News
Labour minister launches Ashanti regional health and safety taskforce
The Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo has launched the Ashanti Regional Taskforce on Health and Safety Compliance to improve workplace safety and strengthen adherence to national labour laws.
At the launch, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, affirmed government’s commitment to protecting the health, safety and dignity of workers across the country.
He noted that every workplace accident carries both a human and national cost.
He stressed the need for stronger monitoring systems and full compliance with laws such as the Labour Act and the Factories, Offices and Shops Act.
Dr.Pelpuo described the new taskforce as an important decentralised structure that brings workplace safety enforcement closer to communities, enterprises and workers.
By setting up the regional taskforce, he explained, the ministry is moving part of its operational strength from the capital to the regions to ensure quicker response, stronger oversight and clearer accountability.
The minister outlined the responsibilities of the taskforce, including supporting labour officers with inspections, improving coordination at the district level, guiding employers and workers on safety standards and ensuring that enforcement is practical and sustainable.
He encouraged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to take an active role, noting that their leadership is essential to the success of the system.
Dr Pelpuo also urged employers and workers to treat workplace safety as a shared responsibility.
He explained that employers must back their legal obligations with real action, such as training, safe equipment and regular checks, while workers must follow safety rules and report hazards.
The Chief Director of the Ministry, Hamidu Adakurugu, stressed that workplace safety is a national priority that requires collective effort.
He praised the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and local authorities for their support and thanked regulatory bodies, the private sector and civil society for their collaboration.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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
