A suspected yam thief has been shot dead at Abongo No. 1 in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region after allegedly attempting to steal yams from a local farm.

The incident reportedly occurred around midnight on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

According to preliminary information, the deceased was allegedly caught on a farmer’s land while attempting to steal a sack of yams. The farmer is alleged to have opened fire during the incident, fatally wounding the suspect.

Following the shooting, the farmer, identified by community sources as 35-year-old Kwabena Badam, voluntarily reported himself to the Dambai Divisional Police Command. He was immediately taken into custody and is currently assisting investigators with inquiries into the incident.

Residents say the farmer had previously raised concerns about persistent theft of food crops from his farm. According to sources, he had reported several incidents of crop theft to the police, expressing frustration over the repeated losses before the fatal shooting occurred.

The Assembly Member for the Kwame-Akura East Electoral Area, Hon. Philip Kwadwo Bidaba, confirmed that he received a telephone call in the early hours of Saturday informing him that a suspected yam thief had been shot dead in the community.

Speaking about the incident, Hon. Bidaba said he immediately travelled to the Dambai Police Station, where police officers informed him that the alleged shooter had already surrendered and was in custody.

He further disclosed that after news of the incident spread, several residents gathered at the police station in an attempt to identify the deceased. According to him, he appealed to the police to allow the body bag to be opened so that community members could assist in identifying the deceased. However, the police declined the request, explaining that the body would remain sealed pending the necessary investigative procedures.

The body was later transported by police officers to the Worawora Government Hospital Mortuary in the Biakoye District for preservation and an autopsy. The Assembly Member and relatives of the arrested farmer accompanied the police during the transfer.

Police have not officially released the identity of the deceased, as formal identification is yet to be completed. Likewise, authorities have not officially confirmed the identity of the farmer, despite his name circulating within the community, as investigations remain ongoing.

The Dambai Divisional Police Command has launched a full investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are expected to interview witnesses, gather evidence, and determine whether any criminal charges will be filed.

The incident has sparked discussions among residents over the growing challenge of farm produce theft in the area and the measures farmers take to protect their livelihoods.

Police have urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigative process to take its course. More details are expected to emerge as investigations continue.

The Government of Ghana has announced the resumption of the next phase of evacuating Ghanaian citizens from South Africa as renewed xenophobic attacks continue to threaten the safety of migrants in the country.

In a press release issued on Saturday, July 25, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation exercise will officially begin on Sunday, July 26, 2026, with the first batch of returnees expected to arrive at Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27, 2026.

According to the Ministry, the latest phase of the humanitarian exercise is expected to evacuate approximately 1,000 Ghanaians and will be carried out in groups to ensure an orderly and safe return process.

The Ministry explained that the evacuation will commence with Ghanaians who have already registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria to voluntarily return home with assistance from the Government of Ghana.

As part of the government’s humanitarian policy, priority will be given to women, children, the elderly, persons living with medical conditions, and students. The Ministry appealed to distressed Ghanaians still in South Africa to contact the Ghana High Commission on 0723681010 for enquiries and support with travel arrangements.

The Government also expressed profound appreciation to the Ghanaian leadership of the Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg, as well as Global Kingdom Investment Pty. Ltd., for their generosity in providing shelter free of charge to many Ghanaian nationals who fled their homes during the unrest and remained there while awaiting processing by the Ghana High Commission.

The Ministry further disclosed that the Government of Ghana, together with its High Commission in Pretoria, has reactivated its emergency consular response to ensure all Ghanaian nationals in South Africa who wish to return home receive the necessary support and assistance.

It urged all Ghanaians currently living in South Africa to remain calm, stay away from areas experiencing unrest, avoid responding to provocations, and cooperate fully with officials of the Ghana High Commission to facilitate a smooth and successful evacuation exercise, similar to the first phase.

The Ministry stressed that the evacuation forms part of Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad during emergencies and reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure that every Ghanaian in danger is brought home safely.

“Government assures that we shall leave no Ghanaian behind in harm’s way,” the statement concluded.

President John Dramani Mahama will host the President of the Gabonese Republic, His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, for a three-day official visit to Ghana from 28th to 30th July 2026, following an invitation extended by the Ghanaian leader.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency and signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Gabonese President will be accompanied by a high-level delegation made up of government ministers, senior officials and members of the Gabonese business community.

The visit is expected to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral relations between Ghana and Gabon and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

On 28th July, Presidents Mahama and Oligui Nguema will hold a private tête-à-tête before leading official bilateral talks at the Jubilee House in Accra.

The discussions will review the current state of relations between the two countries and explore new opportunities for collaboration across a broad range of sectors, including political and diplomatic consultations, trade and investment, mining, energy, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, maritime affairs, transport, tourism, education, health, defence and security, environmental protection, climate action and people-to-people exchanges.

The two leaders are also expected to reaffirm their shared commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation and advancing sustainable economic development for the mutual benefit of the people of Ghana and Gabon.