Residents Of Akyem Hemang Demand Justice Over Shooting Incident
Residents of Akyem Hemang in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region are demanding justice over the shooting and death of one Douglas Acheampong, allegedly involving military personnel.
At a press conference, the residents called on the District Chief Executive (DCE), Member of Parliament (MP), District Police Commander and other relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Spokesperson for the residents, Mr. Kwadjo Asiedu, popularly known as Power, said the community needs nothing but justice and an update on investigations into the shooting.
According to him, military personnel were passing through the community after an operation when they spotted a resident, Kwaku Kwebia, an immigration officer dressed in plain clothes, talking on his phone.
Mr. Asiedu said the officers, who were in four V8 Land Cruisers and a pickup truck, allegedly stopped and accused Mr. Kwebia of acting as an informant because he was on a phone call. They reportedly demanded he hand over his mobile phone.
He said Mr. Kwebia denied the allegation, explaining that he was speaking to his brother, and resisted handing over the phone, a situation which allegedly angered the officers who began heckling him and attempted to force him into one of the vehicles.
The incident reportedly attracted the attention of other residents, including Mr. Kwebia’s sister, who moved in to prevent her brother from being taken away by blocking the entrance to the vehicle.
Mr. Asiedu said Douglas Acheampong also joined efforts to prevent Mr. Kwebia from being taken away and engaged in a heated confrontation with the officers.
The officers subsequently allegedly fired several warning shots to disperse community members who were gathering at the scene. According to the account, Acheampong was fleeing with other residents after the warning shots when he was allegedly shot at close range from behind. The bullet reportedly entered through his back and exited through his stomach, killing him instantly. The officers are said to have left the scene immediately after the shooting.
Adding his voice, the Operations Manager of Narawa Mining Company, Mr. Abdul Kareem, called on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
On his part, the Chief of Akyem Hemang, Osaberima Mmiri-kissi Okasum Apori Atta, said the shooting has sparked concern and left residents devastated. He called for a proper investigation and pleaded with the youth of the town to remain calm while they seek justice for the late Douglas Acheampong.
