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Canadian police arrest Ghanaian pastor in alleged social support fraud scheme
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Isaac Oppong, a 38-year-old Ghanaian pastor based in Canada, has been arrested in Vaughan, Ontario, in connection with an alleged fraud scheme. Oppong, a legal resident of Canada, served at Miracle Arena for All Nations church from 2018 to 2025. He is suspected of being part of a 15-member group accused of exploiting Project Great One, a government initiative under the region鈥檚 Homelessness Prevention Programme designed to assist vulnerable individuals. York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit identified Oppong as the principal suspect, believing he used his pastoral position to recruit others. Police allege Oppong was central to an operation that fraudulently obtained nearly $100,000 between January and December 2024. The investigation began in April 2025 after York Region officials detected false information in several applications. Oppong faces 10 charges, including fraud, identity fraud, money laundering, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy. Authorities state the probe is ongoing, and more victims may be identified. Miracle Arena for All Nations church reported becoming aware of the alleged activities in November 2025.
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Must ReadAdeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who claimed to be the director general of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council PFIPC, has been arrested in Osun State, Nigeria. His arrest follows a warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja after he failed to appear for charges of forgery and impersonation. The case emerged after President Bola Tinubu ordered a corruption investigation into the fictitious agency. Police confirmed the involvement of their Force Intelligence Department and Intelligence Response Team in the arrest. The presidency stated that an official-looking letter establishing the agency was fake, and forensic analysis confirmed the forgery of the signature of the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, on the appointment letter. Adeyemi had previously maintained his innocence in media interviews and cited safety fears for his absence in court. Court documents indicate Adeyemi and two others are accused of using forged documents to establish and operate the council, open bank accounts, and seek official recognition for the non-existent agency. Although the PFIPC had secured office space and appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with an allocation of 1.3 billion naira, the Accountant-General's Office confirmed it never operated an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria or received public funds.
Must ReadGhana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, announced that the upcoming evacuation of nearly 900 Ghanaians from South Africa will be the final phase of the government's mass repatriation exercise. After this, assistance will be provided on a case-by-case basis through consular services. The evacuation is scheduled to begin on July 25, 2026, following the registration and screening of close to 900 Ghanaian nationals who voluntarily requested to return home. This exercise follows previous government-led evacuations of Ghanaians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The repatriation is funded by the Government of Ghana through the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Quashie stated that South Africa's Department of Home Affairs and Border Management Authorities approved July 25 as the start date, with daily flights until all registered persons return to Ghana. Only individuals already registered and screened will be eligible. Those selected for each flight will be notified in advance and transported from various provinces to designated departure points. Quashie emphasized that this operation marks the end of the large-scale evacuation program, after which support will be on a case-by-case basis through consular services. He also advised registered beneficiaries not to travel to the Ghana High Commission with luggage without prior notification, urging adherence to established procedures.
The Dagbon Traditional Council and the family have announced a three-day Adua for the late King of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, in accordance with Islamic traditions. This event, scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, involves collective religious gatherings and recitations by Islamic clerics to seek Allah鈥檚 mercy for the deceased. The Council described the late King as a symbol of peace and unity, whose reign promoted harmony and development. They urged the people of Dagbon to honor his memory by maintaining peace and avoiding conflict during the mourning period and appealed to well-meaning Ghanaians to join in reflection and prayer. The Yendi Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service has temporarily closed all public schools in Yendi from Monday, July 13, to Thursday, July 16, 2026, to allow for traditional rites. President John Dramani Mahama expressed profound sadness at the passing of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, highlighting his role in bringing healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace to Dagbon. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also paid tribute, describing the late King as a figure of unity, strength, and dignity who played a crucial role in resolving the Dagbon crisis. The Northern Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association, various political leaders, and the European Union also extended their condolences, recognizing the late King's legacy of pea