Kasoa soldier murder: Suspect not our staff – National Security
The suspect arrested in connection with the shooting and killing of a soldier at Millenium City, Kasoa, in the Central Region, is not an official of the Ministry of National Security, a statement has clarified.
Following the alleged brutal murder of Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Michael Danso on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, speculations have been rife on social media about the identity of suspect Benlord Ababio.
While some allege that Benlord is a land guard at Kasoa, others claim he is a staff of the National Security.
Providing an update on the matter, the ministry said it wished “to put on record that the suspect, Benlord Ababio, who is currently in police custody, is not a staff of the Ministry of National Security.”
While dismissing the claims, the ministry further admonished the public to disregard any news portraying the suspect as a national security operative.
Meanwhile, Benlord is assisting with investigations into the fatal shooting over a disputed parcel of land.
The Ghana Police Service says Benlord opened fire and shot the unarmed military officer.
A statement from the police confirmed that “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 Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) also revealed that Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Michael Danso was killed unprovoked.
In a statement, GAF said the land in dispute belonged to another soldier, Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Omar Abdul Rahman.
Due to the dispute, the Millennium City Police advised all parties involved to refrain from any activity on the half-plot land until the matter was resolved.
However, despite the advice, a self-proclaimed owner of the land proceeded with development.
“Allegedly, L/Cpl Omar Abdul Rahman was informed some people were working on the land. Accompanied by two of his colleagues – L/Cpl Danso Michael (Deceased) and L/Cpl Ametus Matthew, they visited the land and confirmed the information. L/Cpl Omar Abdul Rahman and his colleagues stopped the people from working and proceeded to the Millennium City Police Station to report the issue.
“Whilst at the Police Station, the acclaimed owner of the land arrived with two others believed to be land guards and confronted the soldiers, during which they started firing at the deceased soldier who was going to park a vehicle at the Police Station. The police disarmed and arrested the firer after realizing L/Cpl Danso had been hit by the rounds fired,” the statement said.
The GAF extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, friends, and loved ones of the fallen soldier, Lance Corporal Danso Michael.
Additionally, they assured the public that they were collaborating closely with the police to conduct further investigations into the incident.