Police arrest Canadian, boyfriend for allegedly setting property on fire

Police have arrested a Canadian national and her Ghanaian boyfriend over an alleged arson attack that destroyed an apartment at Oyarifa Anointed Down in Greater Accra.

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command said the two suspects were picked up following investigations into what it described as unlawful damage to property in the area.

In a press release dated December 27, 2025, the Criminal Investigation Department stated that “the Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with a case of causing unlawful damage at Oyarifa Anointed Down in the Greater Accra Region.”

The suspects were identified as Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, a Canadian national, and her Ghanaian boyfriend, Mohammed Issah.

According to the police, the two were tenants occupying the apartment that was later destroyed by fire.

The release explained that the arrests followed investigations into “an arson incident at the apartment,” noting that the incident occurred on December 23, 2025.

Mohammed Issah was arrested on the same day the fire broke out, while Jennifer Mae Tomlinson was arrested two days later.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects, who were tenants occupying the apartment, deliberately set the property ablaze on 23rd December 2025, completely destroying it without any apparent provocation,” the CID statement signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer of the Criminal Investigation Department read.

Police further indicated that Issah was arrested by officers from the Ayimensah Abokobi Police immediately after the incident. “Suspect Mohammed Issah was arrested by the Ayimensah Abokobi Police on the same day the incident occurred,” the statement noted.

Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, however, initially evaded arrest. The police said she “went into hiding and was later arrested from her hideout on 25 December 2025,” following further intelligence-led operations.

Both suspects are currently being held as investigations continue. According to the CID, “both suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations.”

The police also confirmed that the legal process has been triggered and that the suspects will face charges. “They will be put before the court to face charges in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

The police administration urged the public to remain calm and allow investigations to take their course, assuring residents that incidents of suspected arson and unlawful property damage are treated with seriousness.