News
Two jailed for rape and robbery
The Tema Regional Police wish to inform the public about some significant progress made in a case involving a robbery and rape incident that occurred on September 27, 2025 at Okushibli, along the Apollonia-A fienya road.
Investigations revealed that the victim, a 19-year-old hairdresser, hired a motor rider, Nicholas Tetteh, to take her to Afienya.
On the way, the suspect conspired with two others, including Joseph Tetteh, to attack her.
The victim was dragged into a nearby bush, where she was sexually assaulted by two of the suspects. They also took her iPhone XR and handbag containing GHC 150.00.
The case was reported to the Zenu-Atadeka District Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), where a statement was taken and a medical report form was iSsued to her for examination and treatment.
The suspects were later arrested and charged with robbery and rape.
The two accused persons, Nicholas Tetteh and Joseph Tetteh, were arraigned before the Gbetsile Circuit Court, presided over by Her Ladyship Eleanor Kakra Barns Botchway.
They pleaded guilty to the robbery charge and were each sentenced to fifteen (15) years imprisonment in hard labour. They will also be arraigned before the Court for the rape charge when advice is received from the Attorney-General’s Office.
The Police has assured the public of their continued efforts to ensure justice for the victim and maintain public safety.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed sorrow over the death of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in a road accident in the Upper West Region.
The deceased are Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, both students at Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service has received with profound sorrow the tragic news of the untimely demise of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, students of Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School in the Upper West Region,” a statement issued by Mr Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES, said.
It said preliminary reports indicated that the students died in a road traffic accident on Sunday, May 3, while travelling to Wa ahead of the commencement of the examination.
“We are deeply saddened that these young lives, full of promise and potential, have been cut short under such distressing circumstances.
“Management and staff of GES, and the entire education community, extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the school, their classmates, and all who have been affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
The statement said Management of the GES would continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities to ascertain full details of the incident and consider measures to prevent similar occurrences. –GNA
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has hailed Ghana’s new road traffic law and safety standards on child restraints and motorcycle helmets as a critical intervention that will save lives and prevent serious injuries on the roads.
The law and standards, adopted by Parliament in December 2025 and enforced from early 2026, bring Ghana “largely in line with WHO road safety legal recommendations,” the Organisation said in its latest publication shared with the Ghana News Agency.
The WHO noted that the reforms come at a time of growing concern over road traffic deaths in the country, which rose by 65 per cent between 2016 and 2021 to nearly 3,000 deaths annually.
With close to 26 road deaths per 100,000 population, Ghana’s fatality rate is significantly higher than the WHO African Regional average of 19 per 100,000 and the global average of 15 per 100,000.
“Ghana’s amendment to the national road traffic act and new safety standards marks a major step forward for road safety,” Dr Fiona Braka, the WHO Representative in Ghana said.
“WHO is proud to have helped shape these changes that will save lives on the roads,” he added.
Dr Braka emphasized that effective road safety required more than legislation, pointing to the need for “good laws and policies, strong leadership, coordination and enforcement” to build transport systems that put people and safety first.
A key lifesaving provision of the new law is the comprehensive framework on child safety restraints. WHO said the law meets all its recommendations, including mandatory child car seats that are appropriate to the age, height, weight and physical vulnerabilities of infants and young children.
“Child safety restraints have been shown to reduce deaths in crashes by up to 71 per cent among younger infants,” the WHO said, adding that it has produced a manual for decision-makers to support the use of vehicle occupant restraints.
The WHO also highlighted the strengthened drink-driving provisions as another major public health gain. Drinking and driving, it said, significantly increases the risk of fatal road crashes.
Evidence shows that between 33 per cent and 69 per cent of drivers killed in road collisions in low- and middle-income countries had consumed alcohol.
Under the new law, Ghana has reduced the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05 grams per decilitre, a level that WHO said meets most of its legal recommendations.
Motorcycle safety was also identified as a major lifesaving focus of the reforms. Motorcycle riders account for about a third of all road deaths in Ghana, according to WHO.
Under the new standards, all riders are required to wear safe and high-quality helmets. WHO said such helmets reduce the risk of death by more than six times in the event of a crash.
The WHO noted that Ghana’s achievements form part of a broader global effort to reduce road traffic injuries and deaths.
Globally, nearly 1.2 million people die from road traffic crashes each year, WHO said, noting that road crashes remain the leading cause of death among children and young people aged five to 29. –GNA
