Asamankese Police hunt for land guards after fatal shooting of farmer

Police in Asamankese have launched a manhunt for two suspected land guards accused of fatally shooting a farmer, Azumah Zakari, during a land dispute in Nyanoa, a farming settlement in the Upper West Akim District of the Eastern Region.

The incident happened on the afternoon of Saturday, April 5, 2025, around 2 p.m., when a disagreement over a parcel of land reportedly turned violent. Zakari, 45, was shot in the left leg by one of the suspects, identified as Kobby Asaa, with his alleged accomplice, known only as Red, also implicated in the attack.

Witnesses say the victim suffered excessive bleeding as efforts to transport him from the farm to the Asamankese Government Hospital were delayed due to a lack of immediate transport. He was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspects, described by locals as well-known land guards with a history of intimidation and violence, are believed to have ties to Osabarima Opoku Okyere II, the Chief of Nyanoa. Community members say the two men have been operating in the area unchecked for some time.

Police teams from both the Nyanoa station and the Asamankese Divisional Command visited the scene to begin investigations. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest.

Meanwhile, Zakari’s body has been taken to the Asamankese Government Hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation.

Speaking through tears, Zakari’s widow, Adwoa Augustina, pleaded for justice. “They took my husband’s life over land. He didn’t deserve this. I want the people responsible to be punished,” she said.