🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
Woman arrested for alleged child trafficking attempt at Kotoka International Airport
via GhanaWeb1 min read
A 36-year-old woman, Regina Mamle Tawiah, has been arrested by the Eastern Regional Police Command in connection with the alleged abduction of a nine-year-old girl from Agormanya Zongo. The victim's father reported her missing on April 19, 2026. Investigations by the Odumase-Krobo District Police and BNI personnel at Accra International Airport led to the child's rescue at the airport, where Tawiah was allegedly attempting to traffic her to Kenya. Tawiah was arraigned before the Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court, pleaded not guilty, and has been remanded into police custody. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 5, 2026, for a case management conference. The child has been safely reunited with her father.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadConcerns have resurfaced regarding illegal mining activities in Ghana's Atewa Forest Reserve following a social media post by Edem Srem Sai Afrikanticha, alleging that "galamseyers" have established temporary bases deep within the protected area. The post describes miners setting up tents and operating without restraint, raising fears about the extent of encroachment and potential environmental damage. While these claims await independent verification, they align with warnings from environmental groups about increasingly organized and entrenched illegal mining in the Atewa landscape. Reports suggest some miners have created semi-permanent camps, enabling continuous operations beyond the reach of routine patrols. These activities contribute to deforestation, land degradation, and pollution of vital water sources. The Atewa Forest Reserve, located in the Eastern Region, is a crucial biodiversity area and a source of key rivers. Authorities have recently intensified enforcement efforts, with joint operations by the Forestry Commission leading to arrests and the destruction of illegal mining equipment. Despite these actions, the persistence of illegal miners remains a concern, prompting advocacy groups to call for stronger, sustained intervention, including increased security and long-term monitoring. The latest social media claims have heightened public demand for urgent action to prevent irreversible damage to this significant upland evergreen forest.
Ghana's former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, reaffirmed the nation's dedication to democratic governance, economic transformation, and enhanced international partnerships during a meeting with European Union Ambassadors in Accra. The 2028 Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party shared details of the engagement on social media on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The high-level breakfast meeting included Heads of Mission from ten EU member states: Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malta, along with a European Union delegation. Discussions centered on shared priorities such as regional security, deepening economic cooperation, and expanding investment opportunities in Ghana. Dr. Bawumia reiterated his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions, advancing sustainable economic growth, and promoting inclusive social development.
Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, former Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, has criticized Ghanaian media for biased and harmful coverage of LGBTQ+ issues. Speaking at a virtual lecture on April 21, 2026, Professor Gadzekpo stated that the media failed its democratic responsibility by amplifying hostility against sexual minorities instead of promoting balanced national discourse. Her research indicated that Ghana's media became an "instrument of social control" against LGBTQ+ individuals through agenda-setting, sensationalism, deliberate silencing, and uncritical reporting. She highlighted that many outlets did not scrutinize provisions in Ghana's proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, such as clauses requiring citizens to report family members. Professor Gadzekpo also alleged that LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies were routinely excluded or intimidated in media discussions, citing personal experiences of receiving summons from traditional authorities for expressing her views. She noted instances where public figures sympathetic to LGBTQ+ persons faced backlash and were forced to retract comments. Professor Gadzekpo further criticized both the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress for using anti-LGBTQ+ messaging during the 2024 general elections, with media houses airing campaign advertisements targeting LGBTQ+ persons without challenge. She accused some online media platforms of exploiting LGBTQ+-related headlines
Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party NPP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, held a breakfast meeting with European Union Ambassadors in Accra on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Hosted at the Italian Ambassador's residence, the meeting included Heads of Mission from ten EU member states: Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malta, along with a European Union delegation. Discussions focused on regional security, economic cooperation, and investment opportunities in Ghana. Dr Bawumia reiterated his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions, fostering sustainable economic growth, and promoting inclusive social development. He was accompanied by Peter Mac Manu and Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Enos.