Category: Daily Guide Network

The Media Coalition for Good Governance has warned that unsubstantiated claims about Ghana’s port operations threaten public health security and trade integrity, calling for all public commentary to be grounded in verifiable evidence.

LCB Worldwide Ghana Ltd is currently facing scrutiny from trading groups over port disinfection charges, while simultaneously expanding community biosecurity operations and corporate events.

Addressing specific allegations against LCB Worldwide Ghana Ltd, Convener Kwadwo Baffour, in a press conference, stated that the claim that ‘LCB Worldwide is not on top of the job’ and that port disinfection services are ‘nowhere near best practices’ is not supported by any verifiable evidence.

Mr. Baffour said, ‘The so-called undercover investigation referenced has not presented a single technical report, operational audit or regulatory assessment to substantiate these assertions. None of these have been provided. Without these, the allegation is not only weak – it is reckless.

‘It is deeply irresponsible and disturbing for any individual or organisation to circulate unsubstantiated claims about port health operations – claims which have the potential to cause unnecessary fear, panic and confusion among citizens. Matters of national health security require accuracy, evidence and technical rigour. They cannot be reduced to sweeping allegations unsupported by data, methodology or verifiable finding.’

According to the Coalition, an independent review by SARL Africa shows LCB Worldwide’s operations meet regulatory standards. The review, Baffour noted, indicates that LCB’s operations are: conducted under Ghana Health Service-approved Standard Operating Procedures; subject to routine regulatory inspections; supported by independent laboratory validation of chemical efficacy and continuously monitored through performance audits.

Mr. Baffour also addressed references to the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) 2025 half-yearly report, warning against misrepresentation of its findings. ‘With respect to the references made to the OSP, it is important to approach this matter with precision and fidelity to the facts. The OSP’s 2025 half-yearly report was a governance review focused primarily on institutional processes, not a prosecutorial finding of wrongdoing against any entity. It is, therefore, inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the OSP made adverse findings on the part of any private contractor or LCB for that matter,’ he pointed out.

He added that the OSP did not issue a determination of guilt, nor did it conclude that LCB had engaged in corrupt conduct.

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a 34-year-old woman and her son for their alleged involvement in the murder of her 36-year-old husband and the attempted murder of his 15-year-old son at Nsawam-Aduakrom in the Eastern Region.

The suspects, identified as Abigail Cheetham, 34, and her son, Prince Cheetham, have been remanded into police custody pending further investigations.

According to police sources, the incident occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the family home. The deceased was identified as Nicholas Cheetham, a land agent. His 15-year-old son, Richmond, survived the attack but sustained serious injuries.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a dispute started after Abigail allegedly discovered that Nicholas had fathered a child outside their marriage. Police say the matter was initially resolved when Nicholas begged for forgiveness and compensated his wife. Abigail reportedly demanded a plot of land and a large sum of money. However, investigators allege she later planned his murder.

On the night of March 7, Nicholas handed GHS30,000 to Abigail for safekeeping until the next morning. Police say Abigail informed Prince about the money and her plan. Prince then allegedly contacted a friend to help kill his stepfather in exchange for GHS8,000, which was reportedly paid from the GHS30,000.

Around 12:30 a.m., Abigail allegedly engaged Nicholas in sexual intercourse so he would fall into a deep sleep. She then reportedly called Prince and his accomplice into the bedroom, where they attacked and killed him. While disposing of the body, the assailants allegedly noticed Richmond watching through a window.

They attacked him, breaking his neck and striking his head with a cement block until he lost consciousness. Believing he was dead, they left him a few metres from the compound to get a polythene bag for disposal.

Richmond reportedly regained consciousness, ran to a neighbour’s house bleeding from the head, and narrated what had happened. Neighbours alerted the police, leading to the arrest of Abigail and Prince.

The Eastern Regional Police Command confirmed the arrests. ‘We received a report early Sunday morning and moved in swiftly. Two suspects are in custody, and we are pursuing the third suspect. The survivor is receiving medical treatment,’ the command said.

The body of Nicholas Cheetham has been deposited at a morgue for autopsy as investigations continue.

A U.S. federal court in Florida has sentenced Ghanaian-American Kelvin Owusu Nkwantabisa, 33, to 17 years in prison for leading a $38 million Business Email Compromise scheme that defrauded companies and individuals worldwide.

Prosecutors said Nkwantabisa, who used aliases ‘Kevin Brown’ and ‘KO,’ ran the U.S. operations of a transnational cybercrime ring.

The group hacked victims’ email accounts, monitored business transactions, and posed as trusted partners to redirect payments into accounts they controlled.

Court documents show the syndicate used multiple bank accounts and shell companies to hide the stolen funds and avoid detection.

Prosecutors told the federal court that Nkwantabisa coordinated overseas accomplices, set up bank accounts across several states, tracked incoming fraudulent transfers, and instructed others on laundering the proceeds. His central role earned him the longest sentence in the case.

Three co-conspirators

Three other accomplices, Leshea Moore, 29, in Georgia was sentenced to 11 years for creating shell companies, opening fraudulent bank accounts, and moving stolen funds

John Jouissance, 33, in Ohio, was sentenced to four years for setting up shell companies and accounts to receive illicit proceeds

Justice Amoh alias ‘Samuel Andrews’, 37, in New York, was also sentenced to three years for opening accounts with false identities and processing fraudulent transactions under Nkwantabisa’s direction.

U.S. Attorney, Jason A. Reding Quiñones, said the defendants ‘exploited legitimate business relationships and abused the trust of their victims to steal millions.’

He added that the sentences send ‘a strong message’ to anyone using the U.S. financial system for fraud and money laundering.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Fort Lauderdale, and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

In recent days, Ghana’s digital space has been awash with heated exchanges sparked by a seemingly simple opinion. Richlove Oduro, a student from Nsein Secondary School in the Western Region, described the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) as a ‘show-off.’ That remark, interpreted by some as dismissive, ignited responses, most notably from neurosurgeon Isabella, who invoked the story of Francisca, an NSMQ finalist-turned Harvard graduate who excelled academically and rose to global recognition.What started as an intellectual disagreement quickly spiralled into a social media battlefield of comparison, ridicule, and personal attacks. But beneath the cacophony lies a deeper national issue, one we have normalised over decades: the ranking of human worth based on schools attended, courses studied, and perceived career prestige.

The Hierarchy of Respect:How Institutions Reinforce the Narrative

In Ghana, education has long been viewed as a ladder to success, but not all ladders are considered equal. Attending ‘Category A’ secondary schools, enrolling in programs such as medicine, law, or engineering, or studying abroad often attracts admiration. Conversely, less ‘prestigious’ schools or creative and technical pathways are frequently undervalued.

This hierarchy has shaped not only how society distributes respect but also how individuals measure their own worth. The reaction to Richlove’s comment reveals this deeply ingrained bias: her views were not debated on their merits alone, but on her perceived ‘credentials’ relative to Francisca’s.

This culture of dishing out respect based on school labels and career paths is not accidental. It is systemic and institutionalised. Teachers and parents reinforce this with statements such as: ‘Only serious students go to this school or study this course.’

Let me share my personal experience on this subject

I attended ‘Harvard.’

Not Harvard University in the United States that many imagine, but Harvard College in Kokomlemle, Accra.Until circumstances led me there, I had never heard of the school. Like many young Ghanaians completing basic education, I had big dreams and a clear path. Accra Academy was my first choice, not only for its reputation but also because my elder brother had walked those same corridors. To me, that path symbolised prestige, success, and validation.However, life had other plans.

The Silent Pressure of School Choice

During our Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE)school selection period in 1999, there was an unspoken hierarchy among students. Those who chose ‘top’ schools were seen as more serious and intelligent,while those who selected lesser-known or less-resourced institutions were, unfortunately, perceived as average or,at worst, below standard.Casual jokes reinforced these stereotypes. A student who chose a less popular school was often ridiculed. Even more troubling was how course selection shaped perception. General Science, Business, and General Arts were considered the preserve of the ‘serious’ students, whereas those who pursued Visual Arts, Home Economics, or Technical courses were often unfairly labelled as weak or incapable. At the time, neither my friends nor I questioned these assumptions. We were young, impressionable, and largely unaware of the complexities of life and success. We followed what society quietly approved of, without understanding the consequences.

When Life Interrupts the Plan

Although I qualified for Accra Academy, I never had the chance to attend. Around the time our BECE results were released, my father, who was to sponsor my education, fell seriously ill. He remained in hospital for over three months and was unable to work during that period.My mother reached out to family and friends, hoping for support, but none came.

As a result, I missed the entire first term. Still, I held on to hope. Perhaps, I thought, we could raise the needed funds and enrol in the second term. But that opportunity also slipped away. By then, I had my place forfeited. Not wanting me to lose an entire academic year, my mother suggested an alternative: enrol in a private secondary school, where admission was more flexible. That suggestion was how Harvard College gained a seat at the discussion table.

Honestly, I strongly resisted the idea. To my young mind, attending a less popular private school felt like admitting failure. I feared what some of my friends,who were by then at prestigious schools,would say. I dreaded the questions. More importantly, I had internalised the belief that such schools were for students who were ‘not academically smart enough.’However, after persistent persuasion and encouragement from my mother and our family pastor, I reluctantly agreed.

Years later, I had the opportunity to teach Social Studies at a private junior high school in Accra. For nearly a decade, I witnessed the same patterns I had once been part of.Students judged one another based on their choice of schools and courses. Those aiming for prestigious schools or ‘popular’ programmes often looked down on their peers who chose differently.

One experience in particular permanently changed my understanding of how deeply educational labels shape our perceptions. Following the 2005 BECE results, our school recorded an outstanding performance, especially in Social Studies, where about 97% of students scored Grade 1,with the rest achieving Grade 2. It was a remarkable achievement. ‘Although I was only a secondary school graduate from Harvard College, Kokomlemle in Accra, I was privileged to contribute meaningfully to the school’s outstanding BECE performance.’

The school’s proprietor, who was an old student of Mfantsipim School, invited my colleague and me to his office to commend our efforts. During the conversation, he asked a simple question:

‘Which secondary school did you attend?’

‘Harvard College,’ I replied.

He paused, visibly puzzled. ‘Is that in Ghana?’

‘Yes,’ I explained. ‘It’s a private school in Kokomlemle.’

Curious, he probed further: ‘Why did you attend Harvard?’ This question seemed to imply a mismatch between the school I attended and my performance. ‘You are too smart to have attended that school,’ my proprietor seemed to insinuate. I shared my story: financial hardship, missed opportunities, and the eventual decision to enrol. In that moment, something became clear: the assumptions we make about people’s educational backgrounds often crumble when confronted with reality.

From an early stage, Ghana’s educational system places disproportionate emphasis on high-stakes exams such as the BECE and WASSCE. Entry into elite schools is determined largely by performance and access to resources. Students from well-funded basic schools, with access to private tutoring and stable home environments, enjoy a clear advantage. As a result, some brilliant students from low-income backgrounds end up in under-resourced schools, not because of a lack of ability, but because of circumstance.

The NSMQ itself, though laudable, often features schools with stronger academic infrastructure (until recently, when the programme covers many more schools, including seemingly less-endowed ones), thereby reinforcing the visibility of already advantaged institutions. Moreover, university admissions trends and scholarship awards frequently prioritise traditional academic excellence over diverse talents.Over time, this creates a loop: ‘top schools’ produce visible success stories that reinforce their prestige, while equally capable but less visible students remain overlooked.

When Talent Is Misguided

This rigid hierarchy does more than create social division. It actively misdirects students.

Young people, influenced by societal expectations, often pursue careers that do not align with their passions or strengths. A student with exceptional creative ability might be pushed into science. Another with entrepreneurial instincts may be steered toward a ‘safe’ profession.

The result?

A workforce that is qualified on paper but not fulfilled in purpose

Underdevelopment of critical sectors such as the arts, technical trades, and innovation.

The painful irony is that a system meant to nurture excellence ends up stifling it.

Richlove’s story highlights an often-ignored truth: talent is universal, but opportunity is not.

Many students in Ghana face barriers that hinder their education, including family responsibilities that compete with academic focus. It is needless to state that a student’s starting point can significantly shape their trajectory. However, society often judges outcomes without acknowledging these unequal beginnings.

Let us consider this scenario: a student from a rural school who gains admission to the University of Cape Coast despite limited resources may have demonstrated greater resilience than someone from a well-resourced institution. Yet, one is celebrated less simply because of institutional branding.

Reframing the NSMQ Conversation

The NSMQ, as already mentioned, is a brilliant national platform that promotes scientific thinking and academic excellence. Francisca’s story of rising through the NSMQ platform to global recognition is inspiring and should be celebrated.

But someone’s inspiring story must not be used to dismiss another person’s efforts. Using one success story to dismiss another person’s viewpoint or invalidate their journey misses the point. Francisca’s path is admirable, but Richlove’s perspective deserves engagement rather than silencing. After all, questioning national symbols is part of intellectual growth.

Beyond Comparison

The truth is uncomfortable but necessary: Ghanaians have, over time, internalized this culture of labelling people by their schools and courses, allowing these labels to define intelligence, self-worth, and even future success. The story of Richlove, Francisca, and Isabella is not just about a disagreement; it is a mirror that reflects who we are as a society.Do we value people because of what they have achieved or because of where they achieved it?Until we answer that question honestly, Ghana will continue to place unnecessary ceilings on its own potential.Because somewhere in a modest classroom at Nsein Senior Secondary School, or in any overlooked corner of the country,sits another Francisca, another innovator, another leader, and they deserve more than comparison. They deserve the possibility and opportunities.

Rethinking Success and Worth

Success does not belong exclusively to those who attended prestigious schools. Nor is it reserved for those who studied Medicine, Law, or Engineering. Life offers many paths, each equally important and equally impactful. A student studying photography or computer science can build a global brand. A technical student can become an innovator. A Home Economics graduate can run a thriving enterprise like McDonald’s and KFCs.

Looking back, I have no regrets about attending Harvard College in Kokomlemle. Harvard gave me hope, a platform, and a wife. Yes, a wife, for that is where I met her. What once felt like a compromise became a defining chapter of growth, resilience, and purpose. Life, as I have learned, does not always follow the script we write at age 15, and more importantly, it does not reward titles and labels; it rewards effort, adaptability, and vision.

So, the next time we are tempted to measure someone’s worth by the school they attended or by their career choices, we must pause and ask ourselves: Are we judging potential or merely clinging to outdated perceptions? Because in the end, greatness is not built in a particular school; it is built in the individual.When Ghana collectively begins to believe this, we will unlock a generation of confident, innovative, and self-aware individuals, ready to succeed, no matter where they started.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has proposed the mandatory requirement of a national identification or a driver’s licence verification before one can access a pornographic website or any X-rated content.

This, according to him, is part of measures to ensure that those visiting such websites are 18 years and above as well as ensure that children are not exposed to pornographic materials online.

Speaking at the Fourth Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Values and Sovereignty, Sam George cited the United Kingdom as an example where the use of a driver’s licence is mandatory to access a pornographic website.

‘Today in the United Kingdom, for you to access a pornographic website you need to put your driver’s licence for them to be able to determine that you are 18 years. Ask yourself why they are doing that – because they’ve seen the danger and the damage that pornography and over sexualisation have done to young UK citizens,’ he said.

The minister disclosed that the proposal would be presented to cabinet to ensure that the policy is rolled out to safeguard minors from the harmful effect of pornographic content online.

‘And that is why for us, we believe that in Ghana here, and we are going to cabinet to make sure that before you access any X-rated site, you must put your driver’s licence or national ID card, so that we know who you are and who is going to that site, to prevent children from being exposed to such content,’ he said.

Sam George said over sexualisation of children exposes them to several dangers, including their morality and development, and called for an urgent need to safeguard them.

‘This is the real threat because when a child is over sexualised at an early age, it affects their development, it affects their thinking, it affects even their morality and their values and their standards,’ he stressed.

The minister further indicated that the fight against Africa is not against its adults, but children who are being targeted.

‘And the only way to break a people is to go after the children, because when the children are destroyed and damaged, that culturalisation gets damaged,’ he said.

‘The fight against Africa is not against those of us sitting in this room. We were a lost case. The fight is against our children…Our children must be protected and safe. We were protected by our parents in an African family setting. We must do the same for our children and grandchildren,’ he added.

Age verification laws generally require online services to check, estimate, or verify all users’ ages-often through tools like ID checks, biometric scans, or other age estimation methods before granting them access to certain online content or services.

Governments in the United States, France, the UK and some African countries are increasingly adopting these restrictive measures to protect children online.

However, advocacy groups warn about the invasiveness of these systems as they create dangerous new forms of surveillance.

The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has condemned remarks made by Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, directed at former National Youth Authority Deputy CEO, Akosua Manu, describing them as ‘sexually suggestive, demeaning, and misogynistic.’

A statement signed by GenCED Executive Director, Esther Tawiah, said the comments, which circulated on social media, contained explicit sexual connotations incompatible with standards expected in a democratic society.

The group argued that such language reduces women in politics to sexualised stereotypes and undermines their dignity and contributions to public service.

The dispute stems from exchanges between Dr. Amoakohene and Ms. Manu, popularly known as Kozie, which began months ago after the minister posted an image of New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in diapers on Facebook.

As Special Aide to the former Vice President, Ms. Manu criticised the post and urged the minister to respect Dr. Bawumia and the office he held. Dr. Amoakohene later posted the phrase ‘Akosua Kumaa’ on his Facebook page.

GenCED’s statement said the term is a Twi euphemism for female genitalia (clitoris). Days ago, after Ms. Manu made an unrelated Facebook post, the minister again commented. Ms. Manu responded: ‘Prompt your tailor to give allowance to your clothes so it doesn’t cut oxygen to your brain. We need you lucid enough to attempt to solve the problems in Ashanti Region.’

According to GenCED, the minister then replied on Facebook: ‘Akosua kumaa, wokon d? anaa? You want to have a taste of it,’ which the organisation said translates to asking if she desired to have sex with him. ‘These comments are deeply offensive, unacceptable, and undermine the dignity of women in politics,’ GenCED said.

The group noted that women in public life already face discrimination, online abuse, sexist stereotypes, character assassination, and threats to personal safety.

‘Political disagreement is normal, but it must focus on ideas, policies, and leadership choices. Sexual harassment, misogyny, personal degradation, and gender-based humiliation have no place in political discourse,’ the statement read.

GenCED expressed solidarity with Ms. Manu and all women facing harassment in political life, reaffirming its commitment to safe and inclusive democratic spaces.

The organisation warned that normalising gendered attacks sends a message that women must endure humiliation rather than be respected for their competence and leadership, weakening efforts to promote gender equality.

The group also cited the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Ministers and Political Appointees, which requires decorous language, restraint, and respect in public communication. It said the minister’s remarks were inconsistent with those standards and raised concerns about adherence to ethical conduct expected of public officials.

GenCED called for an immediate end to sexist and sexually offensive language in politics and demanded a public apology and retraction of remarks that demean or sexualise women. It urged political parties to enforce internal disciplinary standards and sanction conduct that brings the political space into disrepute.

The organisation further appealed to the Office of the President and relevant state institutions to enforce the Code of Conduct for Ministers and Political Appointees. It also urged media organisations and social media platforms to take a proactive stance against misogynistic content and gender-based abuse.

‘Protecting the dignity of women in politics is not only a gender issue but a democratic imperative that strengthens institutions and fosters national progress,’ GenCED stated.

ýMarking the solemn 11th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 disaster, a powerful call for justice has been issued on behalf of survivors and families of the tragedy, which claimed over 150 lives and injured more than 200 people through a devastating combination of fire, flood, and fuel leaks.

ýSurvivors and families of the deceased expressed their concern over delays in the determination of a lawsuit filed in 2015 over the incident.

ýThey made the appeal during a press conference organised by the One Ghana Movement to mark the 11th anniversary of the June 3 flood and fire disaster in Accra.

ýAddressing the press, Convenor of the One Ghana Movement, Mr. Senyo K. Hosi, stated that victims and families have waited too long for justice and compensation.

ýHe mentioned that, according to the court proceeding, the disaster was entirely needless and could have been preventable.

ýAlso, he said witnesses from both GOIL and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) admitted under cross-examination that stronger regulatory oversight could have averted the tragedy.

According to him, 69 victims filed a landmark class-action lawsuit in 2018 against GOIL, the NPA, Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), and the station manager, demanding accountability, compensation, and dignity.

ý’Despite these revelations, the victims continue to face prolonged delays, exacerbated by the AMA’s inconsistent participation and failure to appear in court, which has even attracted legal fines,’ he said.

ý Mr. Hosi, during the press conference, has called upon the President to honour his ‘Resetting Ghana’ agenda by ensuring that the ‘reset’ delivers actual justice, institutional accountability, and relief for the country’s most vulnerable rather than serving as a mere slogan.

ýMr. Hosi appealed to the media to maintain sustained coverage of the landmark trial, ensuring the nation does not look away until justice is finally delivered to the living and honour is brought to the memory of those lost.

ýThe lawyer for the victims, Mr. Etornam Caleb Afutu, disclosed that legal action was brought on behalf of approximately 69 victims against GOIL, the National Petroleum Authority and Accra Metropolitan Assembly for gross negligence, seeking GHS40 million in damages to account for lost lives, ruined property that cannot be recovered, and survivors left permanently unable to work.

ýHe noted that significant progress has been made, with all seven victim witnesses, alongside witnesses for GOIL and the NPA, having already testified; however, legal proceedings against the station dealer, have been discontinued following his passing.

ý’The case is currently handling the testimony of the AMA’s witness, with the court scheduled to reconvene on June 15 and 18 to conclude their evidence, after which GOIL and the NPA may cross-examine the witness,’ he stressed.

ýMr. Afutu emphasised that the matter is finally nearing its end, with a strong possibility that the trial will conclude this year following the submission of written arguments and the subsequent court judgment.

The final edition of ‘Art of Exchange’, a cultural diplomacy initiative by DiplomArts in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana, closed on May 30, 2026, at the Sankofa Africa Center under the auspices of the Rocky Dawuni Foundation.

The evening brought together art, music, and diplomacy outside Accra, creating a rare encounter between Ghana’s creative community and the diplomatic sphere.

The audience was treated to a stunning installation by legendary Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. Four-time Grammy-nominated musician and activist, Rocky Dawuni, then delivered an intimate acoustic performance that had the entire house singing along.

The performance was followed by a conversation with Swiss Ambassador Simone Giger, Ibrahim Mahama, and Rocky Dawuni, moderated by data artist and cultural programmer Whitney Chinonye Ernest.

The discussion explored decentralised artistic practices and the role of creative communities in fostering dialogue, connection, and mutual understanding across sectors and geographies.

The event was co-produced by Laura Rosa Vogel of DiplomArts, Cary Sullivan of the Rocky Dawuni Foundation, and Nazif Idrissou of the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana.

As part of the inaugural edition at Sankofa Africa Center, the Rising Star Silent Auction, presented by Accra Art Week, supported emerging artistic talent and arts education in Ghana.

Guests enjoyed Northern Ghanaian delicacies by Chef Dee and wine curated by Kodjo Adovor.

The Aburi gathering moved Art of Exchange beyond Accra, proving that cultural diplomacy thrives in Ghana’s creative hubs too. The audience included distinguished members of the diplomatic community, creative sector, academia, government, civil society, and the private sector.

With its final edition, Art of Exchange leaves a legacy of using contemporary art and music as tools for cross-cultural dialogue – a conversation that started in Accra and ended with the mountains of Aburi echoing the notes.

A 37-year-old illegal miner has been remanded into prison custody by the EKMA District Magistrate Court in the Western Region after being charged with the murder of a 17-year-old girl at Agona Nkwanta in the Ahanta West Municipality.

The accused, Ntow Adade Cudjoe, popularly known as ‘Adade Zee,’ is alleged to have sexually assaulted his wife’s niece before subjecting her to a brutal attack that resulted in her death.

According to the prosecution, the deceased, Olivia Kwofie, had been living with the accused and his wife at Agona Nkwanta for about four months.

Presenting the facts before the court, Prosecutor, Inspector Robert Yawson, said the incident occurred on the night of May 31, 2026.

The accused allegedly informed his wife that he was travelling to a mining site at Nsuaem but secretly returned home later that night and waited near their residence.

The prosecution said Olivia had attended a church service and was returning home in a tricycle, locally known as a ‘pragya,’ when she was allegedly confronted by the accused. He is said to have assaulted her before dragging her into the house.

Inspector Yawson told the court that the accused allegedly restrained the teenager by tying her hands and legs and then sexually assaulted her.

‘Inside the house, the accused tied the girl’s hands behind her back with a rope and bound her legs with a piece of cloth. He then used super glue to seal her mouth to prevent her from screaming before raping her,’ the prosecutor narrated.

Inspector Yawson further alleged that after the incident, the accused took the victim to a nearby bush and inflicted severe injuries on her with a cement block before fleeing the area and going into hiding at Nsuaem.

Olivia was later discovered by farmers at about 4:30 a.m. the following day. The farmers reportedly untied her and alerted the police.

She was rushed to the Agona Nkwanta Polyclinic for treatment but was later pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Police investigations subsequently led to the arrest of the suspect at his hideout in Nsuaem on June 2, 2026.

He was formally charged with murder and arraigned before the court, which remanded him into prison custody to allow for further investigations.

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced plans to introduce a new import quota policy to boost the demand for locally produced rice and strengthen the domestic rice value chain in the country.

Speaking at the West Africa Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, he explained that the initiative is designed to reduce Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported rice as well as stimulate local production capacity, improve market access for farmers, and attract investment into the rice value chain.

‘Government will implement an import quota policy that directly links the privilege of importing rice to the growth of domestic production. Under this policy, rice importers will be required to demonstrate verifiable procurement of and partnership with Ghanaian rice production before import permits are approved,’ he disclosed.

He further stated that the policy is not intended to impose hardship in the country.

‘We are not raising tariffs that punish consumers. We are not imposing bans that create shortages. We are redirecting the existing value in the rice trade towards building our own productive capacity,’ he added.