Source: Mavis Fantevi

The Ghana Police Service has arrested two suspects, including an alleged gang leader, in connection with a robbery attack on players of Berekum Chelsea that resulted in the death of one footballer.

In a statement issued on its official social media platforms, police said the arrests were made following intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling the criminal group believed to be responsible for the attack.

The operation, according to authorities, forms part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on violent crime and ensure public safety.

Police disclosed that one of the suspects sustained injuries during an exchange of fire with intelligence teams during the arrest. The suspect has since been transported to a medical facility, where he is receiving treatment under police guard.

The second suspect is currently in custody assisting with investigations.

The robbery incident, which targeted members of the Berekum-based club, has sparked widespread concern within Ghana’s football fraternity and beyond.

Although full details of the attack are yet to be made public, authorities confirmed that the incident led to the death of a player, marking a tragic loss for the team and its supporters.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been officially released, and police have not disclosed the exact circumstances under which the attack occurred.

However, the incident has reignited conversations about the safety and security of football teams, particularly during travel for matches and training engagements.

Football clubs, supporters, and stakeholders have since called for enhanced security measures to protect players and officials, especially in light of increasing reports of highway robberies and attacks in parts of the country.

The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to track down any additional suspects who may be linked to the crime. Authorities also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice.

The arrests are being seen as a major breakthrough in the case, offering some reassurance to the football community and the general public. Police say further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has invited key stakeholders to nominate representatives for a multi-party technical committee to support the deployment of artificial intelligence in customs operations.

In an official communication dated April 14, 2026, the GRA said the move follows a stakeholder meeting held at the Ministry of Finance on April 1, where it was agreed that a consultative platform be established to guide the implementation of the AI-driven system.

Push for AI in Customs

The proposed committee will focus on the deployment of Publican AI within customs processes, a step aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder engagement in trade facilitation.

According to the GRA, the committee will serve as a collaborative platform to ensure continuous dialogue and input from all relevant institutions involved in customs and trade operations.

Call for Nominations

Stakeholders have been requested to nominate three representatives each to serve on the committee.

The first meeting of the technical committee is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ministry of Finance in Accra.

Strengthening Collaboration

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by the GRA and the Ministry of Finance to modernize customs operations through technology while ensuring inclusivity in decision-making.

The letter was signed by Anthony K. Sarpong, Acting Commissioner-General of the GRA.

The formation of the committee is expected to play a key role in shaping how artificial intelligence is integrated into Ghana’s customs systems, with implications for revenue mobilization and international trade efficiency.

Source: Nana Achiaa Aboagye

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Association of Banks, John Awuah, has issued a strong warning to players in the financial sector, stressing that trust remains the foundation of banking operations and must be protected at all costs.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop involving board directors of various banks, Mr. Awuah cautioned that any breach of trust could pose a serious threat to the survival of the industry.

“As banks, our currency of trade is trust. Without trust, people will not walk into our banks and hand over their life savings and investments,” he stated.

He emphasised that a loss of public confidence could cripple banking operations, urging leadership across institutions to uphold high ethical standards and set the right tone from the top.

“If we lose the trust of the banking population, we have lost our business. The tone we set at the top is what reflects across all levels,” he added.

According to him, the workshop forms part of broader efforts to shield the sector from reputational risks such as fraud and unethical conduct, which have affected other industries.

Mr. Awuah disclosed that the Association will soon launch a nationwide public awareness campaign focused on fraud prevention, integrity, and professional standards.

Zero Tolerance for Fraud 

Taking a firm stance, the GAB CEO advocated for a strict “name and shame” approach to address rising fraud cases within the banking sector.

“One fraud in the banking sector is one fraud too many,” he stressed.

He expressed concern over reports of some bank staff engaging in fraudulent activities, warning that even isolated incidents could significantly erode public trust.

His remarks follow concerns highlighted in recent reports by the Bank of Ghana regarding misconduct within parts of the financial sector.

Mr. Awuah maintained that exposing offenders and ensuring they face the full force of the law would serve as a strong deterrent.

“We must stand firm on integrity, strengthen internal controls, and ensure that anyone found culpable is dealt with decisively,” he said.

The initiative forms part of a broader push to reinforce accountability, professionalism, and ethical standards across Ghana’s banking industry, with the aim of restoring and sustaining public confidence.