News
Police arrest ten for creating fake online Food delivery platforms
The Ghana Police Service has arrested ten people for allegedly creating fake online food delivery platforms used to defraud customers.
According to the Police, the arrests were carried out by the Cybercrime Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after weeks of intelligence gathering.
They explained that the first six suspects Wonder Sakpiti, Sedinam Amaglo, Godsway Dunyo, Angela Agblemekpe, Mathew Aheto, and Fafali Amoah were arrested on 1st October 2025 at Sogakope during a targeted operation.
They noted that the suspects created fake websites and social media pages using the names of well-known food brands such as Papaye, Pizzaman, KFC, and Mawarko.
Victims who placed orders through these fake platforms were directed to make advance payments via mobile money but never received their food.
The Police indicated that, in some cases, the suspects gained unauthorised access to victims’ mobile money wallets and bank accounts after pretending to help them with payments, and later withdrew money from their accounts.
They mentioned that digital devices believed to have been used in the fraudulent activities were retrieved and are undergoing forensic examination.
The Police added that further investigations led to the arrest of the main suspect, Elijah Sotama Etse, also known as “Pop Smoke,” together with three others Elliot Sotama Atsu, Jethro Atsu, and Obed Selasi Agboli on 12th October 2025 at their hideout in Haatso, Accra. Twelve mobile phones were retrieved from them for examination.
They confirmed that all ten suspects are in custody and will be put before court today, Monday, 13th October 2025.
The Police are urging members of the public who may have fallen victim to the scam to report to the nearest police station to assist with ongoing investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minority in Parliament has strongly objected to any planned merger or partnership between the government and Telecel, describing the deal as “technically, operationally, and financially unconscionable.”
Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, raised the concern during a media briefing in Parliament.
He questioned why both the Minister of Communications and Telecel would publicly announce a merger and then suddenly go silent on the matter.
“We object to any deal with Telecel by way of merger, absorption, or acquisition. This is a scheme to dispose of a national asset to fill private pockets,” Mr. Nyindam stated.
He argued that Telecel has not demonstrated any special technical or operational expertise that staff and management of AT (formerly AirtelTigo) do not already possess.
According to him, Telecel had earlier promised to invest $500 million after acquiring Vodafone Ghana but failed to do so, a situation he fears could repeat itself if the government allows another deal.
Mr. Nyindam claimed that Telecel was already indebted to the tune of $400 million, adding that the company only seeks to benefit from AT’s over three million customers to expand its own base without making any real investment.
“The government must not surrender the capacity of a state-owned company to a private entity through majority ownership. There is no clear plan to protect the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of workers,” he stressed.
The Minority Caucus is therefore calling on the government to halt any discussions or agreements with Telecel regarding the proposed merger, insisting that the deal is not in the national interest.
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bryan Acheampong, has called for an emergency 90-day suspension of all forms of mining in Ghana to help restore polluted rivers and water bodies.
He made the call during his campaign tour, where he engaged party members and residents on issues of national concern, including security, the environment, and responsible mining.
Mr Acheampong explained that the temporary ban should take place during the rainy season to allow the environment to recover naturally while the nation rethinks its mining practices.
“Let’s clear our water bodies and engage on how we can go back to mining. I’m not talking about a state of emergency, but mining, regardless of where, should stop now for the next 90 days,” he said.
He warned that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, continues to poison food sources and destroy farmlands, posing a major threat to public health and food security.
“If our food systems are being poisoned and we just look on because we prefer to make money, our people will not be around in a very short time to address the situation,” he cautioned.
Mr Acheampong urged government, miners, and local leaders to use the proposed 90-day period to develop a sustainable framework for responsible mining that protects both livelihoods and the environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
