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Ghana Police Arrest 22 Suspects in Pokuase Cyber Fraud Crackdown

arrest of cyber fraud suspects

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed a major Pokuase cyber fraud arrest operation in the Greater Accra Region, leading to the arrest of 22 suspects linked to alleged international internet fraud.

The intelligence-led operation took place in the Pokuase-Afiaman area.

Police Uncover Alleged “Yahoo Boy” Fraud Hub

Officers from the IGP’s Special Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, supported by combat and surveillance units, uncovered what they described as a large-scale cyber fraud base.

Police believe the suspects were operating computer systems used to facilitate international online fraud schemes.

Links to Human Trafficking Investigated

Preliminary investigations suggest the group may be connected to organized human trafficking activities. Authorities say some younger suspects may themselves be victims of forced labour.

The Ghana Police Service says the Pokuase cyber fraud arrest forms part of broader efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks operating in Ghana.

Investigations continue as police intensify operations against cybercrime and human trafficking.

Government Targets 7 Million Birds Under Nkoko Nkitinkinti Poultry Programme

nkoko nkintinkiti initiative

The Nkoko Nkitinkinti poultry program is targeting the distribution of seven million birds in 2026 as the government intensifies efforts to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported meat.

The initiative forms part of the flagship Feed Ghana Programme (FGP), aimed at revitalizing the local poultry industry and strengthening food security.

Nationwide Poultry Farmer Recruitment and Training

The National Coordinator of the Feed Ghana Programme, Bright Kwadzo Demordzi, announced during the Accra rollout that the strategy includes recruiting and training poultry farmers before distributing the birds.

The Nkoko Nkitinkinti poultry program will support families and commercial poultry farmers across large, medium, and small-scale farms. Authorities say capacity building remains central to ensuring sustainability.

Regions Already Benefiting

Distribution has already begun in the Ashanti, Bono East, Ahafo, and Bono regions. Following the Accra launch, the team will move to the Eastern, Western North, Central, Western, Volta, and Oti regions.

The government expects all regions to access the Nkoko Nkitinkinti poultry program by April, with plans for a second phase to expand production and cut Ghana’s poultry import bill.

NPP Lifts Boycott of Media General Platforms

media general

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially announced that it has ended its media standoff with Media General after months of strained relations between the political party and the media conglomerate.

The decision was contained in a press statement dated February 12 and signed by the party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, following what the party described as constructive discussions between its leadership and the management of Media General.

According to the statement, the directive applies to all engagements involving party executives and representatives, including interviews, panel discussions, press conferences, and media briefings.

Mr. Ahiagbah indicated that both parties have agreed on ground rules aimed at upholding higher professional standards and ensuring fair, balanced interactions in the public interest.

The party expressed optimism about renewing its working relationship with Media General as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s democratic process.

Background: Why the NPP Boycotted Media General

The decision to lift the restriction marks a significant shift, especially as the boycott affected several major platforms under Media General, including TV3, 3FM, 3News, Onua TV and Akoma FM.

Relations between the party and the media house deteriorated during the lead-up to the 2024 general elections. The tensions reportedly escalated to the point where journalists covering NPP assignments faced hostility, with one incident involving a TV3 microphone being pushed away during a party event.

Media General Responds to Decision

In response, Media General issued its own statement on February 13, signed by Sena Edekor, Esq., for and on behalf of management.

The company welcomed the development, stating that it remains committed to the highest standards of journalism, ethics, and impartial coverage.

Media General emphasized that its dedication to truth and fairness remains unwavering and assured Ghanaians of continued professional reportage.

The development signals a possible reset in relations between the political party and one of Ghana’s leading media organizations.

Ghana Passport Visa-Free Countries Reach 50 — More Agreements Expected

visa-free entries

Ghana passport visa-free countries have now reached nearly 50, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on February 12.

More Visa Waiver Agreements Expected

Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that the number of Ghana passport visa-free countries is expected to increase in the coming months as the government signs additional bilateral agreements.

He assured journalists that Ghanaians should expect positive announcements in March, April, and May.

The visa access arrangements include fully visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa entry options.

Countries Offering Access

Countries currently offering access to Ghanaian passport holders include Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, South Africa, and Qatar, among others.

Most of these destinations permit stays of up to 90 days.

The government believes the expansion will improve travel opportunities, promote trade and enhance Ghana’s global competitiveness.

Korle Klottey Assembly Arrests Five for Open Defecation at Osu Cemetery

open defecation

Open defecation at Osu Cemetery has led to the arrest and arraignment of five individuals before the James Town District Court.

The arrests were carried out by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly as part of intensified enforcement of sanitation by-laws in the municipality.

Court Fines Two, Grants Bail to Three

At their court appearance, two of the persons accused of open defecation pleaded guilty and were each fined GH¢1,200.

Two others initially pleaded guilty with explanation, but later changed their pleas to not guilty. They were granted bail of GH¢3,000 each with two sureties.

The fifth accused also pleaded not guilty and was granted bail under similar conditions.

The case was presided over by Her Worship Anna Akosua Appiah Gottfried Anaafi Gyafi.

Assembly Warns of Tougher Sanitation Enforcement

The Assembly reiterated its commitment to prosecuting sanitation offenders to protect public health and curb the issue of open defecation in the community. They further warned residents to use designated sanitation facilities at all times, stressing that further violations will attract legal consequences.

Ghana cocoa farmgate price reduced by 28% as Government absorbs $150 million COCOBOD loss

Cocobod on black stars sponsorship

Ghana cocoa farmgate price has been reduced by 28 percent for the first time since at least 2020, following a sharp decline in global cocoa prices and mounting arrears owed to farmers.

The announcement forms part of broader reforms within Ghana’s cocoa sector, with the government assuring farmers that outstanding payments will be settled.

Government to Pay Arrears to Cocoa Farmers

The Finance Minister confirmed that Cabinet has directed the Ghana Cocoa Board to immediately pay all affected farmers.

However, questions emerged over how the payment would be financed, given COCOBOD’s well-documented liquidity challenges in recent years.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko revealed that the government will absorb expected losses from cocoa already supplied.

Government to Absorb $150 Million Loss

According to Mr. Nyarko, approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of cocoa beans had already been supplied by farmers before the price reduction.

Because the supply occurred prior to the new Ghana cocoa farmgate price taking effect, farmers will be paid the previous rate of over $5,200 per tonne.

At current market conditions, COCOBOD is projected to incur losses estimated at $150 million, equivalent to roughly GH¢1.6 billion at prevailing exchange rates.

The government has agreed to absorb the full amount, describing it as a necessary fiscal intervention to protect farmers.

The price reduction is expected to generate mixed reactions across Ghana’s cocoa-producing communities.

Alabaster Box and Medikal copyright case continues in court: Alabaster Box Speaks on ‘Welcome to Africa’ Song Dispute

medikal-and-alabaster-box

The ongoing Medikal copyright case involving Ghanaian a cappella group Alabaster Box has taken a new turn as the group confirms the matter is still before the courts.

The legal dispute began in April 2025 after Alabaster Box accused rapper Medikal of using portions of their song Akwaaba in his track Welcome to Africa without authorization.

Speaking in a recent interview, members of the group disclosed that attempts to personally serve Medikal and his management team with a writ of summons initially failed.

According to the group, the court later approved substituted service, which allows legal documents to be delivered through alternative means. They say that the process has now been completed, and the case is progressing through the legal system.

Alabaster Box explained that before pursuing legal action, they attempted to resolve the matter privately. After discovering that the song allegedly sampled their work, they reached out to Medikal’s camp.

However, the group claims they were directed to an intermediary instead of engaging directly with the artiste. They later sought legal representation due to the sensitive nature of the dispute.

According to the Alasbaster box, communication broke down shortly after their lawyer initiated contact with the rapper’s team.

The case remains ongoing, and neither party has issued detailed public commentary on the court proceedings.

Canada School Shooting attack: Eight Dead in British Columbia Tumbler Ridge Attack

canada school shooting attack

At least eight people have been killed in a tragic Canada school shooting attack in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.

Authorities say an 18-year-old woman is suspected to have carried out the attack, which has shocked the small Canadian mountain community.

Police report that the suspect allegedly killed her mother and stepbrother at a residence before proceeding to a local school, where the shooting occurred.

Among the victims were a female teacher, three 12-year-old girls, and two boys aged 12 and 13. The other two victims were relatives of the suspect who were found at the residence.

The family of 12-year-old Kylie Smith has publicly confirmed that she was among those killed in the attack.

Police have identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old former student who reportedly dropped out of school about four years ago.

Authorities say they are still investigating the motive behind the attack. Police also disclosed that they had previously interacted with the suspect regarding mental health concerns.

Rising Food Prices in Ghana 2026: 71% of Citizens Express Concern—IEA Survey

iea statistics on food prices

A new survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) shows that rising food prices in Ghana in 2026 remain a major concern for citizens.

According to the report, 71 percent of respondents said they are “very concerned” about increasing food prices and the overall cost of living.

The survey, conducted in December 2025, sampled more than 1,000 respondents across all regions of Ghana. The findings were released in a press statement dated February 11, 2026.

Aside from food inflation, the survey revealed that unemployment and illegal mining remain major national concerns. About 46 percent of respondents identified unemployment as a pressing issue, while 30 percent pointed to illegal mining as a significant challenge.

The IEA stated that the survey was conducted to assess public opinion on economic pressures one year after the 2024 general election and to evaluate public perception of President John Dramani Mahama’s performance.

Despite widespread concerns about the cost of living, the survey found that 68 percent of respondents approve of the president’s performance. Meanwhile, 10 percent expressed no opinion.

The think tank noted that although some macroeconomic indicators appear to be improving, many households continue to experience financial difficulties.

The IGP has promoted 12,802 officers in 2026

igp on promoting ghana police officers in 2026

The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has promoted 12,802 officers. The promotions, which took place between January and the first week of February 2026, cover ranks from Lance Corporals to Chief Inspectors.

According to the IGP’s Secretariat, the promotions were aimed at clearing a backlog, with some dating back between five and ten years. The update was released after multiple media requests for clarification.

The Secretariat explained that the promotions were conducted in accordance with the Police Service Regulations, 2012, also known as Constitutional Instrument 76.

Under Regulation 37 of the law, police promotions are based on performance assessments, seniority, years of service, and promotion examinations. The regulation also allows for special recommendations in cases involving bravery or outstanding service.

The clarification follows media reports suggesting that the promotions by the IGP were influenced by nepotism.

However, the IGP’s Secretariat has dismissed the allegations, stating that the process was supervised by unit, district, divisional, and regional commanders across all 25 police regions in Ghana.

Officials explained that commanders nationwide were instructed to submit names of officers due for promotion, forming the basis of the exercise.

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