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A funeral procession in Nyinahin, Atwima Division of the Ashanti Region, turned tragic on Thursday morning when an encounter with military personnel ended in the alleged shooting of mourners, resulting in the death of one and serious injuries to three others.
According to a situational report from the Nyinahin Police, the incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. at Nyinahin-Nkwanta, when a group of youth were heading to the cemetery to bury a deceased friend. A military truck with registration number 73 GA 39, heading from Kumasi towards Bibiani, reportedly stopped the mourners. About six soldiers alighted and confronted Akwasi Lala, also known as Kushivi, aged 37, for wearing military uniform.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the soldiers demanded the deceased remove the uniform. While complying, one of the soldiers allegedly shot him in the head at close range, killing him instantly. The soldiers then reportedly fired indiscriminately into the crowd, striking three other mourners:
Kofi Agyapong, 44
Alfred Kwarteng, 24
Kofi Owusu, alias Juve, 36
The injured were rushed to the Nyinahin Government Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Nyinahin Police received a distress call at 11:10 a.m., prompting an immediate alert to snap checkpoints at Akota and Antwi Adjei-Njwanta in an effort to intercept the military vehicle. However, reports from officers on duty indicate that the military truck failed to stop and sped through the checkpoints.
A police team that visited the scene retrieved eighteen (18) empty bullet shells, which have been retained for investigation. The body of the deceased, Akwasi Lala, has been deposited at the Nyinahin Community Mortuary awaiting autopsy.
The incident has since sparked outrage and raised concerns about the conduct of the military in civilian spaces. Police have commenced investigations, and the case is being handled by Detective Sergeant Yussif Osman.
The Ghana Armed Forces is yet to officially comment on the matter. Meanwhile, residents of Nyinahin are calling for an independent probe and justice for the victims.
For further information:
D/Sgt. Yussif Osman – 0249640707
