Chaos at Asamankese funeral: Four arrested, nine shot in violent clash

The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested four people in connection with a violent shooting incident that disrupted a funeral ceremony at Asamankese on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

The attack left six civilians and three police officers injured.

According to a statement signed by DSP David Fianko-Okyere, of the Public Affairs Unit of the Eastern South Regional Police Command, the chaos erupted during the burial and funeral rites of six family members.

Police said they received intelligence that some individuals were transporting weapons and ammunition into a house near the chief’s palace.

“Personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene, leading to the retrieval of one single-barrel gun, eighty-four (84) live AAA cartridges, seven cutlasses, and two knives,” the statement said.

The suspects, identified as Isaac Ntim, Nana Yaw Zenyo, Bismark K. K. Adam (29), and Buaben Richard (25), were apprehended, but their arrest sparked a violent reaction from some agitated youth. The mob reportedly pelted stones and other objects at the officers, injuring three policemen on their heads and hands.

Two police vehicles also had their windscreens and side windows smashed.

The angry crowd further blocked the Asamankese–Akroso road and opened fire near the chief’s palace amid claims that the bereaved family planned to bury their dead relatives in the royal cemetery.

‘In the process, six victims, David Odame, 28 years, Musah Gyakweli, 29 years, Patrick Ofosu, Obeng Emmanuel, 18 years, Asamoah Sey, 18 years, and one other yet to be identified sustained gunshot injuries are receiving treatment at the Asamankese Government Hospital,” police reported.

Police confirmed that all four suspects are currently in custody, assisting with investigations.

DSP David Fianko-Okyere assured the public that the situation has been normalized and the Asamankese township is calm.

He added that patrols and surveillance have been intensified to maintain law and order.

“The public is assured of security measures in place to protect life and property so residents can go about their normal duties.”