The Wa Circuit Court has sentenced two men, Abdulai Ibrahim alias Baba, 34, a driver’s mate, and Abdulai Kipo, 36, a butcher, to a combined 46 years in prison for their involvement in multiple robbery incidents.
Presided over by His Honour Jonathan Avoogo, the court found the two guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery itself. Ibrahim received a 28-year sentence with hard labour, while Kipo was sentenced to 18 years, also with hard labour.
The duo were linked to a string of robberies in the Napogbakole, Danko, SSNIT, and Konta areas within the Wa Municipality in the Upper West Region.
Their arrest followed intelligence-led investigations by the Upper West Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, which gathered substantial evidence to secure their conviction.
In a statement, the Upper West Regional Police Command welcomed the ruling, stating that it reinforces their commitment to law enforcement and public safety. “The verdict underscores our resolve to make the region safe and to pursue criminals without relenting,” the statement said.
The police also assured the public of continued efforts to clamp down on crime and protect lives and property in the region.
A middle-aged woman and her two children were trapped inside their home for close to three hours after a massive fig tree toppled during a windstorm. They sealed off the main entrance of their building in Wa, Upper West Region.
The uprooted tree, brought down by a violent storm, completely blocked all accessible exits, leaving the family stranded and unable to leave the house. Desperate for help, they contacted emergency services, friends, and relatives. A family member eventually came to their rescue, managing to clear a path and free the trapped occupants.
In response to the incident, Wa Municipal Chief Executive Issah Nurah Danwanaa visited the site and disclosed that the assembly works with relevant agencies to identify and remove aged and potentially hazardous trees throughout the municipality. This move, he said, is aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.
He added that the municipality has been hit by a series of intense windstorms over the past month, which have caused several large trees to fall, resulting in property damage estimated in the thousands of Ghana cedis.
JoyNews’ Upper West Regional correspondent, Rafik Salam, captured the dramatic rescue live and was present at the scene as events unfolded.
The Upper West Domestic Violence Fund was launched in Wa. It is a crucial step towards aiding domestic violence victims in the region. This commendable effort is made possible by OXFAM Ghana. They have provided a seed fund of One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH₵100,000). Additionally, there is support from Gyinsung Shelter, the Department of Gender, and other significant civil society organizations and stakeholders.
The event took place in Wa on Tuesday, April 8th. It united traditional leaders, civil society members, business figures, government representatives, and human rights advocates. Their purpose was to provide tangible assistance and genuine hope for those affected by domestic abuse. Dr Martin Dery is the Executive Director of Pronet North and Chairman of the Upper West Regional Gender Support Network. In his opening speech, he acknowledged that funding has always posed a challenge in combatting domestic violence. This is especially true for victims.
“Financing has always been a challenge, especially in poor communities like ours, where victims often suffer in silence because they can’t afford to seek help. But today is different. Today, we’re taking a stand as a region,” he stated.
During the fund’s launch, Madam Thelma Hayford, Gender Advisor at OXFAM Ghana, highlighted its origins. They successfully implemented a similar initiative in the Upper East Region. This model was pioneered by the Widows and Orphans Movement. It proved invaluable for survivors. It provided them with shelter, legal aid, and economic empowerment.
She stated that the Upper West Region is now implementing its own locally developed answer to a long-standing issue.
Madam Charity Batuure is the Regional Director of the Department of Gender in Upper West. According to her, the fund’s introduction will provide assistance. This assistance is much-needed by those impacted by domestic abuse.
The launch of the fund holds great significance for many individuals. Madam Batuure emphasized this by reflecting on past instances. She mentioned the notorious ‘Anaata case’ where survivors were constantly relocated. They were desperately trying to find a safe place.
“It took eight years to get a proper shelter, and the journey here has been long and painful. But today, it’s a dream come true,” she declared.
During his keynote speech, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, highlighted the significance of the fund’s launch. It represents Ghana’s global responsibility for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized how the Gyinsung Shelter and Upper West Domestic Violence Fund serve as symbols of hope in the region. They demonstrate how working together with various stakeholders can effectively end the cycle of violence. This collaboration can provide a fresh start for those most in need.
“Let us all be ambassadors for the Youth Shelter and the Domestic Violence Fund,” said a speaker. The survivors are counting on us. And with unity, we can build a region where no one is silenced, and everyone feels safe.” He urged.
Muslihat Mchelvert has released another masterpiece. She’s one of the few ladies in the North of Ghana to keep steady hands on beats. Enjoy Tibajoa below.
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About Muslihat Mchelvert
Muslihat Mchelvert is an emerging talent from the Upper East Region of Ghana, making waves in the music scene with her unique voice and vibrant performances. Known for her ability to blend Afrobeat, highlife, and contemporary sounds, she has quickly established herself as an artist to watch. Muslihat’s music speaks to a wide range of listeners, offering a mix of relatable storytelling, infectious rhythms, and soulful melodies.
Her debut album, Osmaria, released in 2024, features tracks like “Heartless,” “Money Main,” “Root,” and “Godzilla,” showcasing her versatility as an artist and her deep connection to her cultural roots. With each release, Muslihat continues pushing the boundaries of her musical style, delivering songs that resonate with her fans and critics. One of her recent singles, “Tibajoa,” released in April 2025, has been particularly well-received, cementing her place in the industry as an up-and-coming star.
Muslihat’s live performances are electrifying, with her first stage appearance of 2025 at St. Louis Rutten Senior High School during their SRC Week celebration. Her energy swept the crowd, and her stage presence deepened her connection with her growing fanbase. Whether performing live or engaging with her audience on social media platforms like TikTok, Muslihat knows how to keep her fans hooked with authentic content that gives them a glimpse into her world.
Fans can easily find her music on streaming platforms like Apple Music, where her tracks continue to gain traction. As she continues to make her mark, Muslihat Mchelvert is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new voices in Ghanaian music, with a promising future ahead.
