Canadian woman, Ghanaian boyfriend arrested for allegedly burning down Oyarifa apartment

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has announced the arrest of two individuals, including a Canadian national, for allegedly causing extensive unlawful damage at a residence in Oyarifa.

In a press release dated December 27, 2025, the Service 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, and her Ghanaian boyfriend, Mohammed Issah. They were arrested on December 23, 2025 and December 25, 2025, respectively. 

According to the police, the arrests followed "investigations into an arson incident at the apartment."

Preliminary police findings point to a deliberate act. "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 release detailed.

The sequence of arrests saw Mohammed Issah apprehended first. "Suspect Mohammed Issah was arrested by the Ayimensah Abokobi Police on the same day the incident occurred," the statement explained. 

His alleged accomplice, Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, initially evaded capture. She "went into hiding and was later arrested from her hideout on 25 December 2025."

Both individuals are now in custody as inquiries continue. The CID confirmed that "both suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, and they will be put before the court to face charges in accordance with the law."

The press release was signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, the Public Relations Officer for the Criminal Investigation Department.