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Bolgatanga In the News: 8 Arrested in Kidnapping of Two Ghanaian Women Rescued in Nigeria

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has arrested eight individuals. They are connected with the kidnapping of two Ghanaian women, Anastasia Baidoo and Evelyn Serwaa Konadu.

The victims were seen in a disturbing viral video that sparked public outrage and prompted swift action by law enforcement. In the footage, one of the women was shown nude. She was assaulted with a machete. This prompted immediate intervention by the security agencies.

The first round of arrests occurred on May 1, 2025, by the Upper East Regional Police Intelligence officers. Four suspects—Christian Emeka, 27, Basil Okonkwo, 29 (Nigerians), Titus Mba Awuni, 25, and Amalbeo Alfred, 21 (Ghanaians from Bolgatanga)—were apprehended.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Marmah Mahasseh Nii Martie, 31. He was arrested in Teshie by the Police Intelligence Department in Accra.

Three additional suspects—Peter Okoye, 31; Paulinus Chidokwe, 35; and Chinonso Okafor, 35—were captured in Port Harcourt and Onitsha, Nigeria. The two victims were rescued during this operation.

The Director-General of CID, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, addressed the media in Accra. She confirmed the arrests. She also confirmed the successful rescue of the victims. She credited the joint operation between the Ghana Police Service, the National Signals Bureau (NSB), and the Nigerian Police Force.

“We are grateful to the NSB and the Nigeria Police Force for the collaboration in rescuing these women,” she said. “The suspects demanded a ransom of GH₵500,000 from each victim’s family. A total of GH₵18,000 was paid to various phone numbers provided by the suspects.”

Currently, both victims are in the custody of Nigerian authorities and have undergone medical checks. Efforts are underway to repatriate them to Ghana and to extradite the suspects.

In a separate case, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor announced the successful rescue of three Chinese crew members. They were kidnapped during a pirate attack on the Ghanaian fishing vessel Mengxin 1 near Nyanyano in April.

Reports revealed that seven armed men boarded the ship, fired warning shots, and abducted the three Chinese nationals. They were later found abandoned at a remote location in Nigeria.

Four suspects linked to the abduction were arrested following coordinated efforts by the Ghana Police and other relevant agencies.

DCOP Donkor emphasised the importance of inter-agency and cross-border collaboration in tackling transnational crimes.

“The success achieved in these cases underscores the critical need for enhanced cooperation between security agencies both locally and internationally,” she stated.

Residents in the Upper East Region are encouraged to report any exorbitant rent requests promptly.

Adam Yaminu Kasim, the Regional Manager of the Rent Control Department in Upper East, mentions a critical issue. Tenants and landlords often face excessive advanced payments required by landlords. This has caused difficulties for many tenants. They cannot afford such large upfront costs. These costs often do not correspond with the quality or worth of the rented properties. Unfortunately, this mismatch between rental fees and property conditions is a persistent concern in the region and nationwide.

One of the most prevalent concerns for tenants and landlords is rental payments. Landlords may often require a significant upfront payment, which can prove to be a major obstacle for many tenants.

During a recent interview on A1 Radio in Bolgatanga, monitored by www.thesavannaonline.com, he addressed the increasing tensions and anxieties surrounding rent fees. He also highlighted the issue of certain landlords disregarding rent regulations.

Mr Kasim emphasized the importance of involving the Rent Control Department early in the rental process. He encouraged tenants to report any suspected irregularities or exploitative practices. This is particularly important when faced with exceptionally high rent demands. However, he acknowledged that numerous tenants hesitate to contact the department.

“Mostly, what we urge tenants to do is, at least sometimes, when you go to a place and inspect it, and the figure is a bit outrageous or too high, you can draw Rent Control’s attention.”…He narrated.

The Rent Control Act governs rental practices in Ghana. Landlords must register their properties before making them available to the public. This process enables the department to determine and approve a reasonable rental rate. Unfortunately, some landlords ignore this obligation and only approach the department when conflicts arise.

“As a landlord or landlady, under the act we are currently operating with—Act 220—even before you put up the premises, once you have the intention of renting it, you have to come and register it with Rent Control. That way, Rent Control is empowered to move in after construction is completed to carry out the assessment and issue a certificate for the appropriate rent.”He further stated.

In addition, Mr. Kasim emphasized the purpose of the Rent Control Department, which is to assist tenants and landlords. The department acts as a neutral entity, providing guidance and settling rental conflicts. However, it has faced challenges in fulfilling its duties due to limited resources. Only five or six officers are responsible for the entire region. As a result, the department has struggled to educate the public and promptly address concerns adequately. Education is a key aspect of the mandate of the outfit. Yet, limited resources prevent Rent Control from fully fulfilling it.

The regional manager emphasized the importance of seeking help from the Rent Control Department early on in any rental situation. It is better to tackle concerns promptly rather than waiting for disputes to worsen.

He encouraged individuals not to hesitate in seeking assistance. The Rent Control team is available to offer guidance whenever needed.

Mr Kasim emphasized that the landlord must adhere to legal procedures when evicting tenants.

“There are laws guiding how a tenant should be evicted. A landlord or landlady cannot just get up and evict you…I encourage all tenants who think they have issues with their landlords to be bold and come forward,” he added.

Upper East Regional Lands Commission office complex takes off

In Bolgatanga, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, has led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Upper East Regional Lands Commission Office Complex. This event aims to tackle persistent infrastructure issues that have plagued the region’s Lands Commission.

Alhaji-Yusif-Sulemana—Deputy-Minister-for-Lands-and-Natural-Resources1

Alhaji Sulemana, speaking on behalf of the sector minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, highlighted the new facility’s benefits. It will improve land administration services, generate revenue, and promote regional job opportunities.

According to the Deputy Minister, land is crucial for economic, political, and social progress. A contemporary and efficient facility is necessary to effectively provide services and settle conflicts. The construction of this building will aid in achieving these goals.

According to Alhaji Sulemana, the Ministry is taking steps to introduce a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) in Parliament that will reinforce the legal framework for the Lands Commission’s operations. He also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to expediting reforms to enhance land acquisition and documentation procedures, which are crucial for attracting local and foreign investment.

He stressed the significance of accurate land paperwork and how it enables small and medium enterprises to secure credit. He explained that the absence of collateral often prevents aspiring entrepreneurs from taking advantage of potential opportunities.

“We must help businesspeople secure land documents so they can access loans and expand their businesses. That is how we create jobs and grow our economy,” he emphasized.

In his speech at the event, the Deputy Minister harshly warned the contractor about poor quality and delays.

“We’re counting from today. You have exactly one year to hand over this building. No excuses. If you deliver well, more opportunities will come your way. But if not, you’ll have no future engagements with this Ministry,” he warned.

In addition, he stressed the importance of the contractor hiring indigenous craftsmen and workers to generate employment opportunities for community members and boost the area’s economic growth.

Alhaji Sulemana, also known as the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, expressed his appreciation to traditional authorities and landowners for granting permission for the project and assured them of responsible land use.

According to Jonathan Kwabla Kene, the Upper East Regional Lands Officer, building the Upper East Regional Lands Commission Office Complex is an important milestone and a realization of a cherished goal for both the Commission and the region’s residents.

Mr Kene sincerely appreciated the Alegmia Abaa Family of Zorbisi for granting access to the land, which he emphasized was crucial in making the project a reality.

“This is a great day for the Lands Commission in the Upper East Region. For decades, we have operated without a dedicated office complex. Today marks the beginning of a significant transformation in how land services are delivered in the region,” he announced.

According to Mr Kene, the regional office is currently in a government building that it shares with multiple institutions. This arrangement impacts its efficiency, he noted.

“The lack of space has been a major impediment. Even the Chairman of the Lands Commission in the region has no dedicated office space. This has severely affected our operational efficiency and the capacity to increase our staff,” he expressed frustration.

The speaker addressed several obstacles facing land administration in the area, such as encroachment on state and public lands, complications with vested and de-vested lands, conflicts between the Land Act 2020 (Act 1036) and traditional land tenure systems, disputes over compensation, and the absence of subsidiary legislation to aid in implementing the Land Act.

Moreover, Mr. Kene mentioned the ongoing initiatives to address these issues. He reiterated the Commission’s dedication to promoting public awareness and engaging with key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, landowners, and land sector agencies. He commended the recent implementation of digital solutions, specifically the Enterprise Land Information System (ELIS), for successfully streamlining land service delivery processes.

PURC cautions residents in the Upper East Region against engaging in power theft.

The PURC has sternly warned the general public in the Upper East Region against illegal electricity connections. They have emphasized that power theft is a punishable crime under the law.

According to Pious Abdullai Ikililu, the Regional Complaints Officer for the Upper East region, those who engage in such practices will be subject to legal consequences. He also warned that the PURC will not intervene for those arrested by NEDCo for illegal connections.

“During our public education activities, we educate people to desist from power theft—connecting illegally to the service, or having power that NEDCo is not aware of, doing meter bypasses—anything that enables you to use electricity without actually paying for it is a crime,” he said.

According to Mr. Abdullai’s remarks on Bolga FM, power theft has detrimental effects on Ghana’s energy supply and the electricity sector as a whole. This includes system losses and loss of revenue. As a solution, he urged individuals to use their electrical devices responsibly and pay for their usage accordingly.

“If you know that you cannot pay for the electricity and you’re using an air-conditioner, why go and buy one? Or if you have an electrical gadget and you know very well that when you use it, you won’t be able to pay the bill—why have it?” he questioned.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has recently disclosed that starting May 3, 2025, there will be an increase in water and electricity tariffs. This change involves a 14.75 percent hike in electricity rates and a 4.02 percent rise in water prices under the updated tariff system.

Similarly, while appearing on the show, Mohammed Adams Suleimana, the Public Relations Officer of PURC in the Upper East Region, defended the reasoning behind the recent price hike. He clarified that the adjustment is not a novel occurrence but a routine part of the commission’s quarterly assessment process.

Terabuuriyele International has contributed essential medical equipment to the Upper East Regional Hospital.

Terabuuriyele, a non-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Frafra culture, has provided vital medical equipment to the Upper East Regional Hospital to support healthcare services in the area.

The contribution, given on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, comprises 22 blood pressure monitors and 22 infrared thermometer guns intended to enhance the hospital’s ability to treat patients effectively.

During the presentation, Mr. Simon Ayariga, National Chairman of Terabuuriyele, stated that the association’s donation is part of their humanitarian initiatives to support national development, specifically in healthcare.

“This donation reflects our commitment to supporting our communities through tangible action. We believe quality healthcare is a basic right, and we are proud to contribute to its delivery.”

On behalf of the hospital, Madam Justina Ayoribila, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, expressed her sincere appreciation for receiving the items. She also mentioned how the equipment will significantly improve their service delivery.

“We are grateful for this timely support. These items will go a long way in helping us provide better and more efficient care to our patients.”

Accompanying Chief Bombiga Asana Agoo at the ceremony were the Chief of Zaare and Acting Bolgatanga Municipal Chairman of Terabuuriyele. During the event, he expressed worry about the slow deterioration of Gurune culture and shared that the association intends to create a cultural museum.

Our cultural identity means everything to us. Our focus is on establishing a museum that will preserve and exhibit the thriving heritage of the Gurune people for generations to come.

The contribution serves as a reminder of Terabuuriyele’s dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage and fostering community progress.

The FDA provides training on good manufacturing practices to sachet water producers in Bolgatanga.

The FDA’s Upper East Regional Office hosted an annual training workshop for sachet water producers in the region. The objective was to inform them about GMPs, promoting the production of superior and secure sachet water for customers.

According to Abel Ndego, Acting Regional Head of the FDA in the Upper East Region, proper adherence to GMPs is vital for ensuring the quality and safety of sachet water. As water is essential for life, it remains a top priority for the FDA to uphold these standards and hold producers accountable in their facilities.

He said, “In this case, for sachet water, we are looking basically at quality and safety. So we have gathered here today to be able to share ideas on best practices, and what is recommended by the provisions of guidelines and international standards. This would help equip our sachet water producers to be able to ensure that the water they produce is of the highest standard and quality.”

According to him, this will ensure that the water sold to consumers adheres to quality and safety regulations. The training is centered on instructing and reinforcing proper methods to produce sachet water in the area.

During the training, we discussed several important topics, such as effective hygiene and sanitation protocols for production sites, appropriate methods for treating and purifying water, proper packaging and labeling standards, regulatory compliance, and the monitoring processes of the FDA.

Thomas Anthony Baba Piameng, Chairman of the Sachet Water Producers Association in the Upper East Region, lauded the FDA for their training and stressed the importance of adhering to safety protocols among members.