Residents of Akyem Hemang in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region have taken to the streets to demand an independent and transparent investigation into the death of a resident, Douglas Acheampong, who was allegedly shot by military personnel during an anti-illegal mining operation.
The demonstration, held on Tuesday morning, followed the death of Mr. Acheampong on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at about 7 p.m.
The protesters are demanding accountability and clarity over the circumstances that led to the shooting, insisting that anyone found responsible should be held accountable.
There was a heavy police presence in the community as the demonstration proceeded, with officers deployed to maintain law and order.
According to the Assembly Member for the area, Richmond Darko, the incident began when military personnel allegedly confronted an Immigration Officer, Kwaku Kwebia, who was speaking on the phone.
Mr. Darko said the personnel accused the Immigration Officer of providing information to illegal miners and demanded access to his mobile phone.
He alleged that the officers attempted to force Mr. Kwebia into one of their vehicles after he refused to hand over the phone.
Mr. Darko said Douglas Acheampong intervened during the confrontation but attempted to flee when tensions escalated.
He said eyewitnesses subsequently told him that the military personnel fired warning shots before Mr. Acheampong was allegedly shot.
Military dispute account of incident
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain contested.
The military’s account, as relayed by local officials, is that the personnel came under attack during the operation and fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd and calm the situation.
Residents, however, dispute the suggestion that the security personnel were attacked by a large crowd.
According to them, the confrontation involved the military personnel, the Immigration Officer, his father and Mr. Acheampong.
Mr. Darko said eyewitnesses estimated that about seven armed personnel were involved in the operation and arrived in several vehicles, including two black V8 vehicles and pickup trucks.
He added that a resident reportedly identified the registration number of one of the black pickup trucks as CN 7371-25.
The conflicting accounts have heightened calls from residents for authorities to establish what happened before and during the shooting.
Petition to authorities
The demonstrators are expected to present petitions to the Fanteakwa South District Assembly, the District Police Command and the Eastern Regional Police Command.
They are calling for a thorough investigation into the death and for the findings to be made known to the public.
The residents say a transparent investigation is necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding Mr. Acheampong’s death and determine responsibility.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
