KEY POINTS
- Police investigate fatal Nyinahin shooting involving Ghanaian military personnel.
- Soldiers allegedly killed a mourner wearing camouflage during a funeral.
- Authorities promised a full investigation and cooperation with the military command.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command launched an investigation into a fatal shooting involving military personnel on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. when young mourners from Nyinahin headed to bury a friend at the cemetery.
They moved along the Kumasi–Bibiani Highway before encountering a military truck that stopped abruptly during the funeral procession.
Fatal shooting during procession triggers police action
According to preliminary findings, soldiers spotted one mourner wearing military camouflage and approached him to remove the attire. Eyewitnesses said the soldiers tried to forcibly strip him, which triggered a confrontation between both sides on the roadside.
During the scuffle, one soldier allegedly shot the mourner in the head, killing him instantly in front of the crowd. The deceased, Akwasi Lala, also known as Kushivi, died on the spot before any help could arrive at the scene.
Military personnel reportedly fired more shots to disperse the crowd and prevent any form of violent retaliation from the mourners. Three other individuals suffered injuries from the gunfire and are currently receiving medical treatment, responding well to care.
Authorities retrieve evidence and promise a thorough investigation
Police officers arrived shortly after the incident and collected spent cartridges from the scene for forensic analysis and documentation. They deposited Akwasi Lala’s body at Nyinahin Community Mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to determine the official cause of death, MyJoyOnline reported.
Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, visited the hospital and the incident site shortly after the shooting occurred. He assured residents that authorities would conduct a full investigation and bring anyone responsible to face the law.
The Police Command is working with the Central Military Command to release the involved soldiers for questioning and further investigations.
Authorities urged the community to remain calm and cooperate fully to ensure that justice is delivered in this incident.
