Two people have lost their lives following a confrontation between police officers and residents of Seyerano in the Juaboso District of the Western North Region.
According to the Okyeame of Seyerano, Nana Fuakye Ortis, three plain-clothed police officers reportedly entered the community to arrest a provision shop owner identified as Ernest over allegations of selling tramadol.
Eyewitnesses say some youth in the community resisted the arrest and attempted to prevent the officers from taking Ernest away. The situation reportedly escalated when the youth attacked the police vehicle as the officers were leaving with the suspect.
In the ensuing confrontation, the police allegedly opened fire in what is believed to have been an attempt to defend themselves, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.
The deceased have been identified as Papa Kojo Armah, Kwabee, popularly known as “Nkwagya”, third victim identity has not yet been confirmed.
According to the Western North Regional Police Command, preliminary investigations indicate that three people sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation, two of whom later died from their injuries.
Three other persons who were injured in the incident are receiving treatment at the Asafo Roman Catholic Hospital.
In a statement signed by DSP Humphrey D. Amoah, Staff Officer at the Western North Regional Police Command, on behalf of the Head of Public Affairs, the police said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) had directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) to undertake a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The statement further announced that all eight officers involved in the operation had been interdicted pending the outcome of the investigations.
The police said the decision formed part of measures to ensure transparency and accountability while investigations continue.
