Four arrested in connection with shooting incident during funeral at Asamankese

Four people have been arrested by the Eastern South Regional Police Command in connection with a violent shooting incident that occurred during the burial and funeral rites of six family members at Asamankese in the Eastern Region.

According to a police statement signed by DSP David Fianko-Okyere, Public Affairs Officer for the Eastern South Region, the incident, which happened on Sunday, October 26, 2025, left six civilians and three police officers injured.

Police said they received intelligence that some individuals were conveying firearms and cartridges into a room near the chief’s palace. Personnel were immediately dispatched to the area, where they retrieved one single-barrel gun, 84 live AAA cartridges, seven cutlasses, and two knives.

The suspects — Isaac Ntim, Nana Yaw Zenyo, Bismark K. K. Adam (29), and Buaben Richard (25) — were arrested at the scene. However, their arrest provoked an angry response from some youth, who attacked the police with stones and other implements, injuring three officers on their heads and hands. The mob also damaged the windscreen and side glass of two police vehicles.

The situation escalated further when the youth reportedly blocked the Asamankese–Akroso road and fired shots around the chief’s palace. They were allegedly protesting claims that the bereaved family intended to bury their deceased relatives in the royal cemetery.

Six civilians sustained gunshot wounds during the chaos. They have been identified as David Odame (28), Musah Gyakweli (29), Patrick Ofosu, Obeng Emmanuel (18), Asamoah Sey (18), and another yet-to-be-identified person. The victims are currently receiving treatment at the Asamankese Government Hospital.

Police say all four suspects are in custody and assisting with investigations. Meanwhile, calm has been restored in Asamankese following the deployment of additional patrols and surveillance teams to ensure law and order.

“The Eastern South Regional Police Command has intensified patrols and assured the public of its commitment to protect lives and property to enable residents to go about their normal duties,” DSP Fianko-Okyere said.