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A Nissan Frontier was completely destroyed by fire after veering off the road and crashing into a tree at Brekumanso on the Asamankese-Suhum road.

The incident occurred when the vehicle flipped into a bush, igniting a fire that spread to nearby vegetation.

Firefighters from Asamankese, led by Station Officer II Aboagye Ernest, with support from the Suhum Fire Station, arrived at the scene and brought the fire under control by 13:45 hours.

Three passengers, including the driver and a woman, sustained minor injuries and were treated at the Asamankese Government Hospital.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, commended the firefighters for their swift response and assured that the government would continue to support emergency services.

President John Mahama has sworn into office COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP) at a short ceremony at the Jubilee House on Friday, March 14, 2025.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, top police officials, and other high-profile personalities.

Speaking at the event, President Mahama charged COP Yohuno to build a service that earns public trust, describing him as an officer of integrity.

“Today is an important occasion in our collective commitment to justice, security, and good governance. It’s a great honor and privilege for me to swear in our new Inspector General of Police, a distinguished officer who assumes this high office at a critical juncture in our nation’s history.

“The Ghana Police Service is a cornerstone of our democracy, playing an indispensable role in safeguarding our peace, ensuring law and order, and protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens,” he stated.

The President stressed that national security is the foundation of development, emphasizing that the appointment comes at a time when the security landscape is rapidly evolving. “Without safety and stability, businesses cannot thrive, children cannot go to school in peace, and our communities cannot prosper. That is why the leadership of the Ghana Police Service is of paramount importance.

“Traditional policing methods must evolve to confront new and emerging threats. We face increasing incidents of violent crime, cybercrime, and fraud, as well as new forms of organized crime that demand sophisticated investigative techniques. Additionally, the global security environment presents fresh challenges, from terrorism to transnational criminal networks, requiring strong intelligence gathering and proactive law enforcement,” he emphasized.

Mahama reminded IGP Yohuno that Ghanaians have high expectations of the police and rely on them for protection. He also urged police personnel to fully support their new leader.

“To our new IGP, I encourage you to lead with vision, fairness, and unwavering commitment. Leadership is not just about authority; it is about service and inspiring those under your command to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. “Your leadership will be measured not just by crime statistics, but by the trust and confidence the public has in the Ghana Police Service. As you take on this immense responsibility, know that you have my full support and that of my administration.”

Mahama also commended outgoing IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare for his dedicated service and contributions to the transformation agenda of the Police Service.

“Let me take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to the outgoing Inspector General of Police. He has served our nation with dedication and commitment, and his contributions to law enforcement and national security will not be forgotten.

“We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors. To the brave men and women of the Ghana Police Service, I urge you to give your fullest cooperation to your new leader. You are the backbone of our national security framework. Your dedication and sacrifices keep our country safe.”

On his part, COP Yohuno expressed appreciation to the President for the honor and pledged to deliver on his mandate, acknowledging the responsibility ahead.

“I will lead in alignment with your resetting agenda. Thank you for your trust. I am both honored and eager to embark on this new chapter in my policing career and look forward to collaborating with each of you to cultivate a safer and more secure environment for the people of Ghana. May God bless the Ghana Police Service, our homeland Ghana, and all of us,” he said.

He also lauded his predecessor, Dr. Dampare, for his leadership and transformation efforts over the years.

COP Yohuno succeeds Dr. Dampare, who was appointed as Ghana’s youngest IGP on August 1, 2021, and relieved of his duties on March 13, 2025.

COP Yohuno becomes the 24th IGP of Ghana since independence. Until his appointment, he served as the Deputy IGP in charge of operations at the Ghana Police Service.

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed new heads for the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), and the Ghana Police Service (IGP).

DDGP 3 Patience Baffoe-Bonnie will now lead the Ghana Prisons Service, replacing Isaac Kofi Egyir.

DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong has also been appointed as the new Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of the GNFS, taking over from Julius Aalebkure Kuunuor.

Additionally, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno has been sworn in as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP).

These changes come as part of a reshuffle in key security institutions, announced in a statement following an official communication from President John Dramani Mahama.

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation.

In a statement issued on March 14, 2025, Dr. Dampare extended his appreciation to God and Ghanaians for their prayers, blessings, and support throughout his tenure.

“I wish to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the former President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for giving me the opportunity to serve our nation as the Inspector-General of Police and for making history as the youngest IGP in the 4th Republic,” portions of the statement read.

Reflecting on his 35-year policing career, he noted it was an incredible opportunity and was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from well-wishers, particularly in the 24 hours following his removal.

“I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Ghana Police Service for the past 35 years, rising in rank from a General Constable to Inspector-General of Police, being the youngest Commissioner of Police as well as the youngest IGP in the 4th Republic,” he noted.

Dr. Dampare also expressed appreciation to President John Mahama for the cordial working relationship they shared in the short period before his removal. He extended appreciation to religious and traditional leaders for their prayers, wisdom, and guidance, describing their insights as “indispensable” in his leadership.

He also acknowledged the support of sister security agencies, saying their cooperation was key to maintaining law and order.

Dr. Dampare further thanked civil society organizations for their contributions to improving the police service through constructive dialogue and engagement.

He noted that their advocacy played a role in shaping some of the reforms undertaken during his tenure.

For the international community and diplomatic missions, he highlighted their support, engagements, and external reviews that helped shape the police service.

He also acknowledged the Police Management Board (POMAB) and all ranks of the Ghana Police Service, stating that their collective efforts had been instrumental in maintaining security in the country.

“The contribution that the Rank and File of the Ghana Police Service has made to security, law, and order during my tenure has been enormous.” Dr. Dampare pledged his commitment to serving Ghana despite his exit, noting that his passion for national service remained strong.

“I have served the Ghana Police Service for 35 out of my nearly 55 years of life with an unblemished record. I remain energetic, committed, and enthusiastic about serving my nation with discipline, honour, and integrity,” he stated.

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has taken a significant step towards fostering national unity and religious inclusivity in Ghana.

The Minister paid a courtesy call to National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and other key Muslim community leaders, further solidifying his commitment to inclusivity within his administration.

During the visit, Mr. Ibrahim not only reaffirmed his dedication to engaging with diverse religious groups but also extended a generous hand to the Muslim community.

As part of his support for the holy month of Ramadan, he donated several bags of rice and other essential food items to assist those fasting. In a remarkable gesture of unity, the Minister also extended his donations to the Al-Suna Muslim community, the Ameer of the Alhamadiya Muslim Mission, and the Supreme Leader of the Shia Muslim community, further underscoring his efforts to promote solidarity across religious lines. The visit was especially significant in light of the recent merger of the Local Government Ministry with the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs portfolios. This consolidation highlights the importance of strengthening the relationship between government and various religious communities. In line with this, the Minister announced plans to form a taskforce dedicated to regulating the observance of National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day, an initiative aimed at furthering inclusivity and national cohesion.

The taskforce, which will be established soon, will work towards creating a structured, formal celebration of the day, ensuring that all religious groups are represented and involved.

In response to the Minister’s visit, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu expressed his heartfelt gratitude and offered prayers for Minister and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

This gesture not only strengthened the bond between the government and the Muslim community but also contributed to the ongoing efforts to promote national unity.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed his disappointment in Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, over his involvement in multiple disputes that have eroded peace in some communities.

According to sources, the Asantehene’s frustration stems from a Committee report on the Adanwomase dispute over the community’s deity which implicates Bantamahene for his involvement.

At a Kumasi Traditional Council sitting, Baffour Amakwatia was slapped with a fine of eight rams, two of which had to be paid instantly, for defying the orders of the Asantehene about the case.

The Asantehene outlined several cases in which the chief was involved and questioned his intent for fueling tensions. In rebuking the Bantamahene’s behavior, the Asantehene sternly quizzed, “What at all do you seek?”

The Asantehene is said to have been particularly disturbed by the Bantamahene’s actions, which he believes are undermining the peace and stability of the region. The Asantehene’s words are being interpreted as a call to the Bantamahene to reflect on his actions and to consider the consequences of his involvement in the disputes.

President John Dramani Mahama has removed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, from his position as part of ongoing discussions about security sector reforms under his administration.

He has appointed COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu as the new IGP, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Friday, March 14. While no official reason has been given for Dr. Akuffo-Dampare’s dismissal, sources suggest the move is part of a broader restructuring effort within the Ghana Police Service.

Dr. Akuffo-Dampare, who was appointed IGP in 2021, is widely known for spearheading key policing reforms, including community engagement initiatives and internal discipline measures within the service.

The government has announced plans to reduce the cost of an ordinary passport from GH¢500 to GH¢350 in the coming days, representing a more than 25% decrease aimed at making passports more accessible while maintaining high security standards.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced while answering questions on the floor of Parliament on March 13, 2025.

“The government recognises concerns about the affordability of the new passport and is committed to ensuring that the cost remains reasonable while maintaining high security standards. In our effort to make passports more accessible to all Ghanaians, and per the instruction I have received from the president, we are pleased to announce that the cost of the ordinary passport booklet, the 32-page, will be reduced from GH¢500 to GH¢350.

“We will, in the coming days, be presenting the amendment of the fees and charges to ensure that this reduction is approved by the House,” he stated.

The minister also revealed that the Ministry will introduce a door-to-door passport delivery service as part of its new 24-hour service initiative.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration had previously announced an increase in passport fees in April 2024, clarifying that the decision was in line with the 2023 Fees and Charges Regulations, L.I. 2481.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has assured Ghanaians that the agency’s initiative to develop two mobile applications for job placement will come at no cost to taxpayers.

His clarification follows concerns raised on social media, with some users questioning the necessity of the apps and suggesting they could be a scheme to siphon public funds. In a detailed Facebook post on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Basintale outlined the purpose of the applications, emphasizing their role in connecting jobseekers with potential employers.

“The first app is specifically designed for artisans and skilled labour. Anyone in search of a plumber, carpenter, tailor, mason, or electrician can easily connect with one. This will serve as a major exit plan for our already trained skilled labour,” he explained.

He further noted that the app will operate both locally and internationally through the agency’s Work Abroad Directorate, set to be launched soon. The platform, developed through a Private-Public Partnership (PPP), will require YEA to provide a database of skilled labour, enabling the creation of over 100,000 jobs within the informal sector. The second app, he stated, will be a Job Centre fully owned by YEA, designed to connect job seekers to employers daily.

“This will operate as easily and simply as possible for anyone in Ghana to utilize in their job search,” he added.

Speaking to Citi News, on March 13, Basintale reinforced that both apps would be operational by the end of March 2025.

“Both apps come at no cost, the youth employment agency has an information technology directorate that is going to develop this app. We are optimistic that by the end of this month, we should be able to launch this app, all things being equal.” He stated.

He further explained that while the agency already has a job centre website, an app is needed to expand opportunities, particularly for those in the informal sector.

“We currently have the website, but it only caters to the needs of those in the formal sector. These apps will create an avenue for artisans and those in the informal sector,” he clarified.

One person has been shot dead in what is described as a reprisal attack following the shooting of two Level 400 students of the Gambaga College of Education in Gambaga on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

The deceased, a resident of Sagabo, was killed while herding his cattle around the Sagabo-Zoogin enclave of the Bawku township.

On Wednesday, two students of the Gambaga College of Education were shot in the Gambaga township in an incident believed to be linked to the ongoing Bawku conflict.

The conflict in Bawku erupted in November 2021 following attempts to install a parallel chief in the area.

Since its resurgence in October 2024, about 73 people, including women and children, have been killed.