Police have arrested a man who allegedly shot and killed a soldier at Millenium City, Kasoa, in the Central Region.
The Ghana Police Service says their investigation has established that the suspect, Benlord Ababio, allegedly opened fire and shot the unarmed military officer on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at about 4:20 pm.
A statement from the police said, “The victim sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Mother and Child Hospital at Kasoa for medical attention. However, he was later pronounced dead by the medical authorities”.
The suspect, Benlord Ababio, is currently in custody, assisting police investigation.
The police said they were in touch with the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) as investigation into the incident continues.
Further information gathered in relation to the incident revealed that the victim was in the company of other soldiers, and two officers narrowly escaped death.
The development was in relation to a land dispute at Millenium City, Kasoa.
According to Winnebo Ndego, who facilitated the land transaction, the military officers had purchased the land but faced opposition from a group led by an individual named Fiifi whenever they attempted to develop it.
Despite previous reports to the police, the situation remained unresolved.
In a bid to find a resolution, the military man and his companions visited the disputed land, only to find another group already working on it.
Upon encountering the occupants on the disputed land, the military officers urged them to cease their activities and accompany them to the Millennium City District Police station for mediation.
However, the disagreement persisted, prompting the officers to return to the police station to follow up on their initial complaint.
Subsequently, an officer on duty informed them that their case had been forwarded to the Central East Regional Police Command.
As they proceeded to go to the regional command, they were allegedly ordered by one Benlord Ababio, also known as Nana Ben and who is said to be a sub-chief, to stop following up on the case.
However, the officers refused and decided to drive to the Regional Command and follow up on their initial report.
Nana Ben allegedly opened fire on their vehicle, a private Toyota RAV4 car with registration number GR 3591-24, killing one of the soldiers instantly as they attempted to drive to the Regional Command.
An eyewitness narrating the incident said, “I saw the incident happen right in front of me. The chief, Benload Ababio, met the military officers at the District Police station and was trying to speak to them not to go to the Divisional Police Command but they didn’t listen.
“While they were heading to the Divisional command, just after moving their vehicle, the Gyamehene Benlord Ababio fired at their vehicle just behind them, leading to one of the officers dying in the process. Two other officers escaped unhurt, but the chief was arrested immediately after the incident and sent to the Divisional Police Command.
He added, “The police later transferred him to Accra Division for fear of being attacked by the landguards in the area.”