Toronto, Canada – A Ghanaian pastor and 14 other individuals have been arrested in Vaughan, Ontario, following a major year-long investigation by York Regional Police into an alleged sophisticated fraud scheme that diverted nearly $100,000 from a Canadian program designed to prevent homelessness.

Isaac Oppong, 38, described as the ringleader and a former pastor at Miracle Arena for All Nations from 2018 to 2025, was arrested alongside Richard Owusu, 27, Christiana Oppong, 41, and 12 other non-Ghanaian suspects. The group faces multiple serious charges, including fraud, identity fraud, laundering proceeds of crime, and conspiracy.

The investigation, dubbed Project Great One, was launched after officials detected several suspicious applications to the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) containing false or misleading information between January and December 2024. Police estimate that approximately $99,600 was fraudulently obtained from the program, which provides emergency housing support to vulnerable people at risk of homelessness. During the probe, officers executed searches on 12 homes and 10 vehicles, uncovering evidence of what they described as a well-organized and sustained operation.

Oppong is alleged to have used his position of trust within the religious community to recruit others into the scheme. The case has sparked concern within both the Ghanaian diaspora and Canadian faith communities, as the funds were intended to support some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. Advocates have warned that such actions erode public trust in social support systems and deprive genuinely needy people of critical assistance.

Police say the investigation remains active, and they have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects or victims coming to light. They have appealed to the public for any information that could help determine the full scale of the alleged fraud.

Brazzaville, Republic of Congo – Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brazzaville to attend the investiture ceremony of re-elected President Denis Sassou N’Guesso, who secured a new five-year term as leader of the Republic of Congo.

Mahama landed in the Congolese capital on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, following a packed schedule in Ghana that included the official launch of his government’s flagship Free Primary Healthcare policy at the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital in Dodowa and the announcement of temporary measures to cushion Ghanaians against rising fuel prices.

The investiture ceremony for President Sassou N’Guesso is scheduled for Thursday morning, after which Mahama is expected to return to Accra.

Sassou N’Guesso, one of Africa’s longest-serving heads of state, has been a dominant figure in Congolese politics for decades. His re-election reinforces continuity in the Central African nation, where he has previously served multiple terms.

The Ghanaian president’s attendance at the event highlights the strong diplomatic and brotherly ties between Ghana and the Republic of Congo, both of which continue to play active roles in advancing Pan-African cooperation, regional stability, and economic integration.

The visit also comes at a time when Ghana is intensifying its engagement with fellow African nations on key development issues, including healthcare access, energy security, and economic resilience.

President Mahama’s participation is seen as a demonstration of solidarity and a reaffirmation of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across the continent.

In a ruling with far-reaching political implications, Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of unlawfully possessing and discharging a firearm in public.

The judgment was delivered by a magistrate court in East London, stemming from a widely circulated 2018 incident in which Malema was filmed firing what appeared to be a rifle into the air during a political rally marking the EFF’s fifth anniversary.

Court Finds Actions Dangerous and Unlawful

Malema, 45, was convicted on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public space, and reckless endangerment. The court concluded that his actions posed a significant risk to public safety and violated South Africa’s firearm regulations.

Presiding Magistrate Twanet Olivier pointed out the broader societal context of gun violence in the country, stating that public figures carry heightened responsibility due to their influence.

Defense Rejected, Appeal Filed

Malema had pleaded not guilty, arguing that the discharge of the firearm was celebratory in nature and not intended to harm. However, the court dismissed this defense after reviewing video evidence and hearing witness testimony.

Prosecutors had sought a harsher penalty of up to 15 years, contending that leniency would send the wrong message—particularly given Malema’s prominence and influence among young supporters.

Following the sentencing, Malema’s legal team moved swiftly to apply for leave to appeal, signaling that the case is likely to proceed to higher courts. If unsuccessful, he could be required to serve the full prison term.

Political Future in Question

Legal analysts note that a prison sentence exceeding 12 months may have serious consequences for Malema’s political career. Under South African constitutional provisions, such a conviction could disqualify him from serving as a Member of Parliament.

The ruling places the EFF, currently South Africa’s fourth-largest political party, in a precarious position, potentially disrupting its leadership structure and electoral strategy.

The charges were initially brought following complaints from AfriForum, which argued that Malema’s actions violated firearm laws and endangered public safety. Malema has consistently maintained that the case is politically motivated.

Broader Implications

Known for his outspoken advocacy of land expropriation without compensation and the nationalization of key industries, Malema remains one of South Africa’s most polarizing political figures. His sentencing is expected to reverberate across the country’s political landscape, particularly as future elections and policy debates approach.

Observers suggest that the outcome of Malema’s appeal—and whether he ultimately serves prison time—could significantly reshape opposition politics in South Africa, influencing both voter sentiment and party dynamics in the months ahead.