Welcome to our carefully curated stories from across news platforms in Ghana. Happy reading!

1. NACOC Raises Alarm Over Rising Drug Abuse Among SHS Students, Links Trend to Indiscipline

The Ashanti Regional Office of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has expressed serious concern over the increasing rate of illicit drug abuse among Senior High School (SHS) students, warning that it is fuelling indiscipline in schools. NACOC’s Regional Commander, Samuel Yebua, noted that substance use is negatively affecting student behaviour and creating significant challenges for teachers and counsellors.

Ahead of World Drug Day, NACOC organised a seminar for guidance counsellors and teachers in the Ashanti Region to equip them with skills to identify, manage, and support students struggling with addiction. Participants highlighted the role of social media, especially TikTok, in promoting drug use among youth. Read the full story here

2. Muntaka: Sedina Tamakloe is in Prison Custody, Not a Private Facility

Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak has firmly stated that convicted former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu is in lawful prison custody under the Ghana Prisons Service and not in any private facility. He dismissed allegations of special treatment, emphasising that she is serving her sentence like any other inmate.

The minister cited security reasons for not disclosing her exact location publicly and urged the public to follow formal procedures through the Prisons Service for any legitimate inquiries or visits. Read the full story here

3. Ghanaian British Airways Pilot Jailed for Raping 12-Year-Old Girl

A 30-year-old Ghanaian-British Airways pilot, Kwame Yeboah, has been sentenced to eight years and four months in prison in the UK for raping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl he met on Instagram. Yeboah, who worked as a First Officer, groomed the victim after she initially claimed to be 17, before travelling to meet her and committing the offences.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of rape of a girl under 13 and one count of sexual assault. The court imposed a 15-year restraining order. The case has shocked many in the Ghanaian diaspora. Read the full story here

4. Ghana’s Adrian Boafo Wins Democratic Primary, Set to Join US Congress

32-year-old Ghanaian-American Adrian Boafo has won the Democratic Party primary for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, positioning him to become a member of the US House of Representatives. Born in Maryland to Ghanaian immigrant parents, Boafo defeated competitors with strong backing from prominent Democrats including retiring Congressman Steny Hoyer and Governor Wes Moore.

Boafo, a former Bowie City Council member and Maryland State Delegate, vowed to fight for working families, mental health services, and economic opportunities. He will face the general election in November. Read the full story here

5. Interior Ministry Moves to Disarm Private Security Guards Using Personal Gun Permits

The Interior Ministry is taking steps to disarm private security guards who carry firearms obtained through personal gun permits, describing the practice as an abuse of the licensing regime. Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak revealed that many private security companies exploit outdated laws by having staff acquire guns individually for “personal protection” and then using them on duty.

He stressed that private security firms have no legal mandate to bear arms and announced measures to identify and correct such cases. Only police are authorised to carry firearms in such roles. Read the full story here

6. GHS Sets Up Probe Committee as Search Continues for Missing Baby in Salaga

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Savannah Region has established a seven-member committee to investigate the disappearance of a newborn at the East Gonja Municipal Hospital in Salaga. The committee will examine procedural lapses and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.

Staff involved have been interdicted and are facing criminal prosecution. The GHS appealed to the public for information while directing health facilities to remain vigilant. Read the full story here

7. GUTA Calls on PURC to Suspend New Tariff Increases Immediately

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has urged the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to immediately suspend the new electricity (3.49%) and water (0.85%) tariff increases scheduled for July 1, 2026. GUTA described the justifications — exchange rate, inflation, and fuel costs — as insufficient and untenable.

The association argued that recent fuel price drops and minimal cedi depreciation do not warrant the hikes and called for broader stakeholder consultation. Read the full story here

Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested the lead shipper in a sophisticated international drug trafficking syndicate behind the interception of 320 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in charcoal and destined for Australia, as authorities vow to prevent the country from being declared a “narco-state”.

The arrest, announced on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, marks a significant breakthrough in an ongoing investigation into the record-breaking haul, which carries an estimated street value of US$296 million. The drugs were traced to a storage facility in Girraween, Australia, in April 2026, leading to a coordinated, intelligence-led operation spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Three-month manhunt ends in breakthrough

NACOC investigators, working alongside the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) and international partners, spent three months conducting round-the-clock surveillance to track down the suspect. The operation involved officers working tirelessly, often sleeping out for several nights, to gather vital intelligence on the transnational criminal network.

“This arrest is a significant breakthrough in unmasking the syndicate responsible for moving and diverting the record-breaking haul,” the Commission stated in a release signed by PNCO Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations.

NACOC investigators are currently working alongside international partners to track down remaining suspects believed to be part of a wider, multi-jurisdictional network.

International dimension and celebrity link

The case has drawn international attention following the arrest of a 34-year-old British actress, Emaa Hussen, who has appeared in an EastEnders spin-off and a Jason Statham movie. She has been charged in Sydney for her alleged role in supervising the unpacking of the drugs.

Australian authorities have already charged three individuals in connection with the shipment, which was ingeniously concealed in bags of charcoal and shipped from Ghana to Sydney’s Port Botany.

Ghana’s fight against the ‘narco-state’ label

The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of Ghana’s role in international drug trafficking. NACOC’s Director-General, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, has made it clear that Ghana will not be declared a “narco-state”, signalling the government’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and pursuing all individuals involved, regardless of their position or institutional affiliation.

“This arrest provides vital intelligence as we work to identify and apprehend additional members of this global criminal network,” the Commission said. “The Commission remains committed to collaborating with international partners to safeguard the region from the influence of large-scale drug trafficking organizations.”

Drug destruction underscores enforcement commitment

The arrest was announced during NACOC’s annual drug destruction exercise, where over 9.6 tons of seized narcotic drugs were destroyed. The event provided a broader context for Ghana’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse, demonstrating the government’s zero-tolerance approach to narcotics.

More arrests expected

Authorities have warned that further arrests are expected as intelligence-led operations intensify across multiple jurisdictions.

“This arrest marks a pivotal moment in a coordinated international effort to dismantle the sophisticated transnational syndicate. This development is a critical step in our ongoing mission to disrupt high-level narcotics trafficking,” the Commission stated.

The case underscores the growing sophistication of drug trafficking networks operating across West Africa and the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime. As Ghana continues to strengthen its enforcement capabilities, authorities are sending a clear message: the country will not become a haven for drug cartels.

We have carefully curated the biggest stories from Ghana, offering our global audience a clear snapshot of key developments dominating conversations.

Resolute Black Stars Hold England to Goalless Draw, Edge Closer to Round of 32

Ghana’s Black Stars produced a disciplined defensive masterclass to hold favourites England to a 0-0 draw in their second Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Boston. Despite England dominating possession, the Black Stars remained compact and difficult to break down, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare making crucial saves.

The result puts Ghana on four points from two matches, placing them second in the group behind England. A draw in Panama vs Croatia later on Tuesday could mathematically secure Ghana’s place in the Round of 32 ahead of their final group game against Croatia. Coach Carlos Queiroz praised his players’ resilience and commitment. Read the full story here

Chinese Bid for Atlantic Lithium Puts Ghana’s Local Ownership Model at Ewoyaa to the Test

A proposed $210 million takeover of Atlantic Lithium by Chinese firm Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt has raised concerns about Ghana’s local participation goals at the Ewoyaa Lithium Project. The deal could lead to the delisting of Atlantic Lithium from the Ghana Stock Exchange and affect the Minerals Income Investment Fund’s (MIIF) stake.

The original mining lease included provisions for a 13% state free carried interest, MIIF equity, and a mandatory listing on the GSE to promote direct Ghanaian ownership. Regulators are expected to scrutinise the transaction to ensure it aligns with national interests and local content objectives. Read the full story here

Adwoa Safo Breaks Silence on Shooting Incident, Denies Carrying or Firing a Gun

Former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo has strongly denied allegations that she carried or fired a gun during the shooting incident at her brother Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena’s residence. Speaking from her hospital bed, she insisted she visited solely as a family member to serve a court injunction and does not own or use firearms.

Medical examinations reportedly revealed bullet pellets and shattered glass lodged near her brain. The incident is linked to a bitter succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission. Police investigations continue following the arrests of Akofena and two others. Read the full story here

Should Ghana Have Been Awarded a Penalty Against England?

Debate continues over whether Ghana should have been awarded a late penalty in their 0-0 draw against England. Prince Adu appeared to be brought down in the box by Ezri Konsa, who made contact with the player but not the ball.

BBC pundits including Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, and former referee Darren Cann largely agreed it was a clear penalty and possible red card. Questions have also been raised about why VAR did not intervene. Read the full story here

‘World Cup Points Are Expensive’ – Queiroz Celebrates Ghana’s Hard-Earned Draw with England

Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has described Ghana’s goalless draw against England as a valuable achievement, stating that “points are very expensive” at the World Cup. He praised his players’ discipline and work rate while noting that Ghana could have won the game, citing a clear penalty claim on Prince Adu.

The result keeps Ghana unbeaten and well-positioned in Group L with four points. Queiroz emphasised the sacrifices and commitment required to earn results at this level. Read the full story here