A 58-year-old Wildlife Resource Guard has been shot dead during a patrol operation at the Kakum Forest Reserve in the Assin South District of the Central Region.
The deceased, identified as Richard Otwey, was reportedly attacked on Saturday, August 22, 2026, after he and two other guards encountered two men allegedly hunting illegally within the protected forest.
The incident occurred at the Assin Kruwa section of the reserve.
According to preliminary police investigations, the patrol team attempted to apprehend the two men after discovering them hunting without lawful authority.
One of the suspects, identified as Bukari Abudu, allegedly drew a single-barrel gun and fired at Mr Otwey, hitting him in the chest.
The victim reportedly died at the scene.
Police were informed of the incident at about 8:25 a.m. and subsequently proceeded to the area together with officials from the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.
Upon arrival, investigators found Mr Otwey’s body lying beneath a wawa tree, approximately 60 metres from the reserve’s boundary.
A search of the area resulted in the recovery of a spent cartridge, footprints and a single-barrel gun believed to be connected to the incident. The items have since been secured as exhibits.
Following the shooting, the two suspects allegedly fled into the forest. The patrol team pursued them, resulting in the arrest of John Mensah.
Bukari Abudu, however, remains at large, with the police mounting efforts to locate and arrest him.
Mr Otwey’s remains have been deposited at the Abura Dunkwa Government Hospital morgue for preservation and further examination.
The Central North Regional Crime Officer, Chief Superintendent Edmund Agyemang Badu, confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details because investigations are still underway.
“The Police can confirm the killing, but we cannot comment further as investigations are ongoing,” Chief Superintendent Agyemang Badu said.
John Mensah remains in police custody and is assisting with investigations as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting and apprehend the second suspect.
The police have also appealed to members of the public with information on the whereabouts of Bukari Abudu to come forward and assist with his arrest.
