News
550 drivers fined GH¢182,640 for traffic offences
At least 550 drivers in the Greater Accra Region have been convicted to a total fine of GH¢182,640, for committing various traffic offences, during the first quarter of the year,
The convicts were arrested for excessive speeding, driving through red lights, and using expired documents among others.
The Commanding Officer of the Central Motor Traffic and Transporting Unit (MTTU), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Martin Ayiih, who disclosed these to the Ghanaian Times, in Accra, yesterday, said the convicts were involved in 1,038 road accidents.
He said 533 commercial, 1,226 private vehicles and 298 motorcycles were involved in the accidents.
ACP Ayiih said 58 people were killed and 525 were injured in the reported cases within the period.
He said the unit would collaborate with the Ministry of Transport, Municipal and District Assemblies, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority and the National Road Safety to ensure sanity on the road.
ACP Ayiih said more personnel would be deployed on the roads, to help in traffic management, stressing that there was the need to protect lives and properties to enhance the country’s socio-economic and human development.
He urged drivers to abide by road safety regulations to avoid accidents, saying that, “Most of the accidents recorded are as a result of human errors, such as excessive speeding, driving with gadgets such as mobile phones, and jay walking which need to be avoided.”
ACP Ayiih said, “Desist from excessive speeding, using of gadgets such as mobile phones when driving and avoid speeding and wrongful overtaking “.
He asked pedestrians to use zebra crossing and overhead bridges when crossing the roads, to prevent knockdowns.
ACP Ayiih appealed to vehicle owners to maintain their vehicles regularly, and journalists to support the Unit in its educational drive.
BY ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI
The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three men believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting a 42-year-old man in Wapuli, a community in the Yendi District.
The suspects, Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded GH¢100,000 from his family for his release.
According to a police statement, officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate were deployed to Wapuli after the incident was reported.
The team conducted surveillance and launched a rescue operation.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, police successfully rescued the victim and arrested the suspects after what was described as an intense exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were later taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned before court.
The Police said the a fourth suspect, who is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, is currently on the run.
They urged the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
