Residents of Yamfo in the Ahafo Region are demanding justice after 30-year-old Richard Antwi Agyei, a nurse at the Yamfo Health Center, was allegedly killed by police officers following an altercation during a raid on a drug-peddling site.
The tragic incident unfolded on April 4, when tensions erupted after a police raid targeting an area known for smoking and selling Indian hemp. According to the leader of the Yamfo Youth Association, Asante Nana Gyamfi Kumanini Ameyaw, Agyei was among those arrested during the raid.
The police allegedly demanded a GHC 1,500 bribe to release him, a sum he could not pay in full. Though Agyei had already transferred GHC 1,000 via mobile money, it is believed the remaining GHC 500 led to a violent altercation. The young nurse was reportedly beaten by officers, and by the time he was taken to the Yamfo Health Center, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The incident sparked outrage in the community, with a group of angry youth storming the Yamfo Police Station and attempting to set it on fire in protest. The military was deployed to control the situation, firing warning shots to prevent further escalation.
Asate Nana Gyamfi Kumanini Ameyaw has called for a swift and impartial investigation into the matter. He warned against any attempts to shield the officers allegedly responsible for Agyei’s death, emphasizing that such actions could fuel further anger and lead to violence against innocent officers. Ameyaw also urged local drug dealers to cease their activities in the area to prevent future tragedies.
Speaking on behalf of the police, ACP Gyebi Richard, the Deputy Ahafo Regional Police Commander, assured the public that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
Residents of Yamfo have expressed their grief and disbelief, describing Richard Antwi Agyei as a hardworking, dedicated nurse whose life was tragically cut short due to alleged police brutality.
