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Police uncover suspected cannabis worth over GHS 1.4 million in impounded truck
Police in the Oti Region have uncovered a large quantity of suspected cannabis hidden in an impounded truck, with authorities estimating the street value at more than GHS 1.4 million.
According to the Ghana Police Service, the discovery followed the opening of a Volvo truck with registration number GC 3522 09, which officers intercepted at the Bonakye checkpoint on 29 December 2025.
Police explained that the vehicle was heading toward Kpassa when intelligence suggested it was transporting illegal goods. When officers stopped the truck, the driver and another occupant fled, abandoning the vehicle with the ignition key.
The truck remained in police custody until 24 February 2026, when officers opened it at Nkwanta after obtaining a court order from the Jasikan Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Lambert Y Kerieba.
The exercise was conducted in the presence of representatives from the Police, Military, National Intelligence Bureau, Defence Intelligence, Ghana National Fire Service, the Narcotics Control Commission at Jasikan, and members of the media.
Police reported that officers initially found 320 cartons of bottled mineral water in the truck. A thorough search, however, revealed 91 bales of suspected cannabis concealed within the cartons.
Authorities indicated that the substances amounted to 7,173 slabs, with an estimated street value exceeding GHS 1.4 million. The exhibits have been retained as investigations continue.
Police assured the public of their commitment to combating drug trafficking and encouraged citizens to provide credible information to assist in crime prevention and detection.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee and the member of parliament for Bolgatanga Central constituency, Isaac Adongo, has defended the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, describing him as the right person to manage the country’s central bank.
According to Mr. Adongo, Ghana would have faced a difficult situation if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had not won the 2024 elections and Dr. Asiama had not been appointed governor.
Speaking in an interview with Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Online Editor for ghanaiantimes.com.gh, Mr.Adongo said the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, only wanted to remain relevant within their party.
“Well, the NPP and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah have a job to do. They want to remain relevant in their party. I don’t begrudge them,” he said.
Mr. Adongo praised President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Dr. Asiama as Governor of the Central Bank after returning to power.
He explained that the President carefully assessed the country’s economic challenges while in opposition and chose Dr. Asiama as the best person for the role.
According to him, the governor has so far shown strong leadership at the central bank.
“I’m not saying this because I work closely with him, but sitting on the board with him, his leadership is on par,” he stated.
The lawmaker further noted that the governor understands the concerns of Ghanaians, especially regarding the rising cost of living and economic pressures.
He said government had already done the “heavy lifting” in stabilizing the economy and would now reassess some of its policies to reduce pressure on public finances.
Mr. Adongo expressed optimism that the country would not witness the same level of government expenditure from 2026 onwards.
“We’ll go back to the drawing board and consider the fiscal implications of some of the actions we have taken. I believe that from 2026, we will not see the same magnitude of expenditures,” he added.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has clarified that it did not approve or endorse the recent Karnival Kingdom Festival held in Accra.
In a statement issued on May 7, 2026, the ministry said it did not receive any proposal, request for approval or official communication concerning the organisation of the event.
According to the ministry, it was also unaware of the processes through which the festival was allegedly approved to take place in Ghana.
“The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that it neither endorsed, sanctioned nor authorised the staging of the event,” the statement said.
The clarification follows public criticism and discussions on social media over activities associated with the festival, including the circulation of what many described as culturally unacceptable content.
The ministry acknowledged concerns raised by sections of the public and various stakeholders regarding the conduct and nature of the event.
It explained that as the supervisory institution for the tourism, culture and creative arts sector, it expects all organisers of public festivals and entertainment events to follow established regulatory procedures and engage the relevant state institutions before holding such activities.
The ministry therefore urged organisers of tourism, cultural, entertainment and recreational events to obtain the necessary approvals before staging programmes in the country.
According to the statement, the ministry remains committed to promoting tourism and cultural activities that respect Ghana’s laws, values and cultural identity.
It added that the country’s reputation as a safe and culturally respectful destination must be protected at all times.
By: Jacob Aggrey
