Youth Protest Police Action Amid Claims of Unjustified Killings; Ahafonews Investigates
Akwasi Adu popularly known as Shankiki, a man accused of multiple acts of violence and killings in Sankore and the broader Ahafo Region, was fatally shot during a confrontation with police on Saturday 15th March 2025. The incident occurred during an alleged attempt to forcibly seize timber logs from businessmen traveling through Sankore from the Western North Region.
According to eyewitness accounts, Adu and an associate identified as “Job Hene” ambushed a group of timber traders near Sankore. While Job Hene surrendered to responding police officers, Adu reportedly engaged in a gunfight. During the exchange, Adu was struck in the abdomen. He was rushed to Goaso Municipal Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival. Job Hene was arrested immediately after the incident but has been confirmed he has been discharged.
Sources confirmed the operation was prompted by a distress call about armed men attempting to hijack the timber shipment. Authorities emphasized that officers acted in self-defense, though an internal investigation is underway to review the circumstances.
Adu’s death has ignited a fierce backlash among local youth, transcending political divides. Supporters of both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) rallied in Sankore, condemning what they describe as a pattern of unjust police killings. Protesters referenced prior incidents in recent years where security forces were accused of using excessive force without accountability.
“Why do the police keep killing our people? When will this end?” shouted one demonstrator, who requested anonymity. “Akwasi had his crimes, but was this the only way?”
Adu had long been linked to terrorizing communities in Ahafo, with allegations ranging from armed robberies to brutal attacks on rivals. His notoriety made him a feared figure, though some locals accused authorities of failing to prosecute him adequately before the clash.
The Ahafo Regional Police Command has pledged transparency in its probe, stating, “We are gathering all evidence to ensure due process.” Meanwhile, Ahafonews’s team is conducting independent inquiries, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing hospital and police records.
The incident underscores rising tensions between Sankore’s youth and security forces, with calls for improved accountability mechanisms and dialogue to address grievances. Community leaders urge calm, fearing further unrest.
Ahafonews has reached out to the timber traders involved and regional authorities for further comments. Updates will follow as details emerge.
Published By; Ahafonews
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