News
Court convicts 7 for open defecation, dumping of refuse
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Sanitation Court has convicted seven (7) persons for engaging in open defecation and dumping refuse at unauthorised places within the metropolis.
Those convicted are Albert Quaye, Kwame Owusu Ansah, Daniel Nunoo, Razak Siedu, Haruna Abdul Rauf, Desmond Okeyika, and Moro Sebere.
The court, presided over by Her Lordship Rosemond Vera Aryeetey, found each of the offenders guilty and fined 50 penalty units, equivalent to GH₵600, or in default, will serve three months imprisonment.
According to the prosecutor, Nii Okine Aryee the convicts were arrested by Public Health Officers of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), led by Madam Florence Kuukyi, during a special enforcement operation on 7th October 2025.
Speaking after the judgement, the Head of Public Affairs of the AMA, Mr Gilbert Nii Ankrah, explained that the offenders were apprehended while “busily engaged in open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” acts he described as not only offensive to the city’s sanitation bye-laws but also dangerous to public health.
He noted that such practices contribute to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and other diarrheal infections that continue to threaten the well-being of residents.
Mr Ankrah indicated that the Assembly had re-strategized its approach under the “Reset Accra” agenda, intensifying surveillance and enforcement to ensure strict compliance with sanitation regulations.
“This is only the beginning,” he said, revealing that more offenders had already been arrested and were being arraigned before the court.
He said “With the right support and cooperation from the public, we will sustain enforcement until Accra becomes the clean and healthy city we all desire.”
He called on residents to desist from acts that undermine the city’s cleanliness efforts and support the ongoing ‘Clean Accra Now’ campaign to rid the capital of filth.
By: AMA PRO, Gilbert Ankrah
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that in the whole of 2024, only GHS 362 million was released to MMDAs in Common Fund.
Contrary to this, In 2025 alone GHS 5 billion was released to the MMDAs with the following breakdown as follows.
The Minister made this revelation when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series held today.
In breakdown, the minister nonted that 1st Quarter – 790,372,058.40 was released for 2025.
He added that for the 2nd Quarter, 1,464,983,309.60 was released.
3rd Quarter saw the release of 1,188,921,640.80 and
1,592,706,391.20 for 4th Quarter.
The Minister added tha each of the MMDAs were required to undertake the following; at least 2-CHPS compounds, 3 Classroom blocks, 10 Boreholes, and Completion of legacy projects.
Additionally, 25% of the Common Fund was allocated for the Construction of 24-Hour Economy Model Markets.
Ahmed Ibrahim noted that as a result of the timely and unprecedented release of Funds, a total of 494 CHPS compounds, 761 Classroom Blocks, 4,029 Boreholes, and 2,755 Legacy projects are currently at various stages of completion.
Also, he added that 261 24-Hour Economy Model Markets have all been awarded on contracts and construction has begun on many of them.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), on April 17, 2026, decorated nineteen (19) senior officers who have been promoted to their next ranks based on the recommendations of the Police Council and approval of the President, John Dramani Mahama.
The ceremony, held at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, forms part of efforts to recognise merit, dedication, and long-standing service within the Ghana Police Service, while strengthening leadership across key operational and administrative levels.
The officers promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) to Commissioner of Police (COP) are Dr. Luke Asue-In-Yeng Zakpaa, Mr. Frederick Agyei, Mr. Duuti Tuaruka, Mr. Arthur Osei-Akoto, Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, Mr. Eric Ken Winful, Mr. Barnabas Nambont Nasumong, and Mr. Desmond Owusu Boampong.
The IGP and members of POMAB congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
