Category: Daily Guide Network

THE GHANA Police Service has arrested 28 suspects in separate intelligence-led operations targeting cybercrime, human trafficking and illicit arms dealing across the country. Thirty-three (33) victims have also been rescued.

According to a police statement, the operations were carried out in Mataheko-Afienya, Fafa Community, Kwabenya, and the Ashanti Region between the past weeks.

Case Breakdown

Ten suspects have been arrested at Mataheko-Afienya, Tema, following an intelligence-led operation conducted on July 3, 2026. The suspects include Collins Francis Olayi Ojo, Matthew Balogun, Jahid Bello, Abdul Rahman Nufizi, Talent Sinivie, Preye Morrison, Lawal Abdul Aziz, David Ogobbona, Gift Prince, and Kingsley Honest.

They were arrested at an apartment suspected to be used as an operational base. Preliminary investigations established that Collins Francis Olayi Ojo is the coordinator and leader of the group. He is accused of facilitating the movement of nine Nigerian nationals from Nigeria to Ghana by road and subjecting them to cyber-enabled fraudulent activities under his direction.

The Tema Regional Police Command identified the nine individuals as victims of human trafficking and exploitation. They have been rescued and placed at a safe location for further action. A search conducted at the premises led to the retrieval of 28 laptop computers and nine (9) mobile phones.

All items have been secured for digital forensic examination. Suspect Collins Francis Olayi Ojo has been put before the Accra High Court and remanded into police custody. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest any other connected persons.

Also, eleven suspects were arrested at Fafa Community on July 7, 2026 for their engagement in cybercrime activities. A search at the premises led to the recovery of 14 laptop computers with accessories and 12 smart mobile phones, all suspected to have been used in the commission of cybercrime-related offences.

Preliminary investigations established that six (6) of the 11 individuals were victims of human trafficking. They had been brought from Nigeria to Ghana under false pretences and were being exploited to engage in cyber-enabled fraudulent activities.

The rescued victims received the necessary protection, medical screening, and victim support before being sent back to Nigeria. Subsequent investigations revealed that Godstime Terry, 34, and Wilson Makuo, 21, who were initially identified as victims, were in fact key coordinators of the syndicate. A third suspect identified only as Jerry, who allegedly played a key role in trafficking the victims into Ghana, remains at large. The suspects have been put before the Circuit Court and remanded into police custody. All electronic devices recovered have been secured for digital forensic examination.

Kwabenya Human Trafficking

Five suspects have been arrested at Kwabenya for human trafficking and cyber-enabled criminal activities. They include Chigozie Azubuike, 35; Edwin Onyema, 24; Kingsley Nwachukwu, 29; Henry Ebuke, 32; and Harrison Godwin, 26.

Fifty-two (52) assorted mobile phones and several wireless internet devices believed to have been used in the commission of cybercrime offences were recovered and secured for forensic examination. Intelligence received on July 11, 2026 indicated that a group had trafficked several young Nigerians into Ghana and were housing them at a residential property at Kwabenya, where they were being compelled to engage in cybercrime activities.

A search of the three-bedroom apartment revealed one bedroom was locked. Suspect Chigozie Azubuike claimed the room belonged to his elder brother who had travelled. Officers found the explanation suspicious and forced entry. Inside, police found 22 young Nigerian nationals. Preliminary investigations indicate that 18 of them, aged between 15 and 24, are victims of human trafficking. The victims had been instructed by Chigozie Azubuike, identified as their self-styled ‘Chairman,’ to hide from the police. The 18 victims have been rescued and placed in a safe location under the care of the appropriate authorities.

On July 16, 2026, the five suspects were put before Accra Circuit Court 7 and remanded into police custody to assist investigations.

Kumasi Illicit Trafficking

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the illegal trading of arms and ammunition in the Ashanti Region, contrary to Section 192(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). In early January 2026, the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters gathered intelligence that individuals were illegally trading in arms and ammunition in the Ashanti Region, supplying weapons to various buyers, including criminal elements.

Following sustained surveillance, the team arrested the first suspect, Cristopher Kuupieni, 63, a businessman and president of Abuakwa Nana Ketewa in the Ashanti Region, on July 15, 2026. During interrogation, he admitted the offence and named Kwabena Tawiah as his main supplier. Further investigations led to the arrest of suspect Kwabena Tawiah, 56, a businessman and president of Asofia Kokoben, also in the Ashanti Region.

A search conducted on him led to the recovery of ‘1 Malik pistol, 1 Walther PK 380 pistol with 1 magazine, 1 Smith and Wesson pistol with 1 magazine, 1 Stoeger STR Series pistol with 1 magazine, 1 Taurus G2C pistol loaded with 5 rounds of live 9mm ammunition, 3 additional pistol magazines, 100 rounds of live 9mm ammunition and 20 rounds of 380 Auto PPU live ammunition.’

During interrogation, suspect Kwabena Tawiah admitted the offence and disclosed that despite having no licence, he had been engaged in the business for the past 10 years. He also disclosed that he had clients across the country who purchased weapons without documentation. Both suspects are in police custody assisting with investigations while efforts are underway to arrest identified accomplices and sources of supply.

Multiple award-winning Ghanaian rap artiste, Lyrical Joe, has transformed his annual ‘5th August’ rap series into a full Extended Play (EP), marking a decade of consistency with the release of ‘Birth of Oheneba’.

The project, set to hit streaming platforms on August 5, represents the 10th edition of the series that has built the rapper a cult following since 2017. Known for booming beats and introspective bars that rack up thousands of views each year, Lyrical Joe says this edition carries a different energy.

Announcing the project on X, the rapper reflected on his journey with the series. ‘Previous years I made the pen bleed. This year, I made the pen cry tears of joy. 5th August is the EP BIRTH OF OHENEBA,’ he wrote.

The cover art captures Lyrical Joe in fierce, regal poses, symbolising his royal Akan name Oheneba, meaning ‘child of the king’.

The imagery reinforces themes of growth, royalty, and self-affirmation that have defined the last 10 years of the ‘5th August’ tradition. Fans have trooped to social media to applaud the announcement, with many saying they are eager to stream the EP across all platforms.

X user, Section 80, wrote: ‘Y’all get seated as the curator @_Lyricaljoe serves us with yet another hardcore rap. He’s stepping up the game this time. We got an EP #5thAugust10theEp.’

Another fan, Miguel Kwesi Garcia, added: ‘The wait is almost over! @_Lyricaljoe has officially transformed the legendary ‘5th August’ rap series into an EP. This is the rollout we’ve been waiting for.’

With ‘Birth of Oheneba’, Lyrical Joe not only celebrates 10 years of dropping on August 5, but also signals a new chapter in Ghana’s rap scene – one built on longevity, storytelling, and artistic evolution.

The EP will be available on all major streaming platforms from August 5.

The National Service Authority (NSA) has come under intense criticism over the controversial GHS60 monthly deductions from the allowances of personnel to fund a purported capacity building programme.

Thousands of service personnel have raised concerns over a compulsory GHS180 fee, deducted in three monthly instalments of GHS60, for a capacity building programme organised by the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) in partnership with Zeus Atlas Limited without their consent.

The service personnel have questioned the legal basis for the deductions and demanded an immediate refund of all the money already deducted, insisting that the programme should have been optional rather than compulsory.

A group of service personnel calling itself the Concerned National Service Personnel Association of Ghana, in a press statement dated Friday, July 17, 2026, said that while it supports efforts to empower them, such deductions lacked legal basis, transparency and accountability, and should therefore not be made compulsory for personnel.

The group also demanded that National Service Personnel Association immediately provide them specific provision of the NASPA Constitution authorising the compulsory deduction, as well as the provision of the law governing the National Service Authority which allows such deductions, among others.

‘National Service Personnel deserve answers, not assumptions. Transparency is not optional when deductions are made from the allowances of young graduates already facing economic hardship,’ the statement read.

According to the group, the deduction, which was happening at source even before their allowances were credited to their accounts, was unjustified.

Meanwhile, the National Service Personnel Association, in a press statement issued and signed by its President, Abdul Wahab Bala Mohammed, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, confirmed the said GHS60 deductions and said it was meant for capacity building programme in partnership with a company called Zeus Atlas Limited.

According to the association, the programme is expected to provide personnel with practical skills to bridge the gap between graduation and employment, as it was undertaken in accordance with the association’s constitutional provisions and all required administrative processes.

The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, has called on the leadership of the National Service Authority to discontinue the ongoing capacity building programme and refund deductions made from the allowances of national service personnel.

Mr. Braimah, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 21, urged the NSA leadership to terminate the arrangement, and expressed concerns over the circumstances surrounding the deductions.

He said, ‘The leadership at the NSS/NSA should just end the so-called capacity whatever, abrogate the contract, and have the deducted funds refunded before the scheme gets into another wahala.’

Mr. Braimah further referred to findings from the forensic audit conducted following the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal, raising concerns about activities undertaken in the name of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA).

He mentioned that the forensic audit cited unsupported payments of GHS9,276,535.00 to NASPA, indicating how some significant payments were made to the association during the period.

Following the growing backlash against the National Service Authority, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, and the NSA Board, have suspended the capacity building agreement by NASPA with Zeus, pending a comprehensive review.

Speaking on JoyNews yesterday, Deputy Director of the National Service Authority, Lieutenant Colonel Moses Kpeungu, reiterated that the Authority did not sanction the deductions and clarified that the initiative originated from NASPA.

Many service personnel argue that their monthly allowance of GHS715 is already inadequate to cater for transportation, feeding and other basic living expenses, making the deductions an additional financial burden.

VALENTINA NANA Agyeiwaa, popularly known as Afia Schwarzenegger, has called on political personalities in Ghana to tread cautiously when in power, considering the fact that power is transient.

Speaking on the 20 years’ jail term handed to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, she indicated that during the party’s era, the embattled chairman was all over the place parading himself as an ‘untouchable man’ in the country.

‘This judgment awarded to Chairman should be a lesson to all political figures in this country. That if today you have power to make things happen, tomorrow you may not wield power again, so you need to tread cautiously.

‘As for me, I don’t in any terms feel sympathy for him, he deserves what he got,’ she stated. The misunderstanding between Afia Schwarzenegger and Chairman Wontumi is mainly a defamation + contempt of court case that started around 2022 and went back and forth in court.

Afia Schwarzenegger went on UTV’s United Showbiz hosted by Nana Ama McBrown and publicly claimed she had been in an amorous relationship with Chairman Wontumi. She made further graphic allegations about him on the show. Co-panelists Kwame A Plus and Mr Logic also commented on the allegation, while Fadda Dickson was the executive producer. Wontumi, through his lawyer Maurice Ampaw, sued Afia, UTV, Nana Ama McBrown, A Plus, Mr Logic and Fadda Dickson for discussing the merits of a case that was already in court. He argued that their comments had the potential to affect a fair trial.

The Tema High Court convicted them for contempt. Afia was sentenced to 10 days in prison and also ordered to pay GHS60,000 to Wontumi for defamatory comments. She was absent from court, so a bench warrant was issued. The others were each fined GHS60,000 or two months jail in default. Afia later appeared in court on December 20, 2022 with her lawyer and pleaded for mercy. On January 31, 2023, the court substituted the jail term with GHS60,000 fine / 5000 penalty units, plus a 36-month bond of good behaviour and an order not to comment on the case on any platform.

The Assemblies of God, Ghana, has paid tribute to the late King of Dagbon, Ya Naa Mahama Abukari II, describing his death as an ‘incalculable pain’ to the church and the nation.

In a statement signed by General Superintendent, Rev. Stephen Y. Wengam, the church expressed its deepest condolences to the people of Dagbon and acknowledged the unique historical bond between the church and Yendi, the traditional capital of Dagbon, where Assemblies of God, Ghana was founded in 1931.

‘The passing of the Ya Naa therefore inflicts an incalculable pain on the leaders and members of Assemblies of God, Ghana,’ the statement said.

The church praised the late monarch for his leadership in restoring peace and unity to Dagbon after years of conflict.

‘We are somewhat consoled by the fact that Ya Naa has left indelible imprints on the rocks of time as a great man of peace.

His ground-breaking and paradigm-shifting leadership restored the oxygen of unity and traditional authority to Dagbon,’ Rev. Wengam stated.

Ya Naa Mahama Abukari II reigned for seven years. The Assemblies of God said the impact of his reign should not be measured by its duration but by his contribution to reconciliation and healing in the Dagbon traditional area.

Citing Romans 13:7, the church said the greatest honour Ghanaians owe the late king is to uphold peace and pursue development in Dagbon.

‘God the fountain of honour instructs us to give honour to whom honour is due. Assemblies of God, Ghana, thinks that the greatest honour Ghanaians in general, and the people of Dagbon in particular, owe the late King is to demonstrate a tenacious commitment to peace and relentless pursuit of development of the area,’ the statement added.

The church concluded, ‘Ya Naa, Rest in Peace.’

Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II passed on after a seven-year reign that was widely credited with healing divisions in Dagbon following the 2002 crisis.

THIRTY FOUR out of the 35 people, who successfully filed their nomination to contest in the upcoming Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) executive election, have been given the nod to take part in the polls.

Chairperson of Ashanti Regional NPP Election Committee, Rita Asobayiri, informed journalists that a female, who was contesting for deputy secretary position, decided to step down, reducing the number of aspirants form 35 to 34.

According to her, the vetting process, which is one of the important aspects of the election process, commenced on Monday and came to an end on Tuesday, adding that the process was successful and the aspirants are happy.

‘Those that were cleared have been given the green light to start their campaign for votes ahead of the elections. No one was disqualified but one female who was contesting for the deputy secretary position decided to step down,’ she said.

Addressing journalists after the completion of the vetting process on Tuesday, Rita Asobayiri said the Ashanti Regional NPP executives’ election ‘is scheduled to take place on August 15, 2026 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi’.

She admonished the various aspirants to adopt a clean campaign as they search for votes, reminding them that the impending election is a family affair so the aspirants and their numerous supporters should see it at such and behave well.

According to the Chairperson of the Ashanti Regional NPP Election Committee, the party, which has an elephant as its official symbol, needs total peace and unity in order to be able to wrestle political power from the NDC in 2028.

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has rejected a new contract offer, intensifying speculation over his future despite the club’s firm stance that the England Under-21 international is not for sale.

The Cherries had made securing Scott’s long-term future a priority this summer, but negotiations have failed to produce an agreement. The 22-year-old still has two years remaining on his current contract.

Several Premier League heavyweights, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Chelsea, are monitoring the midfielder’s situation.

Arsenal previously had an approach for Scott turned down by Bournemouth earlier this summer.

Despite the growing interest, Bournemouth remain determined to keep the former Bristol City star.

The club has reiterated to the player and interested teams that Scott will remain at the Vitality Stadium, regardless of his decision to reject the latest contract proposal.

Bournemouth are under little financial pressure to sell after qualifying for the UEFA Europa League and raising substantial funds from the sales of Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi and Dango Outtara last summer.

Scott is currently with the squad at the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria under new manager Marco Rose as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign.

The midfielder joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 for £25 million after winning the Championship Young Player of the Season award.

Since then, he has made 89 appearances, scored six goals and played a key role in helping the Cherries secure a historic sixth-place finish and their first-ever qualification for European football.

His performances have also earned him international recognition, with Scott receiving his first England senior call-up last year, although he is yet to make his debut.

FOUNDER AND CEO of ‘Empowering Better Life Foundation’ (EBLF), Alma Adade-Prempeh, was among ten shortlisted changemakers honoured at the London School of Global Entrepreneurship and Leadership (LSGEL), UK 2026 Legacy Award.

Themed, ‘Honouring Those Who Create Lasting Change in Communities,’ Alma Adade-Prempeh was awarded for her humanitarian works, which mainly centre on empowering the vulnerable in society.

Following her listing on the top ten honorees, she took to Facebook to express profound gratitude towards the organisers of the ceremony.

‘Honoured and deeply grateful to be recognised as a recipient of the LSGEL 2026 Legacy Award by the London School of Global Entrepreneurship and Leadership (UK). This recognition inspires me to continue serving, empowering others, and creating lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. To God be the glory!’ the post read.

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, also shared a glowing photograph of the awards event which featured his wife and other honorees, while showering admiration towards Mrs. Adade-Prempeh for her achievements.

‘One of life’s greatest privileges is having a front-row seat to watch someone you love grow into the person God has called them to be. I have watched my wife Alma Pokua Adade-Prempeh devote herself wholeheartedly to serving others, quietly touching lives, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

‘Her passion for people and unwavering commitment to making a difference continue to inspire me every day. Congratulations, Alma. This honour is a fitting testament to the remarkable work you continue to do, and I have no doubt that your greatest impact is still ahead of you. I am incredibly proud of you,’ the post read.

Other honorees include Dr. Kazeem K. Raji, DG/CEO for Nigeria’s National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI); Dr. Rotimi G. Olokodana, Chairman Missionary House Nigeria; Dr. Vida Akekodaga, Founder and CEO of Fill the Gap Africa Ghana; Chief Henry Obovu, President, Okpara Patriotic Union, United Kingdom; Henry Oriabure, CEO, Solar Services Solutions UK.

The rest are Mrs. Selikem A. Apaloo, CEO, Cypec Consult, Founder, Seli Ministries; Chief Naba Dr. Dominic Mbang, Former Mayor of Royal Borough of Greenwich; Dr. Lucy Surhyel Newman, Chairperson, Africa Private Sector Summit and Prince Bimbo Robert Folayan, Founder, Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS).

EBLF is dedicated to fostering holistic well-being and empowerment of vulnerable mothers of children with special needs and at-risk. Its mission is to raise awareness about mental health issues, offering support to children with special learning needs, and fostering inclusive education environments.

Through advocacy, education, and empowerment, EBLF aims to break barriers, reduce stigma, and promote inclusion, financial and ethical leadership. By implementing evidence-based programmes and building strong partnerships, it aims to reach 10,000 children annually, improving their lives and contributing to a more equitable and prosperous Ghana.

A 49-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly making offensive remarks about President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama on social media.

According to reports, the suspect made comments deemed insulting toward the President and the First Lady, prompting police action.

Police have confirmed the suspect is in custody assisting with investigations. Authorities say she will be processed for court in due course.

The Police Administration has in recent months cautioned the public against the abuse of social media to spread offensive, false, or insulting content about public officials.

some commentators noted the growing trend of insults directed at the President and First Lady, particularly on social media platforms.

The Ashanti Caucus of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) has pledged its unwavering support for the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his conviction by the High Court.

In a statement issued and signed by the Secretary of the Caucus, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the MPs described Chairman Wontumi as a resilient and selfless leader whose contributions to the growth and electoral fortunes of the NPP cannot be diminished by a single court judgment.

The statement comes in the wake of the court’s decision against Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited, a ruling that has generated widespread reaction within the opposition party.

According to the Ashanti MPs, Wontumi has over the years played a pivotal role in strengthening the NPP in the Ashanti Region and across the country through his dedication and sacrifices for the party.

‘Chairman Wontumi has, over the years, distinguished himself as a fearless, resilient and selfless leader whose sacrifices and commitment have significantly strengthened the New Patriotic Party in the Ashanti Region and across Ghana,’ the statement said.

The caucus stressed that while it respected the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, it also recognised the constitutional right of every citizen to challenge court decisions through the appellate process.

It therefore expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail when the matter is reviewed by higher courts.

The caucus rejected suggestions that the court’s judgment marked the end of Chairman Wontumi’s political career, insisting that the ruling should rather strengthen the resolve of party faithful to rally behind him.

The MPs maintained that Wontumi’s contributions to the NPP and his standing within the party could not be erased by a decision that remains subject to appeal.

The statement further emphasised the historic role of the Ashanti Region as the electoral stronghold of the NPP, noting that the region had always stood by its leaders during difficult moments.

It assured the embattled regional chairman that he would not face the challenge alone, declaring that the Ashanti Caucus stood ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with him.

Beyond expressing solidarity with Wontumi, the MPs raised concerns about what they described as a growing perception of selective justice and unequal application of the law.

They cautioned that the fight against illegality must be conducted fairly and impartially, without political considerations.

According to the caucus, justice should never be used as a tool for political intimidation or for settling political scores.

The Ashanti MPs also called on NPP members, particularly those in the Ashanti Region, to remain calm, united and disciplined in the aftermath of the judgment.

They urged supporters to avoid actions that could undermine public order while demonstrating their support for the party and its regional chairman through lawful means.

The caucus said unity and discipline would serve as a strong demonstration of the party’s confidence in both Chairman Wontumi and the judicial process.

Addressing Chairman Wontumi directly, the MPs encouraged him to remain resolute in the face of adversity.