The Mmratehene of the Ayanfuri Traditional Area in the Diaso District of the Central Region, Nana Kwabena Okyere, has passed away following the accidental discharge of a pump-action gun during a funeral ceremony on Friday, 9 May 2026.
According to a police situational report from the Ayanfuri Police Station under the Dunkwa-On-Offin Division, the incident took place at approximately 3:20 p.m. during the funeral rites of Abusua Panyin Akwasi Kwateng at Ayanfuri.
The police reported that they received a distress call indicating that the traditional leader had “mistakenly shot himself” with a pump-action gun during the ceremony.
The report indicated that Nana Kwabena Okyere suffered a severe gunshot wound to the abdomen and was urgently transported to the Ayanfuri Pentecost Hospital for emergency medical care.
Upon arrival, police visited the facility, where medical staff confirmed that he had been admitted with a deep abdominal wound, with his intestines reportedly exposed.
He was declared dead while receiving treatment at around 2:00 p.m.
Before the police arrived at the hospital, the body had already been moved to the Dunkwa-On-Offin Municipal Hospital Mortuary.
Arrangements are being made for officers to examine the remains as part of the ongoing investigations.
Preliminary findings suggest that the Mmratehene may have accidentally discharged the firearm at close range during the musketry display.
This account has also been shared on social media, with a video allegedly depicting the deceased pointing the weapon towards his abdomen before it discharged.
The police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the complete circumstances surrounding the incident.
The death has cast a shadow over Ayanfuri, with traditional authorities and residents expressing their shock over the unexpected loss of the sub-chief during what was anticipated to be a solemn family gathering.
