The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has cut the sod for the construction of a modern ward complex at the Police Hospital in Accra. The project is aimed at easing congestion and improving healthcare for police personnel, their families, and retirees. Speaking at the ceremony, the IGP recounted how the idea was conceived during a visit to the hospital to check on a colleague. Struck by the limited space available for patients, he and the police management team resolved to take action. "When you get a comfortable space, it’s another healing power,” he said. “We want a place for our men, our families, and even those who have retired from active service. This project will serve all of them.” The facility will be financed primarily through contributions from police personnel under the Police Welfare Scheme, with additional support expected from members of the public, corporate organizations, and other institutions. “Government cannot do it alone,” the IGP appealed. “We call on companies, financial institutions, and members of the public—many of whom enjoy round-the-clock police protection—to partner with us and make this vision a reality.” Once completed, the ward complex is expected to significantly reduce congestion at the Police Hospital, create a more conducive environment for recovery, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare delivery for officers and their dependents. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a symbolic gesture of unity and cultural continuity, Chief Abdul Rashid Brimah IX and elders of the Brimah Clan have made donations to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, and the Ga Traditional Council ahead of this year’s Homowo festival. The event, steeped in history, reaffirms bonds first forged in the late 1800s between Chief Brimah I and King Tackie Tawiah I, when the Ga monarch appointed Chief Brimah I as the Islamic community’s representative during the Gold Coast era. "Today, fifth and sixth generation descendants of Chief Brimah I continue to live in Accra, preserving this enduring legacy between the Yoruba and Ga peoples" Representing the Yoruba community in the Ga State, Ashie Perrygreeno lauded King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II’s leadership, noting that his reign has ushered in both development and enhanced security. She also expressed the Yoruba community’s intention to make the Ga Mantse Palace their new home. The Brimah family’s donations included a cow, an undisclosed sum of money, and other assorted items. Receiving the gifts on behalf of the Ga Mantse, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, Abola Mantse, expressed gratitude to the Brimah Clan. He pledged the Ga State’s commitment to working together to safeguard their shared culture and heritage. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Somoco Ghana Ltd has paid a courtesy call on King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, to strengthen ties and extend support ahead of this year’s Homowo Festival. The visit, held on Monday at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra, was led by Nii Ayi Hyde, Country Director of the Mohinani Group and Managing Director of Somoco Ghana Ltd. Mr. Hyde expressed gratitude to the Ga Mantse for the warm welcome, stating that the purpose of the meeting was to formally introduce himself and his management team to the King. He noted that the occasion was also an opportunity to demonstrate the company’s commitment to the community by supporting preparations for the festival. As part of the gesture, Somoco Ghana Ltd donated five Boxer 125X model motorbikes valued at GH¢100,000, two Bruhm UHD Smart OS LED televisions, assorted drinks, bottled water, and an undisclosed amount of cash. Receiving the items on behalf of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Chief Priest of the Ga State, Nuumo Akwaa Mensa III, expressed the King’s appreciation for the donation. He commended Somoco Ghana Ltd for its thoughtfulness and assured the management of the Ga State’s openness to future collaborations. The Homowo Festival, a major cultural celebration of the Ga people, commemorates the end of a historic famine and is marked with traditional rites, communal feasting, and vibrant processions. The support from Somoco Ghana Ltd is expected to contribute significantly to this year’s festivities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Asante Kingdom has been plunged into grief following the passing of its revered Queen Mother, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, at the age of 91. The Oyoko Royal Family confirmed her death to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during an emergency Asanteman Traditional Council meeting on Monday. Serving as the second most powerful figure in Asanteman. She reigned with dignity for eight years, leaving a lasting legacy in the kingdom’s history. More updates to follow soon. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has successfully prosecuted five foreign nationals for offences relating to human trafficking, romance scams, and passport fraud. In the first case, the Ashaiman Immigration Command rescued two victims — identified as Joseph Atungwa and Cletus Tom Emmanuel — who had been trafficked into Ghana under the guise of securing lucrative employment. Investigations revealed that a kingpin had lured the victims before handing them over to two Nigerian nationals, John Moore, 20, and Charles Bruce, 21, for training in online fraud. Both men were convicted and sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment each, to run concurrently. In a separate operation, the Tema Passport Application Centre arrested three individuals for attempting to fraudulently obtain Ghanaian passports using falsified documents. The suspects — Yusuf Mohammed, 26, a Nigerian radiographer; Mohammed Ogbona, 32, a Nigerian factory worker; and Nalvine Anne Fonjong, 31, a Cameroonian trader — were found to have forged information to acquire Ghanaian birth certificates and identity cards. They were convicted by the Tema District Court and sentenced to 10 years, 15 years, and six months’ imprisonment respectively. The GIS has reminded all foreign nationals that Ghanaian citizenship can only be acquired through lawful means and warned that anyone attempting to circumvent the law will be arrested and prosecuted. The Service reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforcing immigration laws to safeguard national security and promote socio-economic development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Two prominent public officials who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, were laid to rest yesterday in deeply moving ceremonies marked by grief and national mourning. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, were buried on Sunday, August 10, in accordance with Islamic rites. Their sudden deaths, along with six others in the tragic crash, have sent shockwaves across the nation. Hundreds of mourners, including political leaders, Members of Parliament, government officials, religious figures, party faithful, and ordinary citizens, gathered to pay their final respects. The solemn service was filled with prayers, tears, and tributes celebrating their dedicated service to Ghana. Flags flew at half-mast and faces bore the weight of collective loss, as the nation bid farewell to two of its devoted sons. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has described the Adansi Akrofum helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight high-ranking government and military officials as a "deep personal loss." Delivering a heartfelt national address on Thursday evening, the President paid tribute to the fallen patriots, acknowledging their service, sacrifice, and dedication to the nation. The crash, which occurred on Wednesday in the Adansi Akrofum area of the Ashanti Region, has sent shockwaves across the country. “It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I address you tonight,” the President began. “Yesterday, a tragic helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofum claimed the lives of eight cherished members of our Ghanaian family.” Among the deceased were: Dr. Edward Kofi Omanibuama, Minister for Defence Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammad, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and MP for Tamale Central Alhaji Muniru Muhammad Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Samuel Sappor, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Samuel Abwaje, Deputy Director General of NADMO Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Ghana Air Force Flying Officer Satchum Ampedu, Ghana Air Force Sergeant Enes Ado, Ghana Air Force President Mahama, visibly emotional, noted that he shared a close personal relationship with many of the victims. “This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me,” he said. “Our nation is grieving... we share your pain. Your loss is our loss — a loss of dedicated public servants, intellectuals, and individuals who tirelessly worked for a better Ghana.” He described the victims as some of the nation's “brightest minds,” lauding their lifelong dedication to public service. "That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment,” he remarked. Acknowledging the public’s concern over the cause of the accident, President Mahama assured Ghanaians of a full and transparent investigation. “The Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash,” he said, adding that an investigative board of inquiry has been established and that both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered. He confirmed that all eight bodies have been retrieved and are being identified in coordination with the families for burial arrangements. In the wake of the national tragedy, the President appealed for unity, urging citizens to refrain from speculation or politicization of the event. “Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families. This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else has failed.” He called on the nation to honour the memory of the fallen not only through words, but through unity, compassion, and a renewed dedication to national service. President Mahama announced a schedule of national mourning and commemoration events: A national candlelight and memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 5 p.m. at the forecourt of the State House. Books of condolence will be opened from Sunday, August 10th to Thursday, August 14th at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the NDC Headquarters, and the NADMO Head Office. A full interdenominational state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15th at Black Star Square, to honour what the President called “eight heroes.” President Mahama said: “May we all be comforted by the knowledge that though they are gone from our sights, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served. May God bless their souls, and may God bless our homeland, Ghana.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to address the nation tonight at 9 PM. The move is in the wake of the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight government officials at Adansi in the Ashanti Region. His message is expected to offer condolences and call for national unity during this difficult time. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight gallant officers in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. In a heartfelt statement released on the occasion of the declared National Day of Mourning, Ms. Addy described the incident as a monumental loss to the Republic of Ghana, noting that the entire nation has been plunged into grief. “The NCCE is deeply shaken by this harrowing incident. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families, the President of the Republic, and the entire government. This is a time of national sorrow, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Ghana as we mourn our fallen patriots,” she stated. Among the deceased was Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, a dedicated volunteer with the NCCE’s Northern Regional Office. He was also a former President of the Civic Education Club at the University of Ghana, where he made a lasting impact during his student years. "Dr. Murtala Mohammed was not only a committed civic volunteer but a symbol of the patriotic values we strive to instill in our youth. His passing is not only a loss to his family but to the civic community at large," Ms. Addy noted. The NCCE Chairperson further called on Ghanaians to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the eight officers, urging citizens to renew their commitment to nation-building and civic duty. “May the souls of our patriots rest in eternal peace. Let their sacrifice inspire a deeper sense of patriotism and civic responsibility among all of us,” she concluded. She also called on all Ghanaians to remain united in grief and prayer, emphasizing that the strength of the nation lies in its collective resolve during such difficult times. "God bless our homeland Ghana, and make our nation great and strong," she added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Legal luminary and statesman, Tsatsu Tsikata has cancelled a three-day celebration planned to mark his 50th anniversary in legal practice, following the devastating news of a helicopter crash in Adansi that claimed the lives of eight prominent individuals, including two government ministers. In a video cited by Thinknewsonline.com , Mr. Tsikata expressed profound sorrow and described the incident as a “national tragedy,” noting that the loss had cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a joyous milestone in his life and career. “In the last hour or so, we have received the tragic news of the helicopter accident in which two ministers and a number of other high-ranking officials have lost their lives. We have cancelled the three-day event. We are in grief because of this tragedy,” Mr. Tsikata said somberly. The deceased include: Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Alhaji Muniru – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Dr. Samuel Sapong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr. Samuel Abuaje – Former parliamentary candidate Squadron Leader Peter Anala Flying Officer Chum Ampedu Sergeant Ernest Adu Mr. Tsikata extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and called on the nation to unite in mourning. “Our hearts are with the families of the deceased,” he said. "We pray that the souls of the departed will rest in peace. This is obviously a national tragedy, and we join with the rest of the nation in mourning the loss of these precious lives.” The late ministers and security officials were reportedly on a working mission in the Ashanti Region when the accident occurred. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the crash, and investigations are ongoing. What was intended to be a celebration of one of Ghana’s most iconic legal careers has instead become a solemn moment of national reflection. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has directed two senior members of his government to assume additional responsibilities following the untimely deaths of the Ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology in a tragic helicopter crash on Wednesday. The President has asked the Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take on the added role of Minister for Defence with immediate effect. Similarly, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, has been appointed to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice. The appointments come in the wake of a national tragedy in which the two substantive ministers lost their lives en route to an official assignment in Obuasi. President Mahama has expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, describing the loss as “devastating to the government and the nation.” He has assured Ghanaians that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain continuity in governance while honouring the memory and service of the departed. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Acting Commissioner of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana), John M.K. Wumborti, has described the deaths of eight high-profile individuals in the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, as “not only a personal loss to their families, but a national tragedy that has shaken the very foundations of our institutions.” In a statement issued on behalf of the Bureau, Mr. Wumborti expressed profound sorrow over the devastating incident, which occurred near Sikaman, in Adansi Brofoyedru, Ashanti Region. Among the deceased were top government officials, security personnel, and military officers, including: Hon. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Hon. Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the NDC and former Regional Minister Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General, National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Pilot Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu, Co-Pilot Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Crew Member “These were men of service, courage, and integrity dedicated to the peace, safety, and development of our beloved country,” the statement read. Mr. Wumborti further acknowledged the immense pain the nation is enduring and pledged the Bureau’s unwavering support during this period of mourning. "While no words can adequately ease the grief being experienced, we stand in solemn solidarity with every family affected,” he stated. The AIB Ghana assured the public of a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, reinforcing its commitment to aviation safety and accountability. The Bureau also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces, and all Ghanaians, praying for strength and peace during this difficult time. “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace. May their legacy of dedication and patriotism endure in the hearts of all Ghanaians,” Mr. Wumborti added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith