has since been remanded in Police custody by Her Worship Catherine Obiri Addo.

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This event not only celebrates the culmination of a project that began four years ago but also underscores the government’s commitment to decentralising development and ensuring that all regions benefit equitably from the nation’s resources.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo reflected on the significance of this new facility, describing it as a fulfilment of a promise he made to the chiefs and people of the Western Region during his 2016 presidential campaign.

The President emphasised that the establishment of the GNPC headquarters in Takoradi is more than just a fulfilment of a campaign promise; it is a strategic move to bring development closer to the communities that contribute significantly to Ghana’s wealth through their land and sea resources.

“This is a very happy day for the Western Region, for Mother Ghana and, indeed, for me personally,” President Akufo-Addo declared.

“The realisation of this promise is proof of my government’s determination to ensure that the development and benefits of Ghana’s natural resources are felt by the people whose land and sea contribute so significantly to the nation’s wealth.”

The construction of the state-of-the-art facility faced numerous challenges, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and various logistical and financial hurdles.

Despite these obstacles, the project persevered, thanks to strategic planning and the unwavering support of the people of the Western Region.

President Akufo-Addo extended his gratitude to all who played a part in bringing the project to fruition, including the Regional Minister, Kobby Okyere Darko Mensah, the Western Regional House of Chiefs, and the Regional Lands Commission.

“This new headquarters is strategically positioned to serve as the hub for GNPC’s operations, particularly in the Western Region, which remains the epicentre of Ghana’s oil and gas industry,” the President noted.

He highlighted the practical benefits of situating this facility in Takoradi, which include enhanced operational efficiency and closer collaboration with domestic stakeholders.

The establishment of the headquarters is expected to have a significant economic impact on the local community.

President Akufo-Addo outlined the direct and indirect job opportunities that will arise from GNPC’s presence, ranging from administrative roles to technical positions.

The increased economic activity is also anticipated to stimulate local businesses, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.

Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo lauded the widespread investments made by GNPC through its Foundation, which has been headquartered in Takoradi for the past seven years.

He pointed out that the Western Region continues to be a major beneficiary of the Foundation’s initiatives in community development and capacity building, including the provision of health, education, and sanitation infrastructure, as well as support for artisan training and other social impact programmes.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo also underscored the broader vision of transforming GNPC into a world-class national oil company capable of competing on the global stage.

The new headquarters, a seven-storey modern office complex with a basement, is equipped with Smart Office Management Systems and various high-technology specifications.

It includes a 300-seater auditorium, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and a business centre on the ground floor, and is designed to achieve energy efficiency and meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification.

The President stressed the importance of environmental and social responsibility in the exploitation of petroleum resources.

He urged GNPC and other industry stakeholders to continue working collaboratively with local communities, environmental groups, and regulatory bodies to implement best practices that minimize environmental impact.

Additionally, President Akufo-Addo called for a renewed focus on local content and participation in the oil and gas industry, urging the continued capacity building of local businesses and professionals to ensure they can benefit meaningfully from the sector.

As he concluded his speech, President Akufo-Addo expressed his sincere gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Western Region for their support and patience.

He congratulated the management and staff of GNPC on this remarkable achievement and officially declared the “GNPC Energy House” commissioned.

“May God bless the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, and us all, and may God bless our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong.”

The commissioning of the GNPC headquarters marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards harnessing its natural resources for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Reverend Fr. Anthony Justice Englyshe who was 61, died on March 21, 2024, after a protracted illness.

Very Reverend Fr Samuel Ebuley Afful, 69, a priest at St Peter’s Parish Shama, also died in a fatal accident on the Tarkwa-Bogoso road on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

The late Fr. Afful was traveling with four other classmates to Enchi for their Annual classmate’s reunion where he met his sudden death.

The other classmates are Most Reverend Joseph Kwaku Afrifa-Agyekum, Bishop of Koforidua, very Rev. Fr. Francis Albert Amakye and Very Rev. Fr. Philip Tandoh.

Hundreds of mourners from all social classes thronged the Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi to pay their last respect to the two priests who distinguished themselves in the service of God and humanity.

Among the mourners were seven bishops led by Bishop John Baptist Attakruh, the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese Bishop.

Hundreds of Catholic priests including the president of the Sekondi Takoradi Diocesan Priests, Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne, Very Rev Fr. Francis Lemaire Vicar General of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese.

Also among the mourners were politicians, traditional rulers, catholic societies and the lay faithful across the Catholic Church of Ghana.

Father Anthony Justice Englyshe was born September 22,1963 at Nawule. He was ordained a priest for the catholic diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi on July 16,1994.

He started his seminary formation at St Teresa’s Minor Seminary at Amisano and entered St Peter’s Regional Seminary at Pedu to pursue his philosophical and theological studies.

After his theological studies, he was ordained deacon in 1993 at Austria and ordained priest at Our Lady Star of the Sea Cathedral in 1994.

Fr Anthony Justice Englyshe served the Catholic Church for 32 years but was active for 10 years and experienced

Born on November 13,1955 at Beyin, very Rev. Fr. Samuel Ebuley Afful was ordained a priest on July 10,1983.

He started his catholic formation as a mission boy to Fr Barker, where he felt his call to pursue priestly vocation. He served as a Diocesan Chaplain of the knights of Marshall from 2015 till his sudden death.

On January 15, 2018, he was appointed as the Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Shama, a role he played faithfully till his demise.

Very Reverend Fr Samuel Ebuley Afful, was instrumental in the celebration of the 550th Anniversary Celebration of the planting of Cross on the shores of Shama by the Portuguese in 1471.

Several tributes captured, described the two priests as dedicated, faithful. Loyal and served the people of God sincerely with zeal and love.

In a homily, Very Rev. Monsignor James Margaret Mesu.

The solemn ceremony was officiated by Most Reverend John Baptist Attakruh, Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese in a sermon asked catholic faithful to continue to pray for the repose of the souls of the two late priests.

He urged all to live lives that would be pleasing God and be faithful in all their dealings.

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The Ministry stated in a press statement issued on Monday, February 19th, that the closure is scheduled to begin on Friday, February 23rd, and continue until Tuesday, February 27th.

Repair efforts will concentrate on the vicinity surrounding the Butre River Bridge at Ewusiejoe in New Takoradi.

“The Ministry of Road and Highway acting through the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA) wishes to announce to the general public and all road users that the Ewusiejoe section of the Takoradi-Agona Road on the N1 Highway will be completely closed to traffic from midnight, Friday, February 23, to Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 4:am.”

“This is to enable the Ghana Highway Authority to carry out major repair works on the approaches to the Butre River Bridge at Ewusiejoe near Takoradi.”

Feeds and other items that could aid the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infections to other farms have also been destroyed in line with laid -down preventive procedures.

The Director of Veterinary Ser­vices Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Dr Emmanuel Kudjo, confirmed this to the Ghanaian Times in Accra.

“The situation has been brought under control .There is no cause for alarm. There is no need to panic,” he said to allay the fears of the public and other farmers in the town.

According to him, the incident happened at the weekend and due to the lessons learnt from previous bird flu outbreaks, the veterinary service acted promptly when it received information.

He said critical attention was needed in such cases because, such issues could trigger zoonotic disease transmitted to humans by infected animals.

He said the owners of the farm would be “compensated and sym­pathised” over the economic loss and the psychological trauma they would go through due to the loss.

Meanwhile, poultry farmers in Sekon­di-Takoradi are living in fear due to bitter experiences they had a couple of years ago during a similar outbreak.

“I am scared and live each day in fear. I haven’t yet recovered from the outbreak in 2021. Some 3,000 of my birds were slaugh­tered. I am just praying this one passes me by,” a farmer at Race Course, Kwaku Anokye said.

The Chairman of the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assem­bly Poultry Farmers Association, Kofi Dossah revealed that many farmers were yet to recover from the last episode whilst many had also given up the poultry business.

He called on the government to address the issue of delayed compensation to affected farmers to enable them bounce back into business and tackle adverse health implications.

“The way we have to wait for about two years before being reimbursed, this is what is going to happen –some farmers will now want to cover up.

“They either will kill their own birds, dress them and go and sell them on the market or bury them in their own houses to avoid any inconveniences,” he said.

As a preventive measure, 3news reported that the farmers had adopted what they call “a bio-secu­rity” where a mixture of a chemical called omnicide is used to disinfect before entering the coops.

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This purpose-built facility provides a dedicated space for fisher folks to dispense premix fuel, enhancing efficiency in their pre-fishing activities.

Sandra Amarquaye, Corporate Communications Manager at Karpowership Ghana, emphasised the company’s commitment to the well-being of the Takoradi community, particularly the fisher folks.

“We prioritise meeting their needs to empower them for a better livelihood,” she stated during the event.

Aiming for a broader community impact, Ms Amarquaye highlighted the initiative as part of Karpowership Ghana’s ongoing efforts to implement life-changing projects in the Sekondi region.

She expressed confidence that, the new shed would streamline fueling processes, ultimately improving operational efficiency for the fisher folks.

The Chief Fisherman of Essikado Nana Kwaku Adom conveyed profound gratitude to Karpowership Ghana for actively listening to their needs and consistently engaging with the community.

He pledged a commitment to maintaining the shed, ensuring its durability and extended service for the benefit of the local fisher folks.

On his part, the Manager of the Takoradi Fishing Habour, Henry Oppong also expressed gratitude and promised continuous support and collaboration with Karpowership Ghana and other utility companies to support fisherfolks while he seeks more projects.  

The handing-over ceremony witnessed the presence of Chief Fishermen from the Essikado area, Francis Eshun GIFA chairman of the Western region, fishing harbour management, engineers from GPHA, and the fisher folks operating in the harbour.

Karpowership Ghana’s initiative stands as a testament to its dedication to fostering positive change and supporting sustainable livelihoods within the local community.

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A 34-year-old Ghanaian-US based man, Albert Kwao Adeabah, has tragically died after suspected food poisoning at his birthday celebration with friends at Takoradi in the Western region.

This was after he announced plans to relocate following a visit to his Takoradi-based family in 2022.

Despite the family’s opposition to the plan, Berberto as he was affectionately called defied all odds and went ahead with his plan.

Mr Adeabah who worked at the Massachusetts Stock Exchange is said to have travelled to Ghana early this year.

On August 3, 2023, he turned 34 and to commemorate his milestone, Asempa FM’ Ekosii Sen host, Osei Bonsu who narrated the story said he invited few friends for an in-house party.

About 13 friends honoured the invitation.

A video intercepted captured the moment his friends came to his house to share in the joy of his new milestone.

Unfortunately, news got to the family on August 5 that Albert had difficulty briefing after the party and was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead on arrival

Though investigations are ongoing, the aggrieved family suspect Albert was poisoned at the party.

He was buried a few weeks ago.

Watch the video above for more:

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They were apprehended by the police at Diabene, a community in the Western region of Ghana, in August 2023.

The suspects, who are on bail Tuesday, October 3, 2023, appeared at the Takoradi Harbour Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Michael Kudjo Ampadu.

The suspects are Michael Asiedu, Ernest Asiedu, Evans, Joseph Amissah, and Promise Mensah.

The lawyer for the accused persons, Ebo Donkor, indicated that the charges proffered against his clients are conspiracy to commit crime, holding special events without notice to the police, and taking part in special events without notice to the police.

He said the police are not done with their investigations, hence the adjournment.

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The suspect, whose name has been given as Nii Addo, is said to have been on the police wanted list for a while.

He was recently captured on CCTV footage snatching mobile phones from innocent residents on the main Adientem route off Sycamore Hospital at night and has succeeded in robbing many with his gang on two motorbikes.

He was on a similar mission at the Takoradi Market Circle on Monday when some civilians apprehended them.

The suspect was on a motorbike with one of his gang members and decided to snatch the mobile phone of a young man.

The victim, whose phone was snatched by the two notorious guys at Takoradi Market Circle, is a Kumasi-based radio presenter who doubles as a film producer.

A witness, Mawuli Ekpe Peter, popularly known as ABRO, told Connect FM that he parked his car around the YOU 84 area at Market Circle and was walking around town on Monday evening around 8:45 when suddenly these robbers on a motorbike snatched his iPhone 11 Promax around the Kojokrom Trotro Station entrance and bolted.

He jumped into his car, and with the help of some good Samaritans, the robbers were sighted around Dadzie Bakery Area.

He knocked them into a gutter but one managed to flee with the phone, leaving behind the rider, who is said to be the real gang leader in this business.

“I quickly gave them a hot chase along the highway and hit them with my vehicle. They fell into the gutter and one was able to flee but the leader was arrested. We realised they had already snatched the bags of over four ladies.

“We handed him over to the Police but the other one left with the phone. We got to the police station and he was already on the wanted list of the police. He is a notorious armed robber who is also alleged to have robbed some residents in Tarkwa,” he indicated.

The suspect, Nii Addo was in 2017 arrested by the Kwesimintsim Police Command. He was at the time accused of being a protégé of the notorious criminal, Atta Ayi.

The police arrested him from his hideout in Cape Coast. It is, however, unknown why he was released back into society.

According to the victim, the suspect is currently at the Central Police Station in Takoradi.

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The sad incident was confirmed by the Assembly member of the area, Joana Barton Oduro.

The 72-year-old man, whose name has been given as Anthony Wolfgang Hammond, was found dead after a foul smell started emanating from his two-bedroom apartment, which he had occupied alone for the past three years.

Residents and other tenants who were lost as to where the stench was coming from saw houseflies hovering around his window.

They broke into his room only to find his decomposing body lying in the kitchen with his microwave open.

The Assembly member told Connect FM they suspect he died about two weeks ago.

“His landlord broke into the room and realized he was dead. We quickly called the police and deposited his body at the Takoradi Government Hospital.

“We are supposed to bury the body looking at its decomposing nature but we have still not identified his relatives and so we have pleaded with the hospital to help us keep the body for some time whilst we keep searching for his family members,” Madam Barton Oduro indicated.

According to her, a search conducted in his room revealed passport pictures, laptops, phones, and a passport indicating he is a citizen of the United States of America.

“His phone has been switched on but nobody has called him since and all the contacts we have seen don’t relate to any close friend or relative. We realized he tried to register for a Ghana Card and on the registration sheet his mother’s name is captured as Agnes Prah and Anthony Hammond as his father but they are all deceased.

“He is the quiet type who does not relate to anybody in the house. He has also not been seen with a friend or relative in the house he rented three years ago. We also found passport pictures and a passport indicating he is now a US citizen,” she added.

The passport picture of the deceased attached was provided by the Assembly member.

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According to an eyewitness, who spoke to Adomonline.com, the driver heading towards Accra from Takoradi on Sunday, April 30, 2023, in an attempt to swerve a pothole, got his car airborne and unfortunately somersaulted until they landed in the muddy water.

It took some of the passersby, who were mainly locals, to swim to the rescue of the travellers who were stuck in a grey Hyundai Elantra registered vehicle.

Luckily, none of them got severely injured with the locals saying the incident would have been deadly if it had occurred in the night.

They had to cut the seatbelt of the lady who was locked in the front passenger seat, subsequently, the impact of the accident activated the airbags of the saloon car.

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The accident which happened in the early hours of Sunday 1st January 2023, involved two buses.

A Republic of Liberia registered sprinter bus with registration number LB-B11992 and an Assemblies of God bus with registration number GT 4481-22.

The Assemblies of God bus had some church members onboard, from Accra heading towards Asankragwa whilst the sprinter was moving in the opposite direction.

According to an eyewitness, the sprinter had overtaken many vehicles on top speed and whilst negotiating a curve at New Apostolic Junction at Kojokrom, it collided with the bus.

“The yellow bus had loaded church members who went for camp meeting in Accra. Whilst returning to Asankragwa, it collided with the sprinter vehicle. The driver of the Assemblies of God bus was unstable when I arrived here,” Kofi Amoah, an eyewitness indicated.

Four persons (males) who were in the Liberian sprinter bus have been confirmed dead with many in critical conditions.

Passengers in the Ghanaian bus sustained minor injuries and have been sent to the hospital for treatment.

It took the intervention of the Ghana National Fire Service and Police to control the situation.

She described as orgasmic the reception she received during her stay in the region, which is in line with her media tour to promote her latest single, Something.

Though the journey was quite patchy and sleep deprived her of familiarizing with the route, Gyakie had a nice stay and the reception from her fans is one she said she won’t trade for anything else.

She was privileged to grace some top radio stations, and even went as far as teaching some hosts and panel the dance moves to her love song.

The highlight of her tour was the massive welcome she received from students of the Ahantaman Girls Senior High School, where she delivered her last performance.

In what has come to many as a surprise, the students were singing word-for-word her month-old song as though they rehearsed its lyrics.

While a few had the opportunity to hug Gyakie, some just took memories of the unforgettable moment.

Watch video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Song Bird (@gyakie_)

The filing of the witness’ statements and other relevant documents should be done by June 7, 2022, when the accused reappears before Michael Ampadu, the presiding judge.

The witness statement would aid in the commencement of the Case Management Conference (CMC) to allow the accused to open her defence.

Already, the court overruled a submission of no case by the lawyer of the accused, Fiifi Buckman and ordered the accused to open her defence.

The court, however, thought otherwise and indicated that the prosecution had been able to establish that the accused was not kidnapped, nor was she pregnant.

Meanwhile, eight prosecution witnesses have testified in the case.

The court indicated that the prosecution had furnished the court with all the requisite documents to support the charges of publication of false news and deceit of public officer against the accused.

The court, therefore, indicated that it was incumbent on the accused person to prove her pregnancy and kidnap by opening her defence.

The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, June 7, 2022.

Reports indicate the bus was travelling from Takoradi in the Western Region to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

Ekua, a passenger on the bus, said the bus moved from the Abenbebon Station at Apremdo, Takoradi at around 10:30 pm on Sunday.

“At around 3:30 am on Monday, February 21, 2022, about five armed robbers with rifles and other weapons attacked us and made away with our monies and other belongings. All of them were wearing masks,” she narrated.

She added that the armed robbers, after the robbery, asked them to remember them in prayers.

“After the robbery, they asked us to pray for them because it was not their will to stop vehicles on the highway and rob passengers of their belongings but the system has compelled them to do so,” she added.

Another young man said the armed robbers took away his bag containing an amount of GH¢8,500.

“I’m a driver and I was going to buy an engine for my vehicle in Kumasi. My Mobile Money phone was last week stolen by another set of armed robbers at Kintampo so I decided to carry the money in my bag but unfortunately, I have been robbed again,” he added as reported by 3news.

The passengers were stranded at the Anwiankwanta Police Station, where an official complaint had been lodged.

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The driver of the vehicle, Agya Owusu, disclosed that there was nothing he could have done to save the situation.

“When I got to Fomena, I saw a driver alerting me with his light that there was danger on the road. I became confused and stopped the vehicle for about five minutes. I realised no vehicle was coming again so I decided to continue my journey.

“When I moved forward for some minutes, I saw a Sprinter bus on the road with passengers lying on the ground. This is where I realised armed robbers were on the road. There was nothing I could do again because they were very close. They attacked us and took all our monies. They took my GH¢3,400,” the driver said.

A family of four has been killed in a fire outbreak in a rented apartment at Effia in the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality of the Western Region.

Three co-tenants also sustained various degrees of injuries and are undergoing treatment.

The fire, which cause is not immediately known, according to witnesses, started at about 4:30 pm on Tuesday, February 1, 2021.

The landlord narrated he woke up to shouts and screams of tenants crying for help and quickly rushed to the scene to see smoke coming out from one of the rooms.

“I was in my room when I heard the noise of an exploded gas cylinder. I came out and saw smoke all over, other tenants came around and we tried to rescue those who were trapped in the rooms.

“We were able to save some of them through the window but one woman and her daughter were still in their room. We could not save them on time,” he narrated to Takoradi-based Connect FM.

Ghana National Fire Service personnel, who were called to the scene, reportedly delayed after several calls.

“When the fire started, we called the [Ghana National] Fire Service but no one was responding. They arrived at the scene late. We tried our best to save a woman who was lying in one of the rooms but all efforts proved unsuccessful,” Irene Abban, an eyewitness, indicated.

The Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Director for the National Disaster Management Organization, Henry Kwofie, has confirmed that four persons have so far died with others receiving treatment at the hospital.

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“The deceased persons include a mother, father, their daughter, and a grandchild. The daughter who is a nurse had visited her mother with her child after work when the fire outbreak occurred. They were trapped in the bedroom and could not be saved.

“We initially saved the husband but he also died later at the hospital,” Mr Kwofie said.

The vessels, which will be operated by Naval captains with international ratings, are equipped with the needed logistics to protect national installations and also deter and make Ghana’s adjoining coast safer.

The lack of such a fleet had compelled oil companies to hire private boats to provide security for their offshore oil and gas installations.

Speaking to Daily Graphic, a source at the Ministry of Defence said the new vessels would be allowed to protect offshore oil and gas activities in the country.

It described the current arrangement where oil companies hired civilian commercial boats flying their countries’ flags, with state-armed guards, as unfortunate and claimed with the acquisition of the new vessels, the practice would now become a thing of the past.

There have been growing piracy and other criminal activities in the Gulf of Guinea in recent times.

As a deterrent measure, the Ghana Navy has been carrying out maritime exercises to demonstrate its resolve to deal with issues of piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other criminal activities in Ghana’s territorial waters.

Per reports, the vessels will be ushered into the Home Port of the Western Naval Command after the offload, where the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will name and commission them to begin service.

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The opening ceremony of the three-day event saw various masquerading clubs marching through the principal streets of the metropolis in their colourful costumes.

The event attracted thousands of visitors across the country including foreigners.

Here are pictures from the carnival:

The culprits, Stephen Kumi, 33-year-old supposed boyfriend of Stephanie Kumiwaa, the lady who was said to have been kidnapped and Paa Kwesi Sampson of Connect FM.

The boyfriend is in police cells whilst the journalist has been released on bail.

According to a statement issued by the Police and signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Olivia Ewerabena Adiku, Head of Public Affairs at the Western Regional Police Command, on October 17, 2021, the media carried a publication written by Paa Kwesi Sampson of Connect FM in Takoradi.

Immediately, the Takoradi Divisional Police Command initiated investigation into the case involving one Stephanie Kumiwaa, a 26-year-old at Mpohor.

The police liaised with the Mpohor District Police Command and checks revealed that no such case was reported and police without wasting time arrested the two suspects who reported the story.

During police interrogation, Stephen told police that he met Stephanie on Facebook and they started dating.

He said on October 17, 2021, Stephanie called to inform him that she was visiting him but did not show up.

Two days after, on October 19, 2021, he received a phone call from a friend of Stephanie that someone called Stephanie’s phone number that she has been kidnapped and the suspected kidnappers demanded ransom of GHC2,000.

However, police escorted Stephen Kumi to Mpohor and all efforts to locate the residence and family members of Stephanie and Sandra for confirmation of the alleged incident proved futile.

Stephen Kumi was immediately arrested and detained while Paa Kwesi was granted police enquiry bail.

The police have, therefore, cautioned the media in the area to be circumspect with their reportage and always make sure they crosscheck information from the Western Regional Police Command before publication.

Below is the full statement:

Joan Krah’s verdict was pronounced at a Takoradi Circuit Court A presided over by Michael Ampedu on Tuesday, October 26.

Ms Krah faked her abduction on October 22 in a bid to extort ¢5,000 from a relative.

Police say she conspired with the two others to orchestrate the act after which a call was placed to her godfather demanding the ransom.

The suspect showed up at the Takoradi Central Police Station on October 23 after the father reported the matter.

Her first charge is the deceit of public officers for which she was given a six-year sentence.

The convict’s second charge of the publication of false news with an attempt to cause fear and panic brought her a sentence to two years imprisonment with hard labour.

However, the court reduced the cumulative jail term to six because the suspect had shown remorse during her initial appearance on Monday, coupled with the fact that she has a three-year-old son.

The court added that the verdict was also meant to send a strong signal to residents to desist from venturing in this seemingly growing trend of fake kidnappings.

The suspects are in custody at the Takoradi Divisional Police Command.

They have been named as Joana Krah, aged 29; Susana Awortwe, aged 27 and Francis Eshun, aged 27.

They allegedly faked a kidnap and demanded a ransom of GH¢ 5,000.

A police statement dated Monday, October 25, 2021, issued by the Acting Director-General of Public Affairs, ACP Mr Kwesi Ofori, said reports indicated that suspect Joana Krah conspired with the other two suspects, Susan Awortwe and Francis Eshun, to feign her kidnapping on Friday, October 22, 2021, after which a call was placed to her adopted father in demand for the ransom.

When she became aware that her adopted father had reported to the Police and an extensive search had commenced to find her, she showed up at the Takoradi Central Police Station, Saturday, October 23, to confess that she was only joking with her adopted father who was kidnapped.

Further Police investigations led to the arrest of suspects, Susan Awortwe and Francis Eshun for their complicity.

The three suspects will be processed for court today, Monday, October 25, the police said.

“We are further advising the public to desist from the act of faking kidnapping for monetary gains since it is a criminal act. Such perpetrators will be dealt with in
accordance with the laws of the State,” the police statement added.

Some irate residents of Columbia in Takoradi of the Western Region have taken to the streets and invoked curses over the manner in which the case of a missing-but-found pregnant woman is being handled.

According to them, the woman, Mrs Josephine Simon, was indeed pregnant prior to her disappearance, hence will resist every attempt by the Police and Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere-Darko, to discredit that.

Mrs Simons reportedly went missing during a routine morning walk from the Amanoo road to the Paa Grant Roundabout on Thursday, September 16, 2021.

A search party was convened after her mother received a call from an unknown person who said they could not use her for what they intended.

After she was found on Tuesday, September 20, 2021, her husband said she told the family she gave birth the same day she was kidnapped.

But the Regional Minister, in an interview on Wednesday, disclosed preliminary medical examinations and investigations suggest she was never pregnant.

The police have since confirmed the Minister’s statement, adding three people have been arrested for questioning over alleged conspiracy.

The police have also declared Mrs Simons a suspect and is expected to assist with investigations.

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However, the residents say they do not agree with the police report because they believe the victim was pregnant and can attest to it.

The family maintained Mr Okyere-Darko decided to go public and lie against their relative instead of visiting the house to verify issues first.

They called on a deity not to spare anyone involved if it turns out that the reports are a mere fabrication.

They broke eggs and poured libation, adding that they will take further actions if medical records turn out to prove that Mrs Simons was indeed pregnant.

Watch the video attached:

A statement released by the Ghana Police Service and signed by its Head of Public Affairs, ACP Kwasi Ofori said the trio have been arrested for questioning on possible conspiracy charges.

The statement also confirmed the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah’s comments that Mrs Simons was not pregnant as being claimed by relatives.

The police noted the woman, who is now a suspect in the matter, may have planned her kidnapping with other people.

“The victim now a suspect during interrogations mentioned the European Hospital in Takoradi as the hospital for her antenatal and medical review.

“But Medical records at the facility suggests that the woman visited the facility in October last year without the pregnancy,” parts of the statement read.

The police further raised concern with the incidence of staged kidnappings in the Western Region “where people conspire to create “self-kidnapping” incidents to make money out of ransoms.”

Read the full statement below:

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Josephine Panyin Mensah reportedly went missing after going for a routine dawn walk on Thursday, September 16, 2021.

Her husband, Paul Simon, reported the incident to the police and later said the mother had received a phone call from a suspected kidnapper who was demanding a ransom.

The police in Takoradi have started investigations into the circumstances that led to the disappearance of the pregnant woman.

The Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olivia Adiku, has said the police were investigating to trace the whereabouts of the woman.

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According to the husband, she left home Thursday morning around 5:00am for a routine dawn walk and has since not returned.

She was last seen at Amoono road towards Paa Grant Roundabout in Takoradi in the Western Region.

The Western Regional capital has for some time been in the news after an unusual punishment was meted out to a suspected thief who stole some electric cables.

The thief was forced to laugh and dance, while residents descend on him.

In a similar yet extreme manner, another plantain and car parts thief became the victim of these residents.

The mid-adult was apprehended after the residents monitored his movement and caught him with a bunch of plantain and some car parts, after frolicking the area for days, they said.

After he failed to identify the owner of the items, the residents tied a rope around his waist and paraded him in the area.

A volunteer group for sanitation made him distill the choked and smelly gutters while supervising him.

After the communal labour, some residents shaved a cross sign in his hair, as a symbol of repentance from thievery.

Exhausted and sweaty as he was, the Takoradi inhabitants gave him the last, yet enjoyable punishment. He was served with chilled beer and ordered to unleash all his dance moves.

Some of the residents, who spoke to Adom News, said the police have proved unreliable in punishing criminals when they are marched to the station.

The amount will be rewarded to anyone who can provide reliable information leading to the arrest of six armed men who shot one Mr Charles Kwakye on Tuesday April 12, 2021, at Amaful, a suburb in the area.

People with the relevant information can contact the police on 0249833333, 024459076 or toll free 18555, 191, 112 to reach police stations.

This was announced in a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the regional Police Command, DSP Olivia Adiku.

The statement further called for calm among residents who are now living in fear amid assurance that the situation is under control.

The armed robbers trailed the deceased who was with his wife, Monica Nda to the bank where they had reportedly withdrawn some money.

As the couple drove out in their white Sonata, witnesses narrated that the miscreants, driving motorcycles, followed the victims.

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Upon reaching Amanful East, a suburb of Takoradi, the victims sensed danger and parked their car in the middle of the road, but that did not deter the robbers

Witnesses said the men rushed to the occupants of the car and asked for the cash before giving each of them two bullets in the thigh.

Read the full statement below:

According to sources, the armed robbers trailed the couple to the bank where they had reportedly withdrawn some money.

As the couple drove out in their white Sonata, witnesses told Adom News’ Lord Tawiah that the miscreants, driving motorcycles, followed the victims.

Upon reaching Amanful East, a suburb of Takoradi, the victims sensed danger and parked their car in the middle of the road, but that did not deter the robbers.

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Witnesses said the men rushed to the occupants of the car and asked for the cash before giving each of them two bullets in the thigh.

The robbers are said to have reached out for the money before speeding off in full glare of some shaken traders.

The victims were immediately aided and transported to the Effiakwanta Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.

Reports indicate the incident occurred around 2:30 pm on Thursday, March 4, 2021.

Ewuraba Esi, as she is popularly known, sustained minor injuries with the cause of the accident not yet known.

She is said to be undergoing treatment at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.

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The musician took to her Instagram page to share a photo from the scene which spotted a badly damaged car smashed from the front towards the driver’s side.

The musician, who cannot let thanksgiving and praises cease from her lips, acknowledged God for her survival and urged fans to do the same on her behalf.

Pupils of the Nana Badu Bonsu Junior High School and Methodist Primary School in the Western Region had the shock of their lives when they arrived at the school and found their classrooms locked.

Some unknown persons are reported to have stormed the school in the lower Takoradi Municipality to nail the doors.

The pupils were found loitering on the compound. Others were found on the veranda trying to pick out their books to read.

Assemblyman for the area, Gilbert Siaw, who spoke to Adom News about the incident, said he received a distress call around 7:00 am.

He quickly rushed to the school to assess the situation and find possible ways to resolve it so the children could start academic activities for the day.

“I had to get carpenters to get the nails off all the doors and we will move forward to hold a meeting with the appropriate authorities but I believe whatever the problem is, it cannot continue like this,” he said.

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Meanwhile, with the perpetrators not immediately known, headmaster for the school, Emmanuel Akaji, pointed fingers at some persons he said were at New Takoradi Methodist.

According to him, there has been a long-standing rift between the two schools which he believes has accounted for the development.

He has, therefore, appealed to the appropriate authorities to sit and deal with the matter extensively and find the best solutions.

The fire is believed to have started at exactly 12:am on Saturday at the Liberation road.

Fire destroyed at least five shops including First Samuel Warehouse. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

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Reports indicate it took firefighters and rescue team over six hours to douse the fire around the Central Business District.

All four persons reportedly went missing in September 2019.

Forty-two-year-old Augustina Koomson left home on September 12 to work but has since not been seen, police say.

Rosina Gyekyewaa, a 13-year-old girl, also missing at Market Circle in Takoradi the Western Regional capital on September 21.

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The third victim, 17-year-old Charity Boah, according to police was last seen on September 16 at Ntankoful.

Charity is said to have left home with some personal belongings and GHC200 worth of cash to an unknown location.

Fauzia Aliu, the last victim, left home at about 7:00 pm on September 10 to an unknown location and has since not been seen.

These missing person reports add up to the increasing number of people who have allegedly gone missing in the region.

In September 2019, the police broke the hearts of four families and Ghanaians when they announced the death of four girls, in Takoradi, who had gone missing in 2018.

Ruth Abakah, Priscilla Blessing Bentum, Ruth Love Quayeson and Priscilla Mantseabea Koranchie had been kidnapped on July 29, August 17, December 4 and December 21 respectively.

The remains of the girls were found in a septic tank at Kasaworodo, a suburb in Takoradi.

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Police believe they are victims of a kidnapping and murder syndicate in the Takoradi area.

The main suspect, a 28-year old Nigerian, Samuel Udoetuk Wills, was arrested in the Western Region, while his accomplice John Orji, was arrested at the Aflao border in the Volta Region.

A third suspect, known only as Chika, have been arrested in Nigeria.

The news of the death of the four girls sparked an uproar as many citizens demanded the resignation of the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Maama Tiwaa Addo Danquah who handled the case.

Persons calling for the resignation of the CID boss say she handled the matter unprofessionally.

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Source: Myjoyonline.com

Together with the mother of the driver, Comfort Awoyie, the wife of the driver, walked into the studios of Connect FM on Monday morning to narrate the incident to the station’s OMANBAPA morning show host, Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson.

According to the driver’s wife, one Hon Seidu Adam, an Assembly member from Effiakuma, and three other persons claimed they had a hint that one of the missing Takoradi girls had been spotted in a certain village near Teleku Bokazo in the Western Region.

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Without the knowledge of any security agency, the four hired a taxi from Takoradi to the said location at Nzema without even disclosing their mission to the driver.

They entered the town only to realise the person they suspected to be one of the kidnapped victims was not her, after all.

The community members rather suspected the four including the taxi driver to be kidnappers who had wanted to kidnap their ‘daughter’.

They raised an alarm and the four bolted, leaving behind the taxi driver to his fate

“My husband told me he suddenly realised many youths from the community had surrounded him,” Comfort Awoyie explained.

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The taxi driver, Collins Ato Turkson, was beaten to the pulp, sustaining knife wounds all over his body till some persons came to his rescue.

His car was damaged, tyres loosed and ignition keys seized.

The driver, who was aided by some good Samaritans to go back to Takoradi, arrived home late in the night on Saturday to recount his ordeal to his family.

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To the utter amazement of the driver, the four persons who hired him had returned home safely without whispering what had happened to anyone including the family of the driver whom the four know very well.

Report has since been lodged with the police, who are investigating the case.

Source: 3news

Speaking in an interview with Joy News, an informant disclosed the suspects were arrested at Asamansudo while transporting the skulls from Asanda, a farming community at Ellembelle on Thursday afternoon.

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The two suspects, identified as Isaac Kweku Agyapong aged 20 and Shamusu Mohammed, 18, according to information gathered are residents of Ankobra in the Ellembelle district and Aboadze in the Shama district of the Western region.

The situation is said to have attracted many who have thronged the police station to catch a glimpse of the suspects.

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The development comes in the wake of the apprehension in Takoradi over the abduction of people in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in recent times including the three girls who were kidnapped and killed by their abductors.

Source: Adomonline.com

According to Citi News sources, the suspect was brought to Ghana yesterday [Wednesday] by some Nigerian Security operatives.

The suspect was arrested in August by Nigerian security services and their Ghanaian counterparts triggered repatriation processes.

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It however delayed because the suspect Chika Innoidim John was been investigated by Nigerian police on other alleged offences.

Before his arrest, the Ghanaian police had two suspects in custody for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of four girls in Takoradi who have since been confirmed dead by police.

The main suspect, Samuel Wills is currently serving an 18-month jail sentence for escaping from police custody while other charges are still pending. His alleged accomplice, John Orji, is also on remand.

Human remains belonging to the missing girls were found in a sewage system near his home.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, James Oppong Boanuh in a press conference announced that the DNA test on the human parts found matched the girls’ remains.

The victims, Priscilla Bentum, Ryth Love Quayson, Priscilla Mantebea Kuranchie and Ruth Abakah were kidnapped in Takoradi in the Western Region between July and December 2018.

Meanwhile, some family members have rejected the results calling for an independent probe into the case. Some have even called for the resignation of the CID boss COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah for making contradictory statements about the kidnapping case.

Source: citifm

A statement issued by the Police CID after the remains were found said the tests would be completed within four weeks.

The statement also specified that the police would cover all other angles of investigations as the search for the kidnapped girls continues.

The spokesperson for the families, Michael Hayford, speaking on Eyewitness News said they have not received any information or updates from the police about the DNA samples.

“When asked when last they heard from the police, he replied, “That was last three weeks. The liaison officer came to visit the family and then he told us that as soon as the report comes in they will let us know. But as it stands now the month has ended. That was a week ago and there’s been no information from them so we are just hoping that they will come out with the report.”

“You know the month just ended last week so we wanted to give them a week more. The week will end like coming Friday. So after Friday if there is nothing like report we will just move to their office to verify from them what they have for us,” he continued.

Some residents of Takoradi had threatened to hit the streets of Takoradi over the police’s handling of the case.

Source: Citifm

The Igbo King of the Nigerian Community in Ghana, His Royal Majesty Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu and Leader of the Ghana Chapter of Nigerians in the Diaspora, Ogbonna Kaycey, said Tuesday that many attempts to meet Samuel have been unsuccessful.

Ogbonna Kaycey believes the community “can deal with [the suspect]” who some reports have suggested has led police on a wild goose chase to locate three girls who went missing in the Western Region capital since last year.

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“Your Majesty [Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu] has made attempts [to meet criminals said to be Nigerians]. Even in the case of the suspect in Takoradi. There was a time we were so angry in the community; there was a time the guy was tossing the authorities up and down and the community was so angry and people were expressing anger; ‘show us this idiot, let’s deal with him,’” Mr Kaycey said on PM Express, Tuesday evening.

Nigerians are battling negative public perception following the involvement of persons believed to be Nigerians in many high-profile kidnappings and other crimes in Ghana.

Security analysts have also pointed to an influx of Nigerian-style crimes in Ghana in recent times.

For instance, the most crucial case in the wave of kidnappings that have gripped Ghana is the one involving Samuel Udotek Willis, who is being held by Ghana police over his involvement in the suspected kidnapping of the three girls in 2018. The girls are yet to be found.

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The police are also on a manhunt for three Nigerians linked to the kidnapping of the Consular-General and Head of Mission of Estonia to Ghana, Nabil Makram Basbous, in April 2019 in Accra who was later rescued by police.

The Police in Kasoa in the Central Region also arrested three Nigerians over the kidnap and murder of a two-year-old boy last April.

At a press conference in April, the Police CID revealed it had arrested a two-man Nigerian gang who have confessed to at least 11 armed robberies, a spree that included raping their victims before bolting with cash worth more than two million cedis.

In the latest episode of kidnapping, National Security operatives engaged the Nigerians in a gun battle before overpowering the suspects holding two Canadian ladies.

However, despite these incidents, Mr Kaycey said on PM Express, a current affairs programme on the Joy News channel on MultiTV that many Nigerians living in Ghana are helping to improve the country’s economy.

“We are law abiding citizens. Engage us,” Ogbonna Kaycey appealed to the media and the police on PM Express.

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 “I am aware that in other nations when a crime is committed and a foreigner is arrested, he is meant to be identified by his people to confirm that this is a citizen of our country but nothing like that has been done,” he added.

He said this was important because it is very likely that sometimes the criminals might not be a Nigerians, but may be holding themselves up as such only to give them a bad name.

His Royal Majesty Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu also appealed to Nigerians in Ghana to make contact with the leaders of the Nigerian community for recognition and assistance when the need arises.

Watch the full programme in the video above:

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Minister of State in Charge of National Security, Bryan Acheampong has detailed why the search for the three Takoradi kidnapped girls has delayed.

Speaking in an in interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Thursday, Mr Acheampong said the same resources and assets were used to resolve both kidnapping issues, but one incident was reported earlier than the other, hence the delay.

He noted that the abduction of the three Takoradi girls was not reported on time, hence the challenges the police are facing in finding them.

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“It’s never true that the willingness or resources for resolving the kidnap of the Takoradi girls is slow. Anyone who talks about that is just not being fair to us. The circumstances are different

“No one’s blood is better than anyone. The issue is that when the Canadians kidnap issue came up, we were notified earlier and that made the work easier, leading to their arrest. But with Takoradi kidnap girls, it took over a week before the security agencies were notified, hence the challenges we are facing now,” he said.

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 The two Canadian nationals were rescued on Wednesday morning.

The Canadian women were kidnapped at the Kumasi Royal Gulf Club, Ahodwo around 8:25 pm on June 4, 2019.

READ: Photos: Where the kidnapped Canadians were held

The Police in a statement on the matter said the two victims aged 19 and 20 “are volunteers with a non-governmental organisation known as Youth Challenge International based here in Ghana.”

Source: Adomonline.com/Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

The Founder and Leader of the Glorious Word and Power Ministry International, Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah seems unhappy over comments by spokesperson for families of the three girls kidnapped in Takoradi.

“I heard a certain man who claims to be spokesperson for the kidnapped girls that he will slap me if he meets me anywhere because of my comment on the issue. I want to ask him a question. Was I the one who kidnapped the girls? I think this man talks like he doesn’t reason at all,” he said on Accra based Okay FM monitored by Adomonline.com.

Mr Michael Hayford Grant, speaking on Okay FM, vowed to physically abuse Rev. Bempah if he fails to disclose the whereabouts of the missing girls.

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An angry Mr Grant vowed to “slap the hell” out of Rev Bempah if he refuses to lead a search to rescue the girls.

“See, I don’t mind going to jail because of that man [Rev Owusu Bempah], I will slap him. Those in jail are not animals, they are humans just like myself so it won’t be out of the ordinary if I join them (for assaulting Owusu Bempah),” he stated with seething rage in an interview.

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Reverend Bempah incurred the wrath of the families of the three kidnapped girls after claiming he knew the whereabouts of the girls.

However, reacting to the threats, the controversial man of God dared the spokesperson for the families to drag him to the President or even the security agencies if he thinks he has committed any crime.

“That man is really annoying, I only said we should pray for the kidnapped girls so they are found. What wrong did I do by just saying that? I was even expecting the families to congratulate me on even praying for them and not attack me. If they think I have erred, then they should report me to the President or even the security agencies,” he dared.

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He said Mr Grant has no moral right to attack his personality because his comment on the issue was never in bad taste.

“Ghanaians are really hypocrites. It’s about time we deal with them and this man who said he will slap me is not serious and needs to be dealt with. He shouldn’t dare attack my personality because he doesn’t understand what he said. If he wants to slap me, then come straight to my church and arrest me to the police station,” he said angrily.

Source: Adomonline.com | Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

All efforts to trace the whereabouts of the three girls, Priscilla, Blessing and Ruthlove have proved futile despite the assurance from the Ghana Police Criminal Investigations Department boss, COP Tiwaa Ado-Danquah that the police know where the girls are.

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The disappearance of the three girls, which gained prominence in Ghana, led to the #Bring back our tadi girls# campaign.

The residents say they won’t rest until the girls are found.

Source: Adomonline.com | Adom News

Police failed to produce the 28-year old Nigerian suspect Samuel Udoetuk Wills, a prime suspect following the abduction of three girls in Takoradi in the Western region.

According to the prosecutor Inspector Bernard Ahensan, the suspect was sent to Accra from Sekondi prison over the week-end and had not arrived in time for the scheduled hearing.

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He is standing trial for escaping lawful custody, causing unlawful damage and resisting arrest after he escaped a Takoradi police cell on December 30, 2018.

The suspect used an object to cut the iron rod for the ventilation in the cell and escaped, the Western Regional police command explained.

It took seven police officers, who were on duty during the escape, 10 days to bring back the suspect or face the law.

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News of his escape irked residents in Takoradi who questioned the police’s commitment to resolve a kidnapping case which has since grabbed national media attention.

Mr. Udoetuk Wills was recaptured January 10, 2019 in an abandoned building. A dress and head gear of one of the victims was found.

The Police say they have a “strong belief” that the clothing found connects the Nigerian to the crime.

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Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee has defended the police’s handling of the kidnapping of three girls in Takoradi, insisting they are doing their best.

Seth Acheampong said they are on course to helping find the missing girls and reuniting them with their families.

“The bottom line is for them to go after the leads that they are getting…we need to understand and appreciate the standard operating procedures of investigations,” he told Joy News’ Joseph Opoku Gakpo Thursday.

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According to him, it is not right for the police to tell the public what leads they have as that will compromise the investigation and alert the perpetrators to cover their tracks.

“Mind you, the kidnappers are within our fold and we cannot throw our leads out…the police are doing their best and it takes time to get to the bottom of this,” the Mpraeso MP said.

Security analysts have demanded the removal of the Western Regional Police Commander, ACP Redeemer Vincent Dedzo, over their failure to locate the girls till date.

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The police say they have tried unsuccessfully to get a  suspected kidnapper to disclose the whereabouts of some teenage girls he has abducted.

According to Commander, Redeemer Vincent Dedzo, the suspect, Samuel Wilson Udoterg – a Nigerian – who has been in their custody for weeks, has until now refused to reveal the exact location of the girls and there is nothing the police can do about it.

DCOP Vincent Dedzo is Western Regional Police Commander

“We have tried all means to talk to him. In the initial stages, he took us to Kasoa [Central region suburb] and we combed the whole of Kasoa yet he could not lead us to where the victims are.

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“He is not even ready to talk. He will tell you he doesn’t know where the victims are,” he told Joy News.

The police have come under heavy pressure for their lethargic approach to finding the girls and have been criticised for failing to publish the girls’ identity early enough for the public to help with information.

But Mr Acheampong says his briefing indicates the police are closing in on the perpetrators but are only not giving out enough information to the public.

“I have been informed that they are seriously on the ground and working…I have spoken to senior officers of the Police Service and they have given me that assurance [regarding the progress of the case] and I trust them,” he said.

He says the committee will invite the security agencies so it probes the issue when the House resumes sitting.

According to him, the increasing kidnapping cases in the oil city are due to security compromises in the area.

READ: Photos: Help the police to find these kidnapped girls

His comment follows cries of three families that have lost their daughters to kidnappers’. It has been more than a month after three girls went missing in Takoradi.

The police are yet to establish any strong leads to arrest the perpetrators although they say they are on a manhunt for the accomplice of the Nigerian kidnapper Samuel Wilson Utoderg who has confessed to the crime and has been in police custody for weeks.

This unfortunate incident remains engraved in the hearts of many Ghanaians who are unhappy with the Western region police’s handling of the case.

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But speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Wednesday, Hon. Okyere Darko-Mensah said the police is doing their best in such a sensitive situation.

He noted that, it is obvious the kidnappers are working with syndicates thus the security need to do a thorough job to arrest them.

The Takoradi MP sympathized with the affected families who have been left traumatized by the incident.

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Hon. Okyere Darko-Mensah said he together with other MPs will on Monday visit the families as the police work to arrest the culprits.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ewurabena Olivia Adeku confirmed this to Takoradi-based Goodnews FM Wednesday.

The driver stabbed Prophet Frank Agyekum popularly known as Odeefo Nkwantabisa, a popular radio preacher and also the pastor of the Charismatic Grace Chapel with a knife Monday at about 9:00 pm at the Race Course Junction at Apremdo.

According to reports, the prophet who was driving a Benz saloon car and the taxi driver were caught up in a road rage at the traffic intersection during which the prophet was said to have hit the taxi driver who then pulled a knife from his car to stab the prophet in the chest.

The young man who drives a taxi cab with registration number GT 3781 T escaped from the scene after committing the heinous crime.

The prophet was then rushed to the Jemimah Hospital at Kwesimintsim but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The police then mounted a manhunt for him leading to his arrest.

ASP Adeku said the suspect is currently at the Kwesimintsim police station assisting in investigations.

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The six fire officers who sustained varied degrees of injuries, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Ghana Fire Service (GFS), Western Region, Emmanuel Bonney said were members of the first fire team that was dispatched to the premises of the company to put off the fire.

The team, he said were attempting to put off the initial minor fire resulting from the explosion when a second explosion occurred.

The fire officers were thus caught in the second explosion and had to escape through the fire, suffering various degrees of burns in the process.

The explosion at GHUMCO, Emmanuel Bonney speaking on Adom FM’s Morning Show, ‘Dwaso Nsem’ Wednesday said happened while a tanker was discharging gas at the premises of the company.

“While the fire officers were attempting to put off the fire, a second explosion happened. They were caught in the second explosion and were engulfed by fire. So they had to rush through the fire to safety and sustained serious burns in the process…,” he said.

One of the fire officers rushed to drive away the fire tender to safety in the process as well.

The six suffered serious burns around the head and face with one of them who had his face seriously burnt airlifted to Accra for treatment.

One of them was also treated and discharged yesterday.

More than a hundred and ten persons were injured in the explosion with many of them being passersby who were caught in the second explosion while capturing the images of the first explosion on their phones.

Some school children and some workers of Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Yard were also caught in the explosion as well.

Emmanuel Bonney therefore cautioned the public to desist from the practice of always capturing accident scenes with their phones instead of calling on the appropriate agencies to act.

Acting medical director at Efia Nkwanta Hospital, Dr Richard Anthony, said the eighty four patients who were injured during the gas explosion and brought to the facility are in stable condition.

Only 20 of them, he said, are still on admission.

He further urged the public to seek immediate medical attention when caught in explosions.