1 Community Police Assistant shot as police launch manhunt

A Community Police Assistant is receiving specialist treatment after being shot during an alleged attack in Dwakessiem in the Central Region. Police have launched a manhunt for the unidentified suspects while investigations continue.

DUNKWA-ON-OFFIN, Ghana — Police have launched a manhunt for a group of unidentified men following the shooting of a 27-year-old Community Police Assistant in Dwakessiem, near Dunkwa-on-Offin, in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of Ghana’s Central Region.

The officer, identified by police as Emmanuel Agyapong, sustained a gunshot wound to his right thigh during the incident and is receiving specialist treatment at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi after being referred from Dunkwa-on-Offin Municipal Hospital.

The shooting occurred between approximately 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, according to police, prompting an intensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident followed an altercation involving the Community Police Assistant and occupants of a motorbike, although police say enquiries are continuing to establish the full sequence of events.

Police outline preliminary findings

Speaking to local media, the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Police Commander, DSP Simon Boavo, said initial investigations suggested the confrontation began after an interaction between the officer and individuals riding a motorbike.

According to DSP Boavo, one of the riders reportedly sustained an injury during the confrontation before leaving the scene. Police allege that the individuals later returned accompanied by several other men, some of whom were reportedly armed with cutlasses and a pump-action shotgun. Police say one of the suspects allegedly fired the shotgun during the confrontation, striking Mr Agyapong in the right thigh. Officers also reported that a warning shot was discharged before the group fled the area.

The circumstances leading to the confrontation remain under investigation, and police have not publicly identified any suspects.

Officer transferred for specialist treatment

Following the shooting, Mr Agyapong was taken to Dunkwa-on-Offin Municipal Hospital for emergency treatment before doctors referred him to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital because of the nature of his injuries. Authorities have not released an updated medical bulletin, but police say he continues to receive specialist care. No other injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

Full-scale investigation underway

Police say investigators have begun a full-scale operation to identify and arrest those responsible.

DSP Boavo said officers are pursuing all available leads and appealed to members of the public to assist investigators with any credible information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. He also encouraged residents to support law enforcement officers in the discharge of their duties and cooperate with ongoing investigations.

The police commander further observed that the incident might have been prevented if the confrontation had been de-escalated before it turned violent, urging members of the public to avoid escalating disputes and to seek peaceful resolution wherever possible.

Growing concern over attacks on security personnel

The shooting has renewed concerns about attacks on law enforcement personnel and community safety in parts of the country. Community Police Assistants play an important role in supporting the Ghana Police Service through community engagement, traffic management and public safety operations, particularly in municipalities and districts where police visibility is being strengthened.

While attacks on security personnel remain relatively uncommon, police officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies to reduce violence and improve public safety. The latest incident is likely to intensify discussions about the protection of frontline officers carrying out routine public duties.

Investigation continues

Police have urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects to report to the nearest police station or contact investigators as efforts continue to identify those involved.

No arrests had been announced at the time of publication. As the investigation remains active, authorities have not commented further on possible motives or whether additional suspects are being sought.

Nukunya News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further verified information becomes available.

What we know

A 27-year-old Community Police Assistant was shot in Dwakessiem near Dunkwa-on-Offin.
The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the right thigh.
He is receiving specialist treatment at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Police say the shooting followed an alleged confrontation involving occupants of a motorbike.
A manhunt has been launched for unidentified suspects.
No arrests had been announced at the time of publication.

Why this matters

The shooting highlights continuing concerns about the safety of frontline security personnel and the importance of public cooperation in preventing violent confrontations. Police say investigations remain ongoing, and the outcome of the case will be closely watched by both law enforcement authorities and local communities.