The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for a group of unidentified armed men who allegedly shot a 27-year-old Community Police Assistant during an attack at Dwakessiem, near Dunkwa-on-Offin, in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region.
The victim, Emmanuel Agyapong, suffered a gunshot wound to his right thigh and is receiving specialist treatment at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) after being referred from the Dunkwa-on-Offin Municipal Hospital.
The shooting occurred between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, sparking concern in the community and triggering a police investigation.
According to police, Mr Agyapong was first taken to the Dunkwa-on-Offin Municipal Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to KATH because of the severity of his injury.
Speaking to the media, the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Police Commander, DSP Simon Boavo, said preliminary investigations showed the incident stemmed from an altercation between the Community Police Assistant and occupants of a motorbike.
According to him, one of the riders was injured during the confrontation before leaving the scene, allegedly threatening to return.
DSP Boavo said the individual later returned with a group of men, some reportedly armed with cutlasses and a pump-action shotgun.
He said the confrontation escalated when one of the suspects allegedly fired the shotgun, hitting Mr Agyapong in the right thigh.
The suspects reportedly fired a warning shot before fleeing, preventing residents from pursuing them.
The Municipal Police Commander said investigators had launched a full-scale operation to identify and arrest the suspects, adding that all available leads were being pursued.
He assured residents that the police were committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
DSP Boavo also appealed to the public to support law enforcement officers in carrying out their lawful duties and to cooperate with investigators by providing any information that could help arrest the suspects.
He observed that the unfortunate incident might have been prevented if bystanders had intervened promptly to help de-escalate the confrontation before it turned violent.
Police have urged anyone with credible information on the whereabouts of the suspects to report to the nearest police station to assist with the ongoing investigation.
The incident has renewed concerns over attacks on security personnel and highlights the need for stronger community support for law enforcement officers carrying out their duties.
