A decade after first bringing Street View to the “Gateway to Africa,” Google has returned with its most ambitious imagery update yet, deploying next-generation camera technology to offer the world a sharper, more vivid digital window into Ghana’s urban hubs and historic coastlines.

Announced on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the major expansion provides deeper and broader coverage across Ghana’s largest cities, national highways, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and scenic nature reserves.

The tech giant aims to keep Google Maps fresh and comprehensive while making the country’s rich cultural tapestry globally accessible via a mobile device or desktop computer.

“We are thrilled to share a major imagery update across Ghana, featuring an expanded coverage of the country’s bustling cities, national highways, and historic heritage sites,” said Cynthia Wei, Street View Program Manager at Google.

From Kejetia Market to Coastal Forts

The latest refresh allows users to stroll through the vibrant streets of Accra and Kumasi digitally. Urban explorers can now view the striking, ship-like architecture of the National Theatre of Ghana, navigate the sprawling, colorful stalls of Kumasi’s famous Kejetia Market, or take a virtual tour outside iconic athletic venues like the Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Stadium.

Beyond city centers, the imagery charts major highways, allowing users to virtually drive the N10 north through Tamale or follow the N12 and N2 highways to explore the eastern and western regions. Utilizing Google’s upgraded, ultra-portable camera systems, the update brings sharper colors and crisper imaging to the app.

The expansion also shines a spotlight on Ghana’s rich historical and natural heritage. International users can now take a virtual journey to the coast to explore the historic forts lining the Gulf of Guinea—including designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Inland, near Kumasi, the imagery captures the unique architecture of the traditional Asante buildings, offering a glimpse into the legacy of the great Asante Empire.

Eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts will also benefit, as the update traces eco-friendly paths along major river systems—including the Volta River—and provides virtual tours of botanical gardens, nature reserves, and the pristine beaches stretching across Ghana’s southern coast.

A Commitment to Deeper Coastal Coverage

To mark this milestone, Google brought its latest ultra-portable, high-resolution Street View camera to the country in 2026. Perry Nelson, Site Lead for Google Ghana, invited users to dive in, stating:

“Head over to Google Maps, drop the Pegman, and start your virtual journey today.”

Looking ahead, Google has prioritized deepening its footprint along the coast. The immediate goal is to transform single highway lines into detailed, granular city views for culturally rich coastal hubs like Cape Coast and Takoradi.

To access the new imagery, users can simply open Google Maps. On a desktop browser, they can drag and drop the yellow Pegman icon onto blue-highlighted roads. On mobile devices, users can zoom in, drop a red pin on a specific location, and tap the resulting photo thumbnail to enter Street View.

The update transforms Google Maps into a powerful tool for global travelers, historians, and armchair explorers, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the vibrant heart of West Africa.

To activate Google Street View, simply open Google Maps, search for a location, and look for the Street View imagery by using the methods below:

On a Computer (Web Browser) Search for a location or address on maps.google.com.

1. Click the small yellow Pegman icon in the bottom-right corner.
2. The map will highlight all available Street View areas in blue lines or dots.
3. Drag and drop Pegman onto a blue-highlighted road to enter Street View.
4. On a Smartphone or Tablet (iOS & Android)

Open the Google Maps app and search for a place.

1. Zoom in on the map until you find the exact street you want to see.
2. Tap and hold on the map to drop a red pin.
3. A small photo thumbnail of the location will pop up (usually in the bottom-left or top-left corner).
4. Tap the thumbnail to enter Street View.

Alternatively, in the mobile app, you can tap the Layers icon (the stacked squares at the top right) and select Street View to highlight all accessible roads in blue.

We have carefully curated the most relevant stories from across Ghana for our audience, home and abroad. Happy reading!

NACOC Launches Investigation into 320kg Methamphetamine Seizure Linked to Ghana

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has initiated a full-scale investigation following the interception of approximately 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine in Australia. The drugs, valued at around A$296 million, were concealed in two shipping containers declared as charcoal originating from Ghana. Australian authorities have charged three individuals in connection with the massive bust.

NACOC stated it is working closely with local and international partners to trace the shipment’s origins, identify local networks, and dismantle any transnational syndicates using Ghana as a transit or source point. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to preventing Ghana’s territory from being exploited for drug trafficking. Read the full story here

NACOC Raids Central University: 5 Students in Custody Over Cannabis-Infused Products

Five students of Central University are in NACOC custody following a raid on campus over the alleged production and sale of cannabis-infused ice cream, sobolo, toffees, pepper, eggs, and raw cannabis. The arrests occurred during activities linked to the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Week.

University management has suspended remaining SRC Week events, confirmed full cooperation with authorities, and urged calm while investigations continue. NACOC has warned students against involvement in drug-related activities on campuses. Read the full story here

Floods Submerge Communities in Central Region; Taxi Swept Away in Moree

Torrential rains have caused severe flooding in several communities across the Central Region, including parts of the Cape Coast Metropolis, Abura-Aseibu-Kwamankese, and Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem. Key institutions such as the Ankaful Prison and Doribabs School Complex were affected, while the N1 Highway experienced massive gridlock.

In Moree, a taxi with two occupants was swept away by floodwaters but the occupants were rescued by residents. Commuters were stranded for hours, with many forced to wade through floodwaters on foot. Residents are calling for urgent drainage improvements. Read the full story here

Parts of University of Cape Coast Flooded After Heavy Rains

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has issued a safety advisory after heavy rainfall on June 19, 2026, flooded several areas on campus. Affected locations include Avenue Circle (Science Roundabout), the Zenith Bank area, the rear of the Sandwich Lecture Theatre, Ayensu, and portions of Sasakawa Road.

The university urged students, staff, and the public to avoid the flooded zones until conditions improve. The flooding is part of broader heavy rainfall affecting many parts of the country. Read the full story here

Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang Engages Ghanaian Community in Toronto

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang engaged members of the Ghanaian community in Toronto, Canada, conveying warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama. She provided updates on key government programmes and national development priorities.

The engagement highlighted the government’s commitment to the diaspora and national progress. Read the full story here

Two Killed in Gun Battle as Police Dismantle Armed Robbery Syndicate in Kumasi

Two suspected armed robbers were killed in a shootout with police during a two-day operation that dismantled a vehicle-snatching syndicate in the Ashanti South Region. The operation led to the arrest of the gang leader, William Opoku (aka “Father Blessing”), who confessed to multiple robberies.

Police recovered exhibits and are pursuing remaining suspects. The operation targeted activities around Anwiankwanta, Ahwia, and parts of Kumasi. Read the full story here

Mahama Sets Up Three Global Panels on Reparations

President John Dramani Mahama has established three global panels to advance the next phase of reparatory justice following the adoption of UN Resolution A/RES/80/250. The panels are: the Global Advisory Panel on Reparatory Justice, the Expert Panel on the Restitution of Cultural Artefacts, and the Global Legal Panel on Reparatory Justice.

Prominent figures including Presidents of Namibia, Liberia, and Senegal, and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley are involved. The panels will focus on strategic guidance, cultural restitution, and legal pathways. Read the full story here

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a resolute call for the international community to move beyond symbolic declarations and construct a practical, actionable global framework for reparatory justice.

The appeal came during his opening address on Wednesday at the Next Steps High Level Consultative Conference in Accra.

The high-level summit convenes less than three months after a landmark diplomatic victory for Ghana: the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES 80/250, which officially recognizes the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.

That resolution followed a vigorous diplomatic campaign Ghana launched at the UN General Assembly in September 2025.

Addressing world leaders, institutional representatives, and civil society delegates, President Mahama stated that the conference must produce a practical international roadmap, not merely a diplomatic statement.

“Our objective over the next few days is not simply to exchange views. It is intended to lay the foundations for a practical international roadmap,” he stated.

According to the President, this roadmap must be comprehensive, spanning truth-telling initiatives, academic research, educational curricula, memorialization efforts, and the critical restitution of cultural heritage. He also stressed the necessity of establishing legal pathways and forging meaningful partnerships between Africa, the global diaspora, and the wider international community.

“Recognition creates responsibility,” Mahama told the assembly, underscoring that the enduring socio-economic consequences of centuries of enslavement demand thoughtful, coordinated, and sustained international engagement.

He argued that translating the UN’s groundbreaking resolution into tangible action is both urgent and necessary.

To operationalize this vision, the President announced the establishment of three global panels intended to anchor the next phase of the effort. These panels will be tasked with: providing strategic guidance on the overarching reparatory justice agenda; overseeing the restitution of cultural artifacts held in foreign institutions; and developing legal approaches consistent with international law and human dignity. He further noted that senior officials and technical experts have already drafted a preliminary framework to steer the conference discussions.

Crucially, Mahama positioned the African diaspora as indispensable actors in this process. He referred to descendants of enslaved individuals not as mere observers, but as primary “right holders” whose historical experiences, community knowledge, and contemporary aspirations must fundamentally shape the path forward.

Grounding the historical urgency in geography, the President drew attention to Ghana’s iconic coastal landmarks. He noted that the castles and dungeons of Elmina, Cape Coast, Assin Manso, and Osu—just a short distance from the conference venue—stand as visceral reminders of the transatlantic system.

“Not too far from where we are gathered today stand castles, dungeons, and the doors of no return through which countless Africans passed before disappearing over the horizon,” he reminded the delegates.

In his closing remarks, Mahama challenged the international community to view the conference as a turning point. He urged attendees to choose truth over denial, partnership over indifference, and justice over delay. “Let them say that when history called upon our generation to act, we stood up and we answered with courage,” he said, emphasizing that future generations will judge this era not by the resolutions passed, but by the tangible progress achieved.

The three-day consultative conference in Accra is expected to produce a durable framework aimed at bridging Africa, its diaspora, and the global community in a unified effort to address historical injustices.