The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has opened discussions with Germany’s TU Bergakademie Freiberg University of Mines on possible collaboration to promote responsible and environmentally sustainable artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Ghana. The engagement was facilitated by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana (AHK Ghana) through its Market Entry Programme, which seeks to create opportunities for international partnerships, technology transfer and technical cooperation. Representing the German university, Prof. Ing. Martin Kressen and Dr. Ing. Martin Mensah shared insights into how the institution’s expertise in mining research, technology and technical training could contribute to Ghana’s efforts to formalise the ASM sector and improve its environmental performance. Key areas discussed included skills development for young people, specialised technical training, environmental monitoring, responsible gold sourcing, traceability and the rehabilitation of land affected by mining activities. Prof. Kressen highlighted the university’s experience in mining and post-mining rehabilitation, noting the importance of incorporating land restoration into mining activities from the outset so that degraded areas can be returned to productive use for local communities. Dr. Mensah, meanwhile, stressed the need for mining interventions and formalisation programmes to reflect the practical realities faced by artisanal and small-scale miners. He also identified opportunities to equip young professionals with specialised skills and support the development of local enterprises capable of delivering technical services throughout the ASM value chain. The discussions are expected to provide a basis for further exploration of cooperation between GoldBod and TU Bergakademie Freiberg in technology, human-capital development and environmental management as Ghana works to advance more responsible practices in the small-scale mining industry. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana has launched a new National Strategic Plan for Heavy Metals Reduction in Food, covering the period 2026–2030, as part of efforts to improve food safety and protect public health. The five-year strategy is designed to reduce exposure to toxic substances, including lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic, which can enter the food chain through environmental pollution, farming activities, food processing and packaging. Children and pregnant women remain among the groups most susceptible to the harmful effects of heavy-metal exposure. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, stressed the importance of food safety to Ghana’s development. She noted that stronger food safety systems could help protect consumers, boost confidence in locally produced foods, support businesses and improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian products. The strategy will focus on improving regulation and monitoring, strengthening laboratory and research capacity, promoting compliance within the food industry, and increasing public education on heavy-metal risks. The Deputy Minister also acknowledged UNICEF’s technical and financial assistance and urged stakeholders to remain committed to the effective implementation of the plan. Meanwhile, FDA Deputy Chief Executive, Mr Roderick Daddey-Adjei, said the strategy was developed following broad stakeholder consultations. He added that, with support from UNICEF, the FDA had undertaken studies to generate evidence on heavy-metal contamination in selected food products. The launch was attended by representatives from key government institutions, development partners, academia, industry and civil society, including the Ministry of Health, FDA, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Standards Authority, Minerals Commission and UNICEF. The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration across the food safety sector and contribute to safer food and healthier communities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has engaged the leadership of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana (ORAG) on road safety, rider identification and closer collaboration with the Ghana Police Service. The engagement, which was held with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), provided an opportunity for the two sides to discuss concerns affecting okada riders and explore ways to improve cooperation. Mr. Yohuno urged the leadership of ORAG to prioritise road safety by ensuring that members receive proper training in safe riding practices and strictly comply with road traffic regulations. He also called on the Association to intensify education among its members on responsible riding, stressing the importance of such measures in preventing road crashes and promoting safer road use. The IGP further urged the riders to ensure proper identification of their members and to maintain accurate registration records. He encouraged them to comply with all licensing and motorbike registration requirements as part of efforts to promote accountability and orderly operations within the sector. President of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana, Mr. Michael Kofi Owusu, expressed the Association’s readiness to work closely with the Ghana Police Service to improve its operations. He said ORAG was prepared to support initiatives aimed at promoting road safety, strengthening cooperation with the Police and contributing to efforts to reduce crime. Mr. Yohuno assured the riders that the Police Administration would continue to engage the Association and work towards addressing their concerns. He said sustained dialogue and cooperation between the Police and okada riders would help strengthen relations and contribute to safer roads and improved security. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MP, has urged nursing and midwifery leaders to take a central role in advancing Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare agenda through research-driven practice and stronger community-level interventions. She made the call when she opened the 7th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference 2026, held on the theme: “Bridging Research, Policy and Practice in Nursing and Midwifery to Advance Free Primary Healthcare in Ghana.” Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah said the theme was particularly timely as Ghana works towards strengthening access to essential healthcare services at the primary level. According to her, research should not remain confined to academic institutions but must be translated into practical solutions capable of addressing health challenges within communities. She therefore challenged nursing and midwifery leaders, managers, tutors and heads of training institutions to strengthen the link between research, policymaking and healthcare delivery. Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah explained that nurses and midwives occupy a strategic position in the healthcare system, particularly at the primary level, where early detection, prevention, health education and timely referrals can significantly improve health outcomes. She noted that effective interventions at the community and primary healthcare levels could also help reduce unnecessary pressure on specialised and tertiary health facilities. The Deputy Health Minister further stressed the importance of ensuring that evidence generated through research informs policies and, subsequently, translates into improved services for patients. She said the conference provided an important platform for stakeholders to reflect on their experiences, share knowledge and engage in open dialogue on practical ways to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare delivery system. Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah also used the occasion to celebrate excellence within the nursing and midwifery profession, congratulating nominees and winners across the five award categories. The categories included Clinical Excellence; Education and Research; Regulation; Leadership and Governance; and the Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contributions in Underserved Areas. She commended the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), as well as nursing and midwifery training institutions for their continued commitment to professional development and the strengthening of primary healthcare. Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah reiterated that achieving meaningful progress in Free Primary Healthcare would require sustained collaboration among researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, training institutions and communities. She said empowering nurses and midwives with the necessary knowledge, skills and support would be critical to ensuring that research and policy translate into accessible and effective healthcare services for people across Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana has launched the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER), a five-year multisectoral programme aimed at accelerating efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve emergency care for women before, during and after childbirth. The initiative was officially launched by the Vice President, H.E. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, under the theme: “No Woman Should Die While Giving Life.” Deputy Health Minister, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah joined the Vice President and other stakeholders at the launch, as government and partners renewed their commitment to strengthening Ghana’s maternal healthcare system and improving timely access to quality emergency services. As part of PRIMER, the Ministry of Health has integrated the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP) as its fifth pillar, with emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare, referral systems and emergency response mechanisms. Available figures indicate that 965 institutional maternal deaths were recorded in 2025, with the maternal mortality ratio estimated at about 234 deaths per 100,000 live births, highlighting the need for sustained and coordinated interventions. MMARP has set a target of achieving a 20 percent annual reduction in maternal mortality over the next three years through collaboration among health professionals, communities, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and government institutions. The PRIMER initiative is expected to provide a coordinated framework for addressing the systemic challenges contributing to maternal deaths while strengthening the capacity of health facilities and emergency response systems. The overarching objective is to protect mothers, improve the responsiveness of Ghana’s health system and ensure that women receive timely and quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Story by: Joshua Kobby Smith

The Ghana Police Service will begin the full implementation of its automated traffic law enforcement programme, TRAFFITECH-GH, from October 1, 2026. The initiative, being implemented through the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), is aimed at tackling road indiscipline and improving motorists’ compliance with traffic laws and regulations. Under TRAFFITECH-GH, cameras and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices will be used to detect traffic violations and support enforcement. The Police Service says detected offences will be reviewed before Electronic Notices of Violation (ENV) are issued to vehicle owners or drivers via SMS. The electronic notices will specify the traffic offence committed and the applicable fine. The Service has therefore urged motorists, drivers and vehicle owners to strictly observe road traffic regulations and cooperate with the implementation of the system. According to the Police, the programme is expected to contribute to safer roads and help reduce road traffic crashes and related casualties across the country. The statement was signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Richmond Mensah, Staff Officer at the Police Public Affairs Directorate. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says it is taking urgent steps to address reports of illegal mining and encroachment within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. The Secretariat, in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, said it had taken note of recent media reports and concerns raised by A Rocha Ghana and other civil society organisations over the state of the forest reserve. NAIMOS described the protection of forest reserves, water sources and other ecologically sensitive areas as critical to Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. According to the Secretariat, it has already conducted reconnaissance operations within the Atewa enclave and is currently working with relevant security and state agencies to determine the next phase of intervention. NAIMOS said the planned operation would be based on verified intelligence and further operational assessments to ensure that appropriate action is taken. The Secretariat assured the public that concerns over activities within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve would not be ignored, stressing its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and preventing illegal mining from threatening forests, water bodies and communities. It also commended civil society organisations, traditional authorities, local communities and members of the public for their vigilance and urged them to continue providing credible information to support the national anti-illegal mining campaign. The statement was signed by Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Spokesperson for NAIMOS. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) for its significant improvement in profitability but has challenged the institution to demonstrate that the gains can be maintained over the long term. GoldBod’s net profit rose from approximately GH¢178.5 million in 2024 to GH¢896.5 million in 2025, representing a substantial improvement in its financial performance. President Mahama, however, cautioned that the results of a single year should not be mistaken for a permanent turnaround. He made the remarks at the 2026 Governing Boards and CEOs’ Conference organised by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA). According to the President, GoldBod’s latest performance is worthy of recognition, but the institution must strengthen its underlying operations to ensure that its progress does not depend primarily on favourable economic conditions. “These results deserve commendation. It must however be sustained through stronger core operations and cannot depend indefinitely on just a better business environment and the exchange rate movement. A one year turn around is encouraging but sustained performance is the real test,” President Mahama said. The President’s comments put renewed emphasis on the need for GoldBod to build systems and operational structures capable of delivering consistent results even when market and economic conditions become less favourable. GoldBod’s audited 2025 financial statements recorded an operational surplus of GH¢909.7 million, while its overall surplus stood at GH¢5.44 billion. The institution also recorded a major increase in non-tax revenue, which climbed from GH¢307.7 million in 2024 to GH¢970.8 million in 2025. The improved financial position coincided with a significant expansion in its workforce. GoldBod’s staff strength increased from 114 employees in 2024 to 450 in 2025. A key factor behind GoldBod’s performance was its growing involvement in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold market. In 2025, the institution purchased 104 tonnes of gold from the ASM sector, exceeding its purchases from large-scale mining operations for the first time. The transactions were estimated to have contributed almost US$11 billion in foreign exchange to the economy. GoldBod’s gold procurement activities have continued to expand in 2026. Between January 2025 and May 2026, its cumulative gold purchases reached 135.843 tonnes, with ASM production accounting for approximately 98 per cent of the total. The figures underscore the increasing importance of artisanal and small-scale mining to Ghana’s gold industry and GoldBod’s expanding role in formalising and managing the trade. The increased procurement could provide Ghana with greater opportunities to mobilise foreign exchange, improve revenue generation and strengthen oversight of gold transactions. For President Mahama, however, GoldBod’s ultimate success will not be determined by its latest profit figures alone. He wants the institution to develop stronger core operations and systems that can preserve the gains achieved in 2025, regardless of movements in the exchange rate or changes in the wider business environment. GoldBod’s jump in net profit from GH¢178.5 million to GH¢896.5 million within a year marks a major financial turnaround. The next test, President Mahama says, is whether the institution can transform that improvement into sustained, efficient and accountable performance over the years ahead. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Central North Regional Police Command has rescued a 30-year-old man who was allegedly abducted at Assin Fosu in the Central Region. The victim was rescued by the police and has since been taken to a health facility for medical attention. Police have launched investigations into the incident and are working to identify and arrest the suspected perpetrators. Authorities are also seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction. The Police Command says further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s economy grew by 6.0% in the second quarter of 2026, with the services sector, information and communication technology (ICT), transport and a sharp increase in investment emerging as key drivers of economic expansion. Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, disclosed this when he presented the Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) 2026 Q2 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Estimates and June 2026 Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG) on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. According to Dr. Iddrisu, although the economy maintained strong growth, the 6.0% expansion represented a moderation from the 6.6% recorded in the second quarter of 2025, a decline of 0.6 percentage points. He said real GDP increased from GH¢48.4 billion in Q2 2025 to GH¢51.3 billion in Q2 2026, while nominal GDP rose from GH¢334.1 billion to GH¢372.1 billion, representing an 11.4% year-on-year increase. Dr. Iddrisu said the services sector remained the biggest contributor to Ghana’s economic expansion, growing by 8.0% during the quarter. The sector accounted for 57.6% of total GDP growth, although its growth rate was lower than the 9.5% recorded in Q2 2025. Within services, the Information and Communication subsector recorded the strongest performance, expanding by 30.9%, compared with 21.3% a year earlier. Dr. Iddrisu said ICT alone contributed 41.5% of overall GDP growth, making it the single largest driver of the economy’s performance in the quarter. Transport and Storage also recorded significant growth of 14.9%, while trade expanded by 5.9%. However, the Government Statistician noted that some services activities recorded contractions. Accommodation and Food Services declined by 7.8%, while public administration and defence and education each contracted by 4.7%. Real estate also recorded a 2.6% contraction. Dr. Iddrisu said the industrial sector strengthened during the quarter, growing by 4.3%, compared with 2.4% in Q2 2025. He attributed the improvement in part to a strong rebound in oil and gas production, which expanded by 22.4%, reversing a 29.0% contraction recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. Manufacturing also recorded solid growth of 6.6%, while electricity expanded by 5.1%. Mining and quarrying grew by 2.6%. Overall, industry contributed 23.5% to GDP growth in Q2 2026. Construction, however, slowed from 6.5% to 4.4%, while water and sewerage contracted by 0.6%. Agriculture expanded by 3.9%, significantly lower than the 7.1% recorded in Q2 2025. Dr. Iddrisu said the sector’s performance was weighed down by a sharp contraction in fishing, which declined by 24.7%. Crops grew by 5.2%, livestock recorded 5.9% growth, while forestry and logging emerged as the fastest-growing agricultural subsector, expanding by 10.7%. Investment jumps 53% On the expenditure side, Dr. Iddrisu highlighted a significant surge in investment activity. Gross capital formation, or investment, increased by 53.0% in Q2 2026, compared with 8.6% a year earlier. Domestic demand also strengthened, growing by 11.2%, while gross domestic expenditure expanded by 6.0%. However, consumption growth slowed sharply to 2.1%, compared with 11.4% in Q2 2025. Exports grew by 14.2%, while imports increased by 29.9%, indicating stronger domestic demand for imported goods and services. For the first half of 2026, Dr. Iddrisu said Ghana’s economy grew by 6.2%, marginally below the 6.4% recorded during the first half of 2025. Services remained the largest contributor, accounting for 52.6% of H1 growth, while industry was the only major sector to record an acceleration. Industry grew by 5.6% during the first half, compared with 3.3% in H1 2025. Agriculture expanded by 3.9%, while services grew by 7.5%. Non-oil GDP also remained positive but slowed to 5.9%, compared with 8.2% during the first half of 2025. Dr. Iddrisu further reported that economic activity gained momentum in June, with the MIEG index reaching 116.7, representing a 6.5% increase over June 2025. The monthly growth rate rose progressively from 5.5% in April to 6.0% in May and 6.5% in June. Services led the June performance with 10.8% growth, followed by agriculture at 6.4% and industry at 4.7%. Dr. Iddrisu said the latest figures point to an economy maintaining strong momentum, but with growth concentrated in selected sectors. He identified ICT, transport, manufacturing, crops and productive services as areas that are generating significant momentum and could provide opportunities for businesses and investors. At the same time, he noted the need for targeted interventions in sectors experiencing contractions, including fishing, accommodation and food services, real estate, education, public administration and water services. The GSS has stressed that the ultimate measure of economic growth should extend beyond the headline GDP figure to whether expansion generates jobs, higher incomes, stronger services and improved living standards. The Q2 performance therefore leaves Ghana with a 6.2% growth rate for the first half of 2026, underpinned by services, ICT, investment and an improving industrial sector, while weaknesses in agriculture and selected services remain areas requiring policy attention. The attribution is now built around Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu’s presentation and analysis, rather than repeatedly attributing the figures generically to the GSS. The latest independent reporting also confirms the 6.0% Q2 growth and the communications sector’s role as the leading driver. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s services sector remained the main engine of economic expansion in the second quarter of 2026, contributing 57.6% of total real GDP growth, despite a moderation in the sector’s growth rate compared with the same period last year. Government Statistician, Dr. Iddrisu Alhassan, disclosed this on Wednesday when he addressed journalists during the Ghana Statistical Service’s release of the 2026 Quarter 2 GDP Estimates, June 2026 Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG), and 2026 Quarter 2 Index of Industrial Production (IIP). According to Dr. Alhassan, the services sector grew by 8% in Q2 2026, compared with 9.5% in Q2 2025, maintaining its position as the largest contributor to overall economic activity. He said the performance of the economy should, however, be assessed not only against the previous year but also against its longer-term growth trajectory. Dr. Alhassan said a comparison of second-quarter growth with the respective sectors’ long-run averages showed that four out of five categories—services, industry, overall GDP and non-oil GDP—were growing faster than their historical norms. Services recorded the strongest performance relative to its historical trend, growing 2.7 percentage points above its long-run average. Agriculture was the only category among the five to perform below its long-term trend, recording growth 0.8 percentage points below its historical average. Dr. Alhassan noted that although the economy’s growth rate had slowed compared with a year earlier, the underlying performance remained positive, with most major sectors expanding above their historical pace. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter basis, real GDP increased by 1.4% in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 1.6% in the first quarter. Dr. Alhassan explained that seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal patterns from the data and provides a clearer indication of the economy’s immediate momentum. He said the marginal easing from the first quarter did not alter the broader picture of continued economic expansion, as the economy maintained quarterly growth above 1%. Agriculture grew by 3.9% in Q2 2026, although this represented a slowdown from the 7.1% recorded a year earlier. Within the sector, forestry and logging recorded the strongest growth, expanding by 10.7%, up significantly from 2.7% in the corresponding period of 2025. The crops subsector grew by 5.2%, compared with 8% a year earlier. Despite the slowdown, crops remained the largest contributor within agriculture, accounting for 13.8% of total GDP growth. The major weakness within agriculture was fishing, which contracted by 24.7%. Dr. Alhassan said this represented a sharp 25.6-percentage-point swing compared with a year earlier. Fishing was the only subsector within agriculture to record a contraction and, according to the Government Statistician, its performance reduced overall economic growth by 4.6 percentage points. He noted that the contraction could have direct implications for coastal and fishing communities whose economic activities depend heavily on the subsector. The industrial sector accelerated to 4.3% growth in the second quarter, compared with 2.4% in Q2 2025. Dr. Alhassan attributed much of the improvement to a dramatic turnaround in the oil and gas subsector. Oil and gas moved from a 29% contraction a year earlier to 22.4% growth in Q2 2026, representing a turnaround of more than 51 percentage points. The subsector alone contributed 12.8% of total GDP growth, making it one of the major drivers of the industrial sector’s improved performance. Manufacturing also strengthened during the period, expanding by 6.6%, compared with 5.4% in Q2 2025. The subsector contributed 11.4% of overall GDP growth. Construction, however, recorded slower growth, expanding by 4.4% compared with 6.5% a year earlier. With services accounting for the largest share of economic activity and contributing more than half of total growth, Dr. Alhassan’s presentation underscored the sector’s continued importance to Ghana’s economic performance. The latest figures also point to a more diversified pattern of growth, with improvements in industry—particularly oil and gas and manufacturing—complementing the continued expansion of services. However, the contrasting performance of agriculture, especially the sharp contraction in fishing, highlights emerging vulnerabilities within some parts of the productive economy. Dr. Alhassan said the Q2 figures therefore present an economy that, while growing at a slower pace than a year earlier, continues to record positive momentum, with most major sectors expanding above their long-term averages. The latest GDP estimates form part of the Ghana Statistical Service’s regular release of economic indicators aimed at providing policymakers, businesses, investors and the public with timely information on the direction and structure of economic activity. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has announced a series of major breakthroughs in its fight against armed robbery, revealing the arrest of several suspected criminals and the recovery of 11 AK-47 assault rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and other weapons. Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, disclosed the developments at a press briefing at the National Police Headquarters on Monday, September 7, 2026. According to the IGP, the operations followed months of intelligence gathering and targeted surveillance by specialised police teams across several regions, including Greater Accra, Western, Northern and Savannah. He said the operations were part of efforts by the Police Administration to dismantle organised criminal networks, recover illegal firearms and prevent planned attacks. “ My team and I remain committed to taking the fight to the criminals and making life uncomfortable for criminal syndicates,” Mr Yohuno said. Suspect arrested over murder of missing couple The IGP announced the arrest of a 32-year-old man, Abraham Awundok, in connection with the murder of Dr Jesse Amuah and his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Amuah Esi, who were reported missing in April 2026. Police investigations reportedly established that the couple had been murdered, leading to searches of their residence and other locations linked to them. Their remains were subsequently recovered and conveyed to the Police Hospital Morgue for preservation and autopsy. Investigators later identified Awundok, who allegedly worked as an errand boy for the couple, as the prime suspect. Police said he allegedly took the couple’s mobile phones, money and private vehicle before leaving Ghana for the United Arab Emirates. He was subsequently declared wanted through an INTERPOL Red Notice and was deported from Dubai to Ghana on August 30, 2026, by investigators from the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit and INTERPOL. The suspect allegedly admitted to the murders during interrogation and remains in police custody as investigations continue. Police foil planned bank robbery in Accra The Police also disclosed that they had foiled an alleged robbery attempt targeting banks in the Labone area of Accra. The operation followed intelligence gathered on a suspected robbery syndicate allegedly targeting bank customers and monitoring financial institutions across the Greater Accra and Tema metropolises. According to the IGP, the gang allegedly monitored customers after they withdrew large sums of money, using master keys to gain access to vehicles and, in some instances, breaking into them. Police surveillance reportedly linked the group to a GH₵50,000 robbery at Agbamaame in Tema Community 2 on May 17, 2026, and another gunpoint attack on a customer at Achimota on June 11. On August 13, police received information that members of the gang had been spotted at a bank on Spintex Road and were heading towards Labone and Cantonments. The suspects were subsequently monitored in a black Hyundai Tucson and a Toyota Highlander. Police said two alleged gang leaders, identified as Harrison Chinedu and Dan, were known to carry pistols. The suspects were later found positioned between several banks in Labone, including Zenith Bank, GCB Bank and Ecobank, allegedly preparing to launch an attack. A swift police intervention reportedly foiled the operation. Two suspects were shot dead, one escaped, while another was arrested. A search of the Toyota Highlander allegedly led to the recovery of 13 different vehicle registration plates and a Blow F90 pistol. Investigators also established that the suspects allegedly imported vehicles into Ghana and replaced Nigerian registration plates with Ghanaian plates to facilitate their criminal activities. A suspect identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi, 49, has been remanded into custody. Five-member robbery gang dismantled The Police also announced the dismantling of a robbery gang allegedly responsible for attacks on gold dealers, mining sites and communities in parts of the Western and Ashanti regions. The operations, conducted between August and September 4, 2026, covered Wassa Akropong, Diaso, Dome, Abofour Camp and the Manso enclave. Five suspects were arrested, while another suspect, Seidu Salifu, 40, died during the operation. Police recovered three AK-47 assault rifles, five magazines, 357 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and two vehicles. Those arrested include Clinton Mawuli, 33; Richmond Mensah, alias Master Abey; Daniel Sarfo, alias Abedi; Prince Duker; and another suspect. The Police also disclosed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the robbery and murder of a 40-year-old gold buyer, Seth Kobina, at Agona Fie near Agona Nkwanta. The suspects were identified as Amponsah, Christopher Seyiri, alias “Cross and Die”, 47; Bashiru Ibrahim, 20; Thomas Odoom, alias “Wale”, 30; and Isaac Quayeson, alias “Last Burial”. Two locally manufactured pistols, five live BB cartridges, a metal bar and two cutlasses were retrieved. Three arrested over Northern Region robberies In the Northern Region, the Police Intelligence Directorate arrested three suspects over a series of armed robbery cases in Buipe, Tamale and Mion. The suspects—Yacouba Oumar, Abdul Alhassan Kudus and Abdul Rahman Haruna, alias Saaga—are alleged to belong to a gang that operated with two AK-47 rifles and a pump-action gun. Police said the gang allegedly operated along the Fumbisi-Yagaba road and sold stolen motorbikes to contacts in Tamale and Savelugu. The suspects are also allegedly linked to the robbery and murder of a mobile money vendor at Fofulso, near the Damango junction, earlier this year. All three remain in police custody, while efforts are underway to arrest other alleged accomplices and recover the remaining weapons. Buipe robbery mastermind dies during police operation The alleged mastermind of the Buipe Cattle Market robbery and murder, identified as 60-year-old Alhaji Imoro Beliko, also known as Alhaji Yacouba, Masaji, Muimen or Yakubu, died during a police operation. Police had been searching for the suspect over the June 29 attack in which two mobile money vendors at the Buipe Cattle Market were robbed of GH₵430,000. Investigators had earlier arrested Yacouba Oumar, 28, and recovered a pump-action gun, five live BB cartridges and a single-barrel gun believed to have been used in the robbery. On September 5, police received intelligence on the whereabouts of Alhaji Imoro Beliko and placed him under surveillance. The suspect allegedly attempted to escape when the police moved in and was shot. He later died from his injuries. The Police Intelligence Directorate has since intensified operations in the area to safeguard traders and residents. Gang leader, mother arrested over highway robbery The Police also arrested the alleged leader of a gang linked to a highway robbery on the Enyiresi-Sekyere stretch of the Accra-Kumasi highway on August 18, 2026. The suspects include Obotan, identified as the gang leader; his mother, who allegedly concealed the weapon used in the robbery; Issaka Napson, accused of supplying weapons to the gang; Issaka Majeed; and Majeed Huzeifa. A 14-year-old juvenile, who allegedly served as a lookout, was also arrested. Searches of the suspects’ residences led to the recovery of an Adler pump-action gun, a double-barrel gun, three single-barrel guns, a locally manufactured pistol, cartridges, cutlasses, handcuffs, jack knives, pepper spray, a pinch bar, an ammunition pouch, a tactical vest and an unregistered Royal 125 motorbike. Police said investigations are continuing to apprehend another suspect identified as Tanko. Five arrested over illegal weapons trade In another major breakthrough, the Office of the Special Operations Assistant to the IGP arrested five suspects allegedly involved in the trading of firearms between June and July 2026. The suspects are Munkaila Yusif, alias Karyima, 34; Abdulai Fatawu Boniface, 32; Abdallah Imrana Gomda, 43; Sualesu Sheriffa, 20; and Ibrahim Adams, alias Ibru, 35. Police recovered eight AK-47 assault rifles, one submachine gun and two foreign pistols. The five suspects have been remanded by the Accra Circuit Court, with the case adjourned to Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The Police said other suspects believed to be involved in the illegal weapons trade are still at large and are being pursued. IGP praises police, thanks public for intelligence Mr Yohuno commended the officers who participated in the operations, describing their dedication and professionalism as critical to the successes recorded. He also expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the government for providing logistical support, particularly armoured vehicles and pickup trucks, which he said had contributed significantly to the operations. The IGP further appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information on suspects who remain at large. He urged the public to report such information to the nearest police station or through the Police Emergency Line, 191, assuring informants of strict confidentiality. Mr Yohuno also acknowledged the role of the media in promoting public safety and accountability. He ended with a strong warning to criminals, saying the Police Administration would sustain its operations and pursue offenders regardless of where they hide. “No matter where you run, no matter where you hide, we will come for you,” the IGP said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith