The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has uncovered what it describes as one of the largest human trafficking and employment scam networks in Ghana, following a major operation in Kumasi that led to the arrest of 320 individuals.
In a statement, EOCO said the simultaneous raids were conducted by its Anti-Human Trafficking Unit at two separate locations after months of meticulous investigations. Preliminary assessments revealed that while 25 of the suspects are believed to be the masterminds behind the scheme, the remaining 295 are thought to be victims of human trafficking and employment scams perpetrated under the guise of a company known as “ONET.”
The victims, according to EOCO, were allegedly lured with promises of lucrative job opportunities and later exploited. The agency noted that the operation marks Ghana’s largest anti-human trafficking exercise in recent years, coming just two weeks after a similar raid in Kasoa that resulted in 26 arrests.
EOCO is currently collaborating with QNET, whose brand name has reportedly been misused by criminal syndicates to deceive and traffic unsuspecting individuals. The Office commended QNET for its cooperation in dismantling these fraudulent networks.
Authorities say all suspects and victims are being screened, with the 25 prime suspects facing further investigations and possible prosecution.
The latest operation underscores growing concerns that human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment schemes are becoming increasingly common in Ghana, preying on the vulnerable and unemployed.
EOCO has assured the public of its continued resolve to combat organised and economic crime in the country. It has also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to its offices to help curb the menace.
The Government of Ghana, under the auspices of President John Dramani Mahama, has announced that a state funeral will be held in honour of the late former First Lady, Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Independence Square in Accra.
The announcement, contained in a statement issued by the Jubilee House — the seat of government, said the state funeral is in recognition of Mrs. Rawlings’ invaluable contributions to the advancement of women’s and children’s rights, as well as her enduring service to national development.
Ghanaians are expected to pay their last respects to the former First Lady, who was admired for her boldness, strong convictions, and unshakable love for African prints, which became a hallmark of her public image and advocacy for African identity.
Mrs. Rawlings, wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, was a pioneering advocate for gender equality and the founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which championed women’s empowerment across the country.
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has disclosed that his office was powerless to prevent former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta from leaving Ghana earlier this year, despite ongoing investigations into the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contracts.
Ken Ofori-Atta
Speaking in an interview on The KSM Show, Mr. Agyebeng revealed that Mr. Ofori-Atta departed the country between January 1 and 3, 2025 just days before the change in administration, and long before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had any operational control over security institutions, such as the Ghana Immigration Service.
“The main perpetrator had no intention of returning to the country. He left between January 1 and 3, before the 7th. We didn’t control the airports and we had no cooperation from the other security agencies,” Mr. Agyebeng stated.
According to the Special Prosecutor, the OSP at the time faced “a policy of blocking” from key security agencies, including the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the National Signals Bureau and the Ghana Immigration Service.
“It was as if the security setup was stacked up against the OSP, so we would not be able to perform our job,” he lamented.
Mr. Kissi Agyebeng said that when he raised concerns about this lack of cooperation, his office received little support.
“We were powerless. We saw him leave but couldn’t stop him, because no one at the airport would even respond to us. You call immigration, no one would bother to answer. You write to them, no one would respond,” he revealed.
He added that circumstances have since improved, with the OSP now able to rely on key security institutions for collaboration.
“Now, we can rely on the Ghana Immigration Service and the National Security setup to block someone. But at the time, it was impossible,” he noted.
Touching on Mr. Ofori-Atta’s current whereabouts, the Special Prosecutor confirmed that the former Minister is believed to be residing in the United States.
However, he emphasised that the process of bringing him back to Ghana is legally complex and time-consuming.
“We believe he is in the United States and know the area where he lives. But we can’t just go there and bring him back. Extradition is a tedious process.
“Even if the U.S. central authority agrees, the President of the United States can intervene and stop it,” he explained.
Mr. Kissi Agyebeng said the OSP is working closely with the Attorney General’s Office on the matter, stressing that both institutions must act in unity to protect the Republic.
“We always work together with our Attorney General, and in turn, he should hold our hand. We are working for one Republic, one Ghana,” he said.
Background
The Office of the Special Prosecutor recently released its investigative findings into the multi-million cedi contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
The OSP concluded that the series of contracts signed between 2018 and 2021 were “needless, unlawful and of no benefit to the Republic,” describing them as reckless abuses of public funds.
The report accused former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta of being the “chief promoter and patron” of SML and said his actions unlawfully forced the company into Ghana’s revenue assurance system despite its lack of capacity.
Between 2018 and 2024, SML reportedly received over GH¢1.43 billion from the state despite performing little or no tangible work.
Ghana’s long-standing struggle against institutional corruption has once again come under the spotlight, as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has found the former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah culpable, in a procurement scandal that caused financial loss of about GH¢9 million to the state.
The decision follows a petition filed by the Movement for Truth and Accountability accusing the former GRA boss of procurement irregularities and abuse of office during his tenure.
CHRAJ’s investigation confirmed that Mr. Owusu-Amoah awarded contracts “under dubious circumstances” to Ronor Motors Ltd, Sajel Motors Ltd, and Telinno Ghana Ltd, for the supply of vehicles and logistics to the GRA on October 1, 2021.
According to the Commission’s report, the GRA, under Mr. Owusu-Amoah’s leadership, misled the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) into approving the contracts through single-source procurement, a method intended only for emergencies or unique circumstances.
The report, described this as a clear violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), leading to significant financial loss to the state.
“The Respondent misled the PPA in approving the request to award the contracts, using the single-source method in dubious circumstances,” the report stated.
Systemic Corruption and Accountability Deficit
CHRAJ emphasised that the violations reflected a broader culture of impunity and systemic corruption in Ghana’s public sector, where procurement processes are one of the largest gateways for government expenditure continue to be manipulated for private gain.
The Commission held that, as Head of Entity, Mr. Owusu-Amoah bore full responsibility for all actions taken under his watch in accordance with Section 17 of Act 663 (as amended). Consequently, CHRAJ has barred him from holding any public office for five (5) years.
“The Respondent is disqualified from holding any public office for a period of five years from the date of this decision,” CHRAJ declared, adding that the sanction was appropriate given the magnitude of the statutory breaches.
Referral for Prosecution
Recognising the criminal dimension of the findings, CHRAJ has referred the case to the Attorney-General’s Department for possible prosecution of Mr. Owusu-Amoah and the directors of the implicated companies.
The Commission cited provisions of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), noting that the alleged acts of corruption, fraud and causing financial loss to the state warranted criminal proceedings and recovery of the US$826,551 lost.
Companies Blacklisted
In a rare move, CHRAJ also recommended that the implicated companies -Sajel Motors Ltd,and Telinno Ghana Ltd – be banned from engaging in any government business for misrepresenting their qualifications to secure the contracts.
The Commission called on the PPA Board to invoke Section 3(q) of Act 663 (as amended) to debar the firms and maintain a national database of contractors and suppliers to prevent repeat offences.
CHRAJ urged the PPA to strengthen enforcement of the Public Procurement Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2466) and to adopt a proactive stance against the abuse of single-source procurement, which has become a major source of public sector corruption.
“Strict adherence to procurement regulations will ensure value for money in contract awards and help check incompetence and corruption,” the report noted.
A Reflection of Ghana’s Corruption Dilemma
Analysts say this case underscores the entrenched corruption within Ghana’s public institutions, where accountability mechanisms often fail until public pressure or whistleblower action forces investigations. Despite the sanctions, critics argue that unless prosecution and recovery are swiftly pursued, such findings may only serve as symbolic gestures in the country’s ongoing anti-corruption struggle.
CHRAJ commended the complainant for their “public-spiritedness” in exposing the matter and acknowledged the cooperation of witnesses and institutions that assisted in the investigation.
Director General, SSNIT, Mr Kwesi Afreh Biney, speaking to journalists
The Social Security and National Investment Trust (SSNIT) has celebrated its six decades of service with a symposium that evaluated the legacy of the Trust.
The first panel discussion ongoing
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at its luxurious La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, SSNIT and its stakeholders shared their accomplishments and challenges over the past 60 years, and devised innovative strategies to enhance the Trust’s growth for the future.
The symposium was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including pensioners, active contributors and investment partners.
Two presentations on the Trust’s legacy of service and the future of social security in Ghana and service delivery in the AI era set the tone for the panel discussions and open forum of SSNIT’s 60 years of service.
SERVICE
However, the Director General of SSNIT, Mr Kwesi Afreh Biney, delivered a keynote address to mark the occasion of the SSNIT at 60 Years symposium.
The DG in his address highlighted that SSNIT has, for many years, served its people well, not defaulting in its obligations to provide income security for Ghanaian workers.
“And we have invested not only in the systems that enable us to serve you but also in the national infrastructure that supports businesses to grow and strengthens confidence in the economy. This, we believe, is truly a legacy of service over a six-decade period,” he asserted.
FUTURE
According to DG, SSNIT looks to the future with hope, purpose and clarity, stating that the 3-tier pension scheme remains a vital pillar in the national development. Indicating that the 3-tier scheme ensures that public, private, and informal workers are captured, Mr Afreh Biney commended former DG, John Ofori Tinkorang for the tremendous role he played in that.
Moving forward, he committed SSNIT to making the first-tier scheme “stronger, more inclusive, transparent and responsive to the rapidly evolving world of work.”
Working with the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, as well as the National Pensions Regulatory Authority, SSNIT seeks to ensure that all 3 tiers complement each other to achieve its goals.
Mr Afreh Biney reiterated the resolve of SSNIT to expand coverage, leading to partnering banks with wider reach to have SSNIT branches.
The Trust has also set up and intensified its digital department as a means of expanding its customer service, making it easy for the public to access SSNIT products digitally.
INVESTMENT
Speaking to the media on the sideline of the symposium, the DG mentioned that last Monday, Ecobank Ghana Plc commenced serving SSNIT customers at their Tema branch.
Other banks expected to roll out are Fidelity, GCB Bank, and Calbank, all of which the Trust holds shares in.
Though he did not mention when the rest would begin, the DG added that they plan to roll out 27 branches by the end of the year.
When asked about SSNIT’s investments, the DG confidently informed journalists that their “investments are strong”, stating that their investment on the Ghana Stock Exchange this year had grown by over GH¢1.8 billion.
While investing heavily in the financial, hospitality and energy sectors, SSNIT is reconsidering its investment in real estate. The DG told the media that SSNIT was not performing well in that sector and thus would sell some of its investment in the real estate sector and push into areas it is doing well.
LEGACY
Former General Manager of Benefits, Mrs. Rosemary Amerley Sackey, delivered the first presentation for the panel discussion, outlining the various phases that SSNIT had passed and concluding with the plan for the future. She urged participants to ponder on how social security, as SSNIT, could evolve to guarantee income not only at retirement, but also stimulate productivity, intergenerational solidarity, and economic renewal.
In closing, she said, “May SSNIT’s next 60 years be marked by deeper inclusion, stronger partnerships, and even greater trust to the extent that the next generation of leaders guard this legacy with integrity, innovate with courage and remember that behind every contribution lies a life, a family and a future.”
The Dean of the UPSA Law School, Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, made the second presentation on the future of social security in Ghana and service delivery in the AI era.
The open forum allowed participants to ask probing questions, particularly about the sustainability of the Trust’s ability to deliver on its obligations.
Several innovative ideas were proffered to make SSNIT better for the future, including a suggestion that the pension be calculated on the gross salary and not the basic.
The Circuit Court 11 in Accra, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, has remanded a 20-year-old musician, Isaac Piibitey, who is alleged to have stolen GH₵700,000 from his former employer and used part of the money to enrich himself.
Piibitey, who pleaded not guilty to three counts of unlawful entry, causing damage and stealing, was granted bail in the sum of GH₵40,000 with two sureties.
One of the sureties must justify and the other must be a resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
The case has been adjourned to December 9, 2025.
Allegations
According to the brief facts presented in court, the complainant, a structural engineer living at EMEFS Estate, Sakumono, employed Piibitey in 2022 as a sales representative for damp-proofing materials and prepaid electricity units at his Lashibi shop.
The court heard that the complainant later detected misappropriations, suspected Piibitey and dismissed him. The accused then relocated to Akumadan in the Ashanti Region.
In March 2025, the complainant allegedly kept GH₵700,000 in his bedroom wardrobe before travelling.
When he returned on October 13, 2025 he discovered that someone had broken through the ceiling and a window, stolen the money and damaged property.
Police investigations reportedly retrieved fingerprints and footprints from the scene and obtained CCTV footage, allegedly showing Piibitey entering and exiting the complainant’s residence with a backpack in his absence.
He was later arrested at a recording studio at Lashibi, after investigators allegedly lured him there.
Prosecution Account
In his caution statement, the accused allegedly admitted entering the complainant’s home on different occasions and stealing cash and goods.
Police told the court he claimed to have used the money to build a two-bedroom self-contained house at Akumadan, purchased an Apsonic motorbike and a tricycle, deposited GH₵340,000 into his bank account and invested GH₵200,000 in treasury bills.
Investigations revealed that GH₵897,000 had been deposited into his account, with GH₵538,000 remaining, which police say has been returned to the complainant.
Efforts are ongoing to recover other alleged proceeds of the crime, while investigations continue.
A 29-year-old dispatch rider has been remanded into police custody by the Circuit Court in Accra for allegedly diverting GH¢370,000 he was entrusted with to exchange into dollars and using the money to stake sports bets.
The accused, Abdul Aziz Sanfo Abdullai, pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing when he appeared before Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah on Monday. He is expected to reappear in court on 17 November, 2025.
The Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Abel Amanie told the court that the complainant, Deborah Adwoa Boateng, is a businesswoman who owns a retail shop at Dansoman.
In September 2025, as part of preparations for a business trip to China to purchase goods, she allegedly handed GH¢370,000 in cash to Abdul Aziz to convert into US dollars.
According to the prosecution, the accused later claimed he gave the money to a woman he identified as “Madam Vee” who supposedly promised to deliver the equivalent of $35,000 to the complainant in China.
However, upon her arrival, Ms Boateng was unable to reach the said woman, despite numerous attempts.
Chief Inspector Amanie said that a day before the complainant returned to Ghana, the accused told her he had received the money from “Madam Vee” only to later claim he had been robbed of the funds at Pokuase.
He reportedly told the complainant he had reported the incident to the police.
Investigations, however, revealed that Abdul Aziz was not robbed as alleged. He allegedly confessed that he used the money to bet and gamble.
He was subsequently charged with stealing, contrary to Section 124 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and arraigned before the court.
The court remanded him to assist further police investigations.
A 95-year-old man, Nuumo Borlabi Sam Prempeh and his alleged accomplice, Nii Sookpote Nii Bortier Moko, 53, have been granted bail in the sum of GH¢200,000 with one surety each by the Circuit Court 11 in Accra.
The court, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, granted the bail on Tuesday. The case has been adjourned to December 4, 2025.
The two have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit crime and defrauding by false pretence under Sections 23(1) and 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Allegations
According to the brief facts presented in court by Chief Inspector Daniel Appiah-Ofori, the complainant, Richard Asante-Amoah, Chief Executive Officer of Stravants Limited, resides at Sakumono in Accra.
The accused persons, described as leaders of the Dzenge We Family of Nungua, allegedly approached the complainant in 2014, offering him a parcel of land at Sakumono for a joint eco-tourism project.
They reportedly showed him about 120 acres of land and received GH¢569,231 in cash, as well as a BMW X3 valued at US$28,000 – two Hyundai Elantra vehicles valued at US$27,400 and a Jeep Cherokee valued at GH¢150,000 – bringing the total alleged consideration to GH¢1,107,371.
Prosecution said the complainant proceeded to construct a fence wall and Boys’ Quarters after the accused purportedly demarcated the land to him.
However, the structures were later demolished by the government, which claimed ownership of the land.
Unknown persons also allegedly chased the complainant’s workers from the site and demolished initial structures he had erected.
Investigations by the Lands Commission reportedly revealed that the accused persons had no legal title or authority to dispose of the land.
The court heard that the accused refunded GH¢215,000 of the GH¢255,000 the complainant spent on construction, but failed to refund the rest of the funds or return the vehicles.
The tragic shooting of 45-year-old Issah Nawutou Baricle by a police officer at Gagbini in the East Mamprusi Municipality, as reported by JoyNews yesterday, is yet another painful reminder of how quickly law enforcement misconduct and mob retaliation can spiral into chaos.
According to the report, Issah was fatally shot at a police checkpoint following a confrontation over a bribe demand of GH¢10. When he protested and attempted to flee, the officer allegedly pursued and shot him dead. In response, enraged residents vandalised the checkpoint in what has been described as an act of instant justice.
In another development, an anti-illegal mining operation carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) on November 1, 2025 near Bronikrom–Hwediem, in the Ahafo Region, resulted in some irate youth resisting the NAIMOS task force during a raid on an illegal mining site in the area.
The Chronicle also reported in yesterday’s edition that a Police Station at Ehi, a village in the Ketu North municipality of Volta Region was vandalised by an irate mob on November 3, 2025 after a suspect, who was on detention over his alleged involvement in a murder case, was removed to a secret location by the police to avoid being lynched.
This disturbing event once again exposes the deep-seated frustration citizens feel towards unchecked police extortion and brutality. However, it also highlights an equally dangerous trend mob justice, which continues to spread like wildfire across the country.
These violent reprisals are fast becoming a national menace. Ghana is a nation of laws, not mobs. When citizens begin to replace lawful redress with street justice, the foundation of civil order starts to crumble.
We must be clear: mob violence is not justice; it is chaos. It does not restore the life lost, nor does it guarantee accountability. Instead, it breeds more violence, destroys property and widens the mistrust between civilians and the police. Each act of mob reprisal only deepens the cycle of anger and fear, leaving behind scars that take generations to heal.
The security agencies and government must act decisively and urgently. The irate mob who perpetrated the unlawful acts must be identified, arrested and prosecuted swiftly and transparently.
Equally, there must be a national campaign against mob violence, led by the Ministry of Interior, traditional leaders, and civil society groups. Ghanaians need to be reminded that mob action is a crime punishable under the law and participation in such acts only worsens the suffering of communities.
Traditional and community leaders must also help restore calm in tense areas. Their moral authority can play a crucial role in urging restraint and channeling grievances through lawful means. The media must also continue to expose mob-related violence.
We, as a society, must confront the hard truth: mob violence is becoming normalised. It is no longer a rare reaction to extreme provocation, but it is creeping into our daily lives. From petty theft cases to police altercations, the instinct to destroy before due process is now a reflex. If this continues unchecked, the rule of law — the very bedrock of democracy — will be at risk.
The government must fix the broken trust between citizens and security agencies, while citizens must reject mob vengeance as a solution. Justice must be pursued in courtrooms, not on the streets. Mob violence must stop now before it consumes us all.
Egya Ackah, the non-gazetted chief sitting in state as paramount chief
The controversial Atuabo Kundum and Grand Durbar, which recently made headlines for the wrong reasons, may have ended but one thing remains clear: the non-gazetted paramount chief, Egya Ackah, flouted a directive issued by the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
Ahead of the festival, REGSEC had stepped in following intelligence reports of a possible clash arising from a protracted chieftaincy dispute within the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.
The non gazetted Atuabo Omanheen being carried in a palanquin in open defiance of REGSEC directive
To avert potential violence, REGSEC heightened security in the area and imposed restrictions on Egya Ackah, also known in private life as Berenger Flaton.
The intervention came after some divisional chiefs petitioned REGSEC, warning that the planned Kundum celebration could spark confrontation if preventive measures were not taken. REGSEC, however, allowed the festival to proceed but with specific limitations.
Among the restrictions, the non gazetted chief was barred from being carried in a palanquin and from performing rituals exclusively reserved for a gazetted paramount chief.
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson earlier confirmed these measures to The Chronicle.
According to him, “REGSEC is not interested in who is the rightful chief or who is not. Our priority is to ensure peace in the area.”
To enforce the directive, the Regional Police Command deployed personnel to maintain order throughout the festivities.
However, The Chronicle’s independent checks, supported by both video and pictorial evidence, reveal that Egya Ackah openly defied the REGSEC directive.
Footage in this reporter’s possession shows him adorned in full traditional regalia, being carried in a palanquin through the streets of Atuabo during the Kundum Durbar.
It remains unclear what action REGSEC will take, following this open disregard for its directive.
Traditionally, both Ahanta and Nzema communities suspend Kundum celebrations when a royal passes away.
This year, following the death of the Head of the Ndweafo Royal Family, the Kundum Committee advised all bereaved traditional areas to observe a partial celebration.
While Aiyinase, Azuleluanu and others complied by holding subdued observances, Atuabo had initially opted out of celebrating altogether — a decision later reversed by the non gazetted chief.
It is on record that the Atuabo Kundum committee directive was issued before an attempted assassination on the life of Awulae Amihere Kpanyile, the legitimate Omanhene in his palace this year January forcing him to evacuate the palace to safety on advice of Police.
