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Parliament Applauds Yasmine Diakwa’s Courage and Vision
The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah on the floor of the House, recognized the courage and determination of Yasmine Affoué Diakwa, a 34 year old cyclist and activist from Côte d’Ivoire.
She undertook a transcontinental adventure called “Wiri” meaning “Where Innovation Rises” beginning in Korhogo in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Yasmine rode across eleven African countries including Ghana, before reaching Cape Town, South Africa.
The Deputy Minister further highlighted Yasmine work through her organization, Gender Africa, which focuses on addressing structural inequalities in the global financial system.
Her advocacy for climate justice, fair taxation and transparent governance resonated strongly during the 2025 APNIFFT Continental Conference in Johannesburg.
The Wiri Expedition also contributed to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including Quality Education, Gender Equality, Economic Growth, Innovation, Climate Action and Strong Institutions.
Commenting on the statement, Members of Parliament commended Yasmine for her vision and leadership, urging young Africans particularly women to pursue their dreams boldly and take an active role in shaping the continent’s future.
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
