Accra, Ghana – March 3, 2026 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has intercepted 1,070 prohibited Chanfang mining machines at the Tema Port in one of the largest single seizures since the government intensified its fight against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.

The operation, executed on March 3, 2026, was the result of months of intelligence-led surveillance and multi-agency collaboration involving customs, security services, and regulatory bodies.

Officials say the machines were concealed in imported containers and destined for a sophisticated syndicate suspected of fueling widespread river and forest destruction across Ghana.

Chanfang machines—small, portable alluvial gold mining equipment—were banned nationwide in October 2025 due to their severe environmental impact. They cause extensive river pollution, heavy siltation, destruction of aquatic ecosystems, and degradation of fertile farmland.

The EPA cited the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504) as the legal basis for the prohibition.

“Although the manufacture and sale of these machines may have created livelihoods for some individuals, their use in riverine mining has resulted in extensive environmental damage, including polluted water bodies, silted rivers, and the loss of aquatic biodiversity,” an EPA statement read.

The seized equipment is now under secure custody pending further investigations. Authorities have vowed to prosecute all individuals and companies linked to the shipment, signaling a broader strategy to target not only on-the-ground operators but also importers, financiers, and logistical facilitators sustaining the illegal mining ecosystem.

The interception aligns with the EPA’s ongoing efforts to restore degraded water bodies. The agency recently deployed ionic nano-copper technology to treat polluted sections of the Birim River in the Eastern Region, at an estimated cost of $200,000 per kilometre.

Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges, contaminating major rivers that supply drinking water to millions. The EPA reiterated its zero-tolerance stance and commitment to dismantling supply chains that enable the entry of banned equipment.

Accra, Ghana – March 3, 2026 – Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that the government is actively preparing for potential large-scale evacuation of citizens from Iran and several Gulf countries following Iran’s missile and drone attacks on US military bases and civilian infrastructure across the region.

In a Facebook post late Tuesday evening, Minister Ablakwa revealed he convened a virtual emergency meeting with Ghana’s Heads of Mission in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Iran, and Turkey to assess the fast-moving crisis and coordinate consular support. He reported that no Ghanaian has been killed or injured to date.

Key actions underway include:

– Creation of a comprehensive database of all Ghanaians in the affected countries, including short-term visitors and transit passengers

– Direct outreach to identify individuals wishing to be evacuated for urgent government consideration

– Active assistance for Ghanaians seeking to exit via strategic border crossings

“The safety and welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the minister stated, closing with “For God and Country.”

The diplomatic push comes as Gulf Arab states—long positioned as neutral commercial and tourism hubs—find themselves directly targeted by Iran’s retaliation against US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Strikes have hit energy facilities, airports, and residential areas in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, shattering the region’s image of stability and prompting widespread airspace closures, flight suspensions, and economic disruption.

The conflict threatens Ghana’s large diaspora in the Gulf (construction workers, domestic staff, students, and businesspeople) whose remittances are vital to the economy.

It also risks driving up global oil and LNG prices, potentially reversing Ghana’s recent single-digit inflation gains and increasing fuel, transport, and living costs.

Ghana’s missions continue to advise nationals to shelter in place, avoid unnecessary movement, register immediately, and monitor official channels. Emergency contacts remain: +233 240 913 284 / +233 240 793 072.

Welcome to our rolling news updates from Ghana, bringing you the latest developments as they break. Check back frequently for new additions as events unfold.

U.S. Embassy in Accra Opens More Than 2,000 Visa Appointment Slots for Short-Term Travellers

The U.S. Embassy in Accra has released over 2,000 new B1/B2 visa appointment slots for short-term travel over the next two weeks, including business, tourism, family visits, and travel related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The move aims to reduce backlogs and accommodate time-sensitive applicants. The embassy urged prospective travellers to book promptly and noted that those with later appointments can reschedule earlier via the official system. High demand for U.S. visas continues in Ghana.
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GH¢1.5bn in Assets Frozen Under ORAL – Kwakye Ofosu Reveals

The Ghanaian government has frozen assets valued at GH¢1.5 billion under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative as part of ongoing investigations into misappropriated public funds. Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu disclosed the figure on March 3, 2026, during parliamentary debates, noting that full recovery of the funds depends on successful prosecution and conviction of implicated individuals. He clarified that the widely reported GH¢600 million figure refers to general recoveries of misappropriated public funds and not amounts secured specifically through ORAL. The revelation underscores the government’s intensified anti-corruption drive.
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Bawumia and Wife Evacuated from Qatar by Ghanaian Embassies as Middle East Tensions Escalate

Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife Samira Bawumia have been safely evacuated from Qatar amid escalating Middle East tensions triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks. The relocation was coordinated by Ghanaian diplomatic missions in the region under direct instructions from Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Embassy officials described the operation as smooth and well-coordinated, with security details withheld for safety reasons. The government continues to monitor and assist all Ghanaians in affected countries.
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2 Suspects Wounded as Bodyguard Foils Attack on Judge’s Home

Two suspected armed robbers were wounded when a police bodyguard assigned to a Court of Appeal judge opened fire in self-defence during an attempted break-in at the judge’s residence in Kumasi late Tuesday night. Patrick Alor (23) and Akwasi Gyamfi (21) scaled the fence armed with cutlasses and scissors and attempted to break into the judge’s vehicle before confronting the bodyguard. Both suspects were shot in the legs, arrested, and rushed to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital where they are in stable condition. The Ashanti Regional Police Command praised the officer’s vigilance and professionalism.
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11 Injured in Head-On Collision on Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway

Eleven people were injured in a head-on collision between an Opel Astra (WR 4860-13) and a Nissan mini-bus (CR 1414-23) at Eduadjei on the Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway around 7:30 p.m. on March 2, 2026. Ten passengers from the mini-bus (eight males and two females) and the Opel driver were rescued and rushed to Elmina Polyclinic. The driver of the Opel Astra was trapped in the wreckage and had to be extricated by fire personnel. Traffic was temporarily disrupted as debris was cleared. Police have launched investigations into the cause of the accident.
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Baba Jamal Promises Ayawaso East Revival After Victory

NDC parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East, Mohammed Baba Jamal (Baba Jamal), has launched a strong campaign message of renewal and transformation following the March 3 by-election. In a post-election statement, he declared “The reset starts now,” vowing to revive the constituency through focused development, youth empowerment, job creation, and improved living standards. Baba Jamal thanked voters for their turnout and support, pledged to work closely with the Mahama administration to deliver on promises, and called for unity among residents to build a brighter future for Ayawaso East.
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NPA Halts Discounted Fuel Pricing by OMCs Effective March 16

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has banned all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) from offering discounted fuel prices below the approved NPA price floor, effective March 16, 2026. The directive aims to enforce uniform pricing, protect revenue collection (especially taxes and levies), and prevent market distortion. OMCs found in violation face sanctions, including licence suspension. The move follows public complaints and industry concerns over unsustainable discounts amid rising global crude prices.
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No Ghanaian Casualties as Govt Activates Middle East Evacuation Plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that no Ghanaian nationals have been reported injured or killed in the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. Speaking on March 3, 2026, he said the government has activated a full emergency evacuation plan for citizens in Iran, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and other affected Gulf states. The Foreign Ministry is coordinating with embassies, airlines, and regional partners to facilitate safe return where possible. Ghanaians in the region are urged to register immediately, shelter in place, and follow official advisories.
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Marketer Remanded for Alleged GH¢13,000 Fraud

A 32-year-old marketer has been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court after being charged with defrauding a businessman of GH¢13,000 under false pretences. The accused allegedly collected the money promising to supply goods but failed to deliver or refund the amount. The case has been adjourned to March 10, 2026, for further hearing and possible plea. Investigations continue.
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Ga Mantse Speaks After His Accident

Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has broken his silence following a recent accident, using the moment to call for unity, peace, and national development. In an emotional address, he recounted the incident, thanked God for his survival, and urged Ghanaians to support President Mahama’s “reset” agenda. The Ga Mantse also spoke about the importance of cultural heritage, youth empowerment, and collective effort toward Ghana’s progress.
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Ex-COCOBOD Chiefs Finally Face Criminal Investigations

Former senior officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) are now under formal criminal investigation over allegations of financial misconduct, procurement irregularities, and abuse of office during their tenure. The probe, confirmed March 3, 2026, follows the revocation of several last-minute appointments and intensified anti-corruption efforts under the current administration. Details of the specific charges and individuals remain limited, but sources indicate the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is leading the case.
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Escaped Ghanaian Prisoner Captured in Viral Video Mocking UK Police

A Ghanaian national who escaped from a UK prison was rearrested after appearing in a viral video mocking British police and boasting about his freedom. The suspect, previously convicted of serious offences, had been on the run until intelligence led to his recapture. UK authorities confirmed the arrest on March 3, 2026, and he is now back in custody facing additional charges related to the escape.
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Check back frequently for new additions as events unfold.