Ghana News
Ghana News Live Blog: Catch up on Key Updates
Welcome to Tuesday, February 3, 2026’s rolling news update from Ghana News Global—your trusted source for timely news reports in Ghana. Refresh the page for new additions as events unfold.
Speaker Initiates Probe Into Post-December 7 Public Sector Worker Dismissals
Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament has moved to investigate concerns surrounding the dismissal of public sector workers after December 7. The move comes amid growing public scrutiny over how employment separations were handled following the 2024 general elections. The Speaker’s action signals parliamentary oversight on administrative decisions affecting workers’ rights and public sector employment stability.
Read More: https://www.myjoyonline.com/speaker-moves-to-probe-post-december-7-public-sector-workers-dismissal/
KNUST Senior Staff Association Joins Nationwide Strike, Calls for Government Action
The Senior Staff Association at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has joined wider calls for a nationwide strike, urging the government to address longstanding grievances. The union cited unresolved issues tied to working conditions and welfare benefits. The development adds to labour tensions across the country as public sector unions seek government responsiveness to their demands.
Read More: https://www.myjoyonline.com/knust-senior-staff-association-joins-nationwide-strike-calls-on-govt-to-address-grievances/
Minority Presses Mahama to Appoint Substantive Defence and Environment Ministers
Ghana’s Parliamentary Minority has intensified pressure on President John Dramani Mahama to appoint permanent ministers for the Ministries of Defence and Environment. The call follows the tragic deaths of the previous ministers in a helicopter crash, leaving the positions temporarily filled on an acting basis. Minority lawmakers argue that substantive leadership is critical for national security and environmental governance.
Read More: https://www.myjoyonline.com/minority-presses-mahama-to-appoint-substantive-defence-and-environment-ministers/
Plan Announced to Rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport
The Ghanaian government has announced intentions to rename the country’s premier airport, Kotoka International Airport, to Accra International Airport. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga revealed plans to present a bill to Parliament as part of broader efforts to reflect national identity and democratic values in public infrastructure names. The proposal is expected to spark public discussion once introduced legislatively.
Read More: https://www.myjoyonline.com/kotoka-international-airport-to-be-renamed-accra-international-airport-majority-leader/
Driver Shot Dead, Assistant Critically Injured in Ambush at Awutu
A bloody ambush in the Awutu Kwame Whettey Forest has left a 25-year-old excavator driver dead and his assistant critically injured. Unknown gunmen on a motorbike opened fire as the workers were preparing access for a quarry project in the Central Region. Police have launched investigations and tightened security in the area, while community leaders have urged authorities to ensure justice and protection for workers.
Read More: https://www.myjoyonline.com/driver-shot-dead-assistant-critically-injured-in-bloody-ambush-at-awutu/
Ghanaian Man in Denmark Reportedly Commits Suicide After DNA Test Results
A Ghanaian man residing in Denmark has reportedly taken his own life following the revelation of DNA test results that allegedly showed he was not the biological father of children he had been raising. The tragic incident has sparked renewed discussions among the Ghanaian diaspora about the emotional and psychological impact of paternity disputes, particularly when revealed through DNA testing. Community leaders in Denmark have called for increased mental health support and counselling services for Ghanaians abroad facing similar family crises. Read more: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghanaian-man-in-Denmark-reportedly-commits-suicide-after-DNA-test-results-2019975
President Mahama Urges West African Unity to Combat Rising Terrorism and Global Isolation
President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger regional unity among West African nations to effectively counter escalating terrorism and violent extremism while resisting increasing global isolation. Speaking at the close of the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security in Accra, the President emphasized collective action, shared intelligence, and a human security approach addressing root causes such as food insecurity, healthcare gaps, education deficits, and climate change impacts. He stressed that no single country can address these threats alone and urged ECOWAS member states to strengthen multilateral frameworks. Read more: https://isd.gov.gh/president-mahama-urges-west-african-unity-to-combat-rising-terrorism-and-global-isolation/
Foreign Affairs Ministry Refutes False Claims Over Death of Ghanaian Student in Latvia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has dismissed as false and misleading social media claims that the Ghanaian government is not taking action in the death of student Nana Agyei Ahyia in Latvia. In a statement, the Ministry confirmed that Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is currently in Latvia leading a six-member delegation—including forensic experts and family representatives—to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. The Ministry reiterated its full commitment to ensuring justice, transparency, and support for the family, and urged the public to rely on official channels for accurate updates. Read more: https://isd.gov.gh/foreign-affairs-ministry-refutes-false-claims-over-death-of-ghanaian-student-in-latvia/
Winning Back Trust Is the Bigger Battle – Oppong-Nkrumah After Bawumia Victory
Former Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has described the task ahead for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as “winning back trust” after his victory in the NPP presidential primary. Speaking on JoyNews, Oppong-Nkrumah said the NPP must now focus on rebuilding public confidence, addressing governance concerns, and demonstrating that the party has learned from the 2024 election loss. He described the primary outcome as a “fresh start” and urged party unity while acknowledging that regaining voter trust would be the greater challenge ahead of 2028. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/winning-back-trust-is-the-bigger-battle-oppong-nkrumah-after-bawumia-victory/
Surge in Marijuana Trafficking and Possession in Ghana – NACOC Details
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has raised the alarm over a significant increase in marijuana trafficking and possession across Ghana. In a statement, NACOC attributed the surge to growing local cultivation, cross-border smuggling routes, and rising domestic demand. The Commission revealed that recent operations have led to multiple arrests and seizures, particularly in the Volta, Western, and Ashanti regions. NACOC urged the public to report suspicious activities and stressed the need for stronger community involvement and international cooperation to disrupt supply chains.
Read more: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Why-there-is-a-surge-in-marijuana-trafficking-and-possession-in-Ghana-NACOC-details-2019974
Ghanaian Nurse in Court for Alleged UK Visa Fraud
A Ghanaian nurse appeared before an Accra court charged with visa fraud after allegedly submitting falsified documents to secure a UK work visa. The accused is said to have presented fake employment letters and bank statements to the British High Commission. The case is part of a broader crackdown on visa-related offences involving Ghanaian health professionals seeking opportunities abroad. Prosecutors say the nurse faces charges of forgery, fraud, and deception. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing.
Read more: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghanaian-nurse-in-court-for-alleged-UK-visa-fraud-2019968
Refresh the page for new additions as events unfold.
Ghana News
Russian Embassy Criticized for “Empty” Statement on Viral Exploitation Videos involving Citizen
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ghana has issued a brief statement in the wake of widespread public anger and social media uproar over allegations that Russian nationals are luring young Ghanaian women into filmed sexual encounters for online distribution without consent.
The release posted on X on February 16, 2026, fails to condemn the alleged exploitation, non-consensual recording, and distribution of intimate material by its nationals.
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Ghana has taken note of the reports in the Ghanaian media on the alleged involvement of a supposedly Russian citizen engaged in sexual activities with some Ghanaian women and recorded those acts without consent,” the post read.
The response comes after days of viral outrage on X, TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups, where screenshots, testimonies, and alleged links to explicit content prompted hashtags such as #ProtectGhanaianWomen and #StopTheRussianScheme.
MP Sam George, chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection, has announced Ghana’s intent to pursue extradition if the primary suspect.
Responses on X
Responses to the post have been stronly worded. One person posted:
“Never trust those Russian scum. They throw African men into their war as cannon fodder & treat African women like disposable sex toys. Pure racist evil. Predators, not partners. WAKE UP AFRICA.”
Another asked:
“Any action taken?”
Another asked:
“So after taking the note, what next?”
Ghanaian authorities have disclosed they will pursue extradition proceedings against the man, said to have left Ghana.
The decision was announced by Member of Parliament Sam George on February 13, 2026, following weeks of public outrage over the alleged scheme.
According to Sam George — who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection — the suspect is believed to be a Russian national who used dating apps and social media to target young Ghanaian women, particularly students and professionals in Accra and other urban centres.
Victims were reportedly lured with promises of money, gifts or relationships, only to discover later that explicit videos were uploaded to adult websites and shared in private groups, often leading to blackmail, humiliation and threats.
A now-viral video purports to show the Russian national who previously gained attention in Ghana for controversial secret videos being arrested in Tokyo.
The video captures the man often identified in online reports by the username “Yaytsesl” being handcuffed and his rights being read to him by a Japanese law enforcement officer.
Arrest captured in partially verified video
The partially blurred footage circulating online shows Japanese police officers informing the man of his rights to remain silent in English while placing him under arrest.
In the video, officers say they had reviewed his online content before taking action.
The man is heard responding that he had never been arrested before and asking what personal items he would be allowed to bring.
The authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified.
Background: online activity linked to Ghana controversy
The suspect had drawn international attention after posting videos involving escapes with women in Kenya and Ghana that sparked widespread backlash.
The content allegedly included exploitative online material tied to vulnerable individuals, which triggered outrage among social media users and prompted calls for investigation.
Ghanaian authorities later confirmed they were aware of the situation and had initiated inquiries into the man’s activities while he was in the country. Officials indicated they were cooperating with international partners as part of broader investigations.
Reports from African and Russian media described the man as a self-proclaimed “pick-up artist” and online blogger in his 30s who travelled to Ghana and other African countries, where he allegedly recorded interactions with women without their knowledge.
Media outlets in both regions also alleged that he used sunglasses equipped with a hidden camera to capture some of the encounters and later shared the footage on social media, although authorities have not officially confirmed these claims.
Cross-border legal implications
Japanese police have not publicly disclosed the exact charges, but the arrest, if confirmed, highlights how digital activity can lead to international law enforcement action. Authorities reportedly acted after reviewing evidence linked to his online conduct.
The case has also sparked debate in Ghana about online exploitation, digital regulation, and the protection of vulnerable populations in the age of social media.
In Ghana, under the Cybersecurity Act 2020, the law punishes those who share nude photos or videos online, especially of women and children, often for revenge or blackmail.
Several Ghanaian traders are feared dead after a truck carrying tomato merchants from Ghana was attacked by suspected terrorists in Titao, Burkina Faso, on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
In an official statement issued on February 14, 2026, Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior and National Security described the incident as “disturbing,” reflecting the gravity of the situation, but kept its lips tight about casualties.
The release, signed by Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka (MP), stated that the vehicle transporting the traders was caught in the terrorist attack in the northern Burkinabè town of Titao, near the Ghana border.
“The Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso is liaising with the officials of Burkina Faso to visit the attack site for details and identification of Ghanaians caught in the attack,” the statement read. “Further details would be communicated to the public.”
While no official casualty figures have been released by Ghanaian or Burkinabè authorities as of February 15, 2026, and the identities of those affected remain unconfirmed, reports on social media, where the news about the attack first broke, suggest at least seven of the traders hit have died.
The attack took place in a region of Burkina Faso that has seen frequent jihadist incursions by groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates operating in the Sahel.
Cross-border trade in agricultural goods, especially tomatoes, onions, and other perishables, is a major economic lifeline for communities on both sides of the Ghana-Burkina Faso frontier. However, escalating insecurity in northern Burkina Faso has increasingly disrupted commercial movements, raised insurance costs, and threatened livelihoods.
The Ministry’s prompt public communication reflects growing concern over the safety of Ghanaian nationals operating in volatile border areas. Ghanaian consular officials are expected to provide further updates as more information emerges from the joint site visit.
Russian Embassy Criticized for “Empty” Statement on Viral Exploitation Videos involving Citizen
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