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Dzifa Gomashie Demands Immediate Removal of Illegal Structures Around Ghana’s Forts, Castles

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The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, has called for the immediate removal of unauthorised structures around Ghana’s forts and castles, warning that growing encroachment could undermine efforts to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

Speaking at a symposium on the Korea-Ghana Heritage Project in Accra, Ms Gomashie expressed concern about the increasing number of illegal developments around some of Ghana’s historic monuments.

She noted that several heritage sites were under significant pressure from structures that had been erected within designated buffer zones meant to protect the forts and castles.

According to the Minister, urgent action was needed to clear the affected areas and prevent further encroachment on the country’s heritage assets.

However, she stressed that demolition exercises must be accompanied by meaningful engagement with communities living around the heritage sites.

Ms Gomashie explained that residents would be more likely to support conservation measures if they were properly educated about the historical and cultural importance of the monuments.

She said community engagement was often neglected, making it difficult for residents to understand why government would seek to remove structures around the forts and castles.

The Minister described the level of encroachment at some locations as alarming and said the situation required immediate intervention.

She used a strong expression to highlight the seriousness of the problem, saying: “If I show you pictures of the encroachment on the buffer for the forts and castles, you will join me in doing Aluta.”

Ms Gomashie further emphasised that the protection of Ghana’s heritage sites should not be considered the sole responsibility of government.

She called for stronger cooperation between traditional authorities, local communities, state institutions and other stakeholders to protect the country’s historic sites.

The Minister said a collective approach would be critical to preventing further encroachment and ensuring that Ghana’s forts, castles and other heritage properties are preserved for future generations.

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Police Foil Planned Robbery Attack on Three Banks in Labone; Two Suspects Killed, One Arrested

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The Ghana Police Service has foiled a planned robbery attack targeting three banks in Labone, Accra, resulting in the deaths of two suspected robbers and the arrest of another.

According to the Police, the incident occurred on Thursday, August 13, 2026, after it received intelligence that a robbery syndicate was preparing to attack the GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank, all located in the Labone area.

At about 10:45 a.m., a police team was immediately deployed to the area to intercept the suspected robbers. Upon arrival, the team spotted members of the gang in vehicles parked close to the banks.

The Police said one of the vehicles sped away after the suspects noticed the presence of the security team. Officers pursued the vehicle and successfully arrested one of the occupants, identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi. The other occupant, however, managed to escape.

According to the Police, occupants of the second vehicle also attempted to flee while firing at the officers. The Police engaged the suspects in a shootout, during which two of the suspected robbers were shot dead.

Following the operation, the Police recovered two vehicles believed to have been used by the suspected robbery gang. They were a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS-1434-18 and a Hyundai Tucson with registration number GS 7915-17.

A blow pistol was also recovered from the suspects.

The arrested suspect, Augustine Okechuku Maazi, remains in Police custody and is assisting with investigations. The bodies of the two deceased suspects have been deposited at the morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy.

The Ghana Police Service commended the response team for its swift intervention, which successfully prevented the planned robbery attack on the banks.

The Service also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing credible information that assists the Police in identifying and preventing criminal activities.

The Police said investigations are ongoing, while efforts are expected to continue to apprehend the suspect who escaped from the scene.

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GCB Bank Denies Robbery at Labone Branch, Assures Customers of Safety

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GCB Bank has clarified that no robbery or attempted robbery took place at its Labone Branch in Accra, following reports of a robbery incident in the Labone area.

The bank, in a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, said its Labone branch was neither attacked nor breached during the incident.

“At no point was the branch breached, and no customer, member of staff, funds or property of the Bank was affected,” GCB Bank stated.

The clarification follows an earlier statement by the Ghana Police Service that it had foiled a robbery attempt at the GCB Bank in Labone on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

According to the Police, the operation resulted in two suspected robbers being shot dead, while another suspect was arrested.

The development led to reports linking the incident to the GCB Bank Labone Branch, prompting the bank to issue a clarification on the circumstances.

GCB Bank, however, stressed that the alleged robbery did not take place at its branch or on any of its premises.

The bank assured customers that the Labone Branch remains secure and that they can continue conducting their banking transactions with confidence.

GCB further stated that it takes the safety and security of its customers, employees and facilities seriously and continues to maintain robust security measures across its network.

The bank added that it remains in contact with the relevant authorities and will continue to monitor developments regarding the incident.

GCB Bank concluded by reassuring its customers and stakeholders that the institution remains safe, secure and fully committed to serving them.

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Deadly Ofankor Road Crash Claims Several Lives, Leaves 19 Injured

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A deadly road crash at Ofankor in the Ga North Municipal Assembly at the early hours of Thursday, August 13, 2026, has claimed several lives and left at least 19 people critically injured.

According to eyewitness reports shared with Maurice Otoo of Kessben Digital, the accident occurred after a trailer allegedly crashed into a tricycle rider, killing the rider instantly before the driver reportedly fled the scene.

A police officer who witnessed the incident was managing traffic at the scene to prevent further accidents.
The situation reportedly escalated when a tipper truck stopped behind the tricycle and was followed by a Sprinter bus. An allegedly speeding tipper truck coming from behind crashed into the already-packed Sprinter bus, forcing it into the first tipper truck.

A subsequent oncoming vehicle also crashed into the wreckage, resulting in a multiple-vehicle collision that reportedly claimed several lives and left others seriously injured.

At least 19 victims were reportedly transported to the Ga North Municipal Hospital for emergency treatment, while other casualties were conveyed to the Police Hospital Mortuary for further investigations and identification.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Ga North, Hon. Akweley Agbo, disclosed in an interview at the scene that his attention was drawn to the incident while he was in Koforidua attending an official meeting involving MCEs from the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions.
He said arrangements had been made to provide health support to the victims, including possible referrals to other health facilities where necessary, in an effort to save lives.

Expressing concern over the scale of the tragedy, the MCE said, judging from the circumstances surrounding the crash, some of the victims were likely breadwinners for their families and extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
He also urged motorists and other road users to exercise extreme caution, obey traffic regulations and maintain discipline on the roads to prevent further loss of lives.

The exact number of fatalities is yet to be officially confirmed as investigations into the accident continue.

By Maurice Otoo

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Interior Ministry Condemns Assault in Police Custody, Orders Probe Into Custody Breach

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The Ministry of the Interior has strongly condemned the assault of an arrested person while in police custody and has directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Ministry said it had taken note of the incident and expressed particular concern that it occurred following statements attributed to persons on both sides of a religious dispute, including calls for violence against individuals considered to have offended religious sensitivities.

The Ministry unequivocally condemned such statements, stressing that there is no justification for inciting violence against Christians, Muslims or any other person based on religion.

It also made clear that no allegation of a breach of the law, regardless of how serious it may be, gives anyone the right to assault a suspect who is in police custody.

According to the Ministry, every arrested person is under the protection of the State and is entitled to the protection of the law.

The Ministry further expressed serious concern over the circumstances under which civilians gained access to the person while he was in custody.

Consequently, the Minister for the Interior has directed the IGP to investigate how the civilians gained access to the arrested person and identify any police personnel who may have facilitated, permitted or acquiesced in the breach of custody.

The IGP has also been instructed to take appropriate disciplinary action against any police officer found culpable.

In addition, the police have been directed to identify, arrest and investigate the civilians involved in the assault in accordance with the law.

The Minister has further ordered an investigation into the conduct of all supervising officers who were directly responsible for the custody and supervision of the persons involved. Where any supervising officer is found culpable, appropriate disciplinary action is to be taken in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures.

The Ministry has also directed the police to deal with all persons arrested in connection with the incidents strictly in accordance with the law and without fear or favour.

The Ministry reiterated that its position is clear: religious incitement, religious violence and the unlawful assault of persons in custody have no place in Ghana.

It stressed that no religious belief, personal grievance or any other consideration places anyone above the law.

The Ministry said it remains committed to maintaining public order, protecting the rights of persons in custody and promoting the peaceful coexistence of citizens of all faiths and backgrounds.

The statement was issued by the Public Affairs and Communications Unit of the Ministry of the Interior. The Ministry’s official release was dated August 13, 2026.

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11 Dead, 13 Injured in Ofankor-Pokuase Crash – GNFS Confirms

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The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that 11 people have died and 13 others sustained injuries in a multiple-vehicle accident on the Ofankor-Pokuase stretch of the Accra–Kumasi Highway.

The crash occurred at about 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, between the Ofankor Barrier and the John Teye enclave, and involved a total of 24 people.

The incident reportedly involved a tipper truck and a Sprinter bus, with the collision leaving the bus severely damaged and several passengers trapped in the wreckage.

Emergency responders were deployed to the scene to rescue the victims and provide immediate assistance. The injured were subsequently transported to various hospitals for medical treatment.

ADO1 Alex King Nartey of the GNFS said rescue personnel worked to extricate victims from the mangled vehicle and evacuate those requiring urgent medical attention.

A female passenger was among those rescued after reportedly suffering severe injuries, including the loss of both legs.

The accident also disrupted traffic along the busy highway, as a portion of the road was temporarily restricted to allow emergency personnel to conduct rescue operations.

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