Kadjebi, Oti Region – Seven individuals, including one female, sustained gunshot wounds during the observance of the burial and final funeral rites of the late Mr Richard Kwame Osafo Gyapong, the Kwakwaahene (Youth Leader) of the Kadjebi Traditional Area in the Oti Region, from November 3 to 6, 2023.
An eyewitness reported that the victims might have been hit by bullets discharged from a firearm during the funeral ceremony.
The perpetrator remains unidentified, but eye-witnesses believe the culprit belonged to an Asafo group from Jasikan, suggesting that the incident may have been accidental.
The injured individuals have been identified as Moses Agbanaglo, 51, a farmer; Kwadzo Norsi, 46, a mason; Shiabu Razak, 38, a motor-rider; and Tutu Gyapong, 34.
The identities of the remaining three victims are not yet available.
When the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited the victims at St. Mary Theresa Hospital in Dodi-Papase at 6:00 PM, Mr Agbanaglo recounted his experience, stating that he had been standing at a distance when he suddenly realized he had been hit by a bullet in the chest and leg.
He fell to the ground and lost consciousness. Mr. Agbanaglo claims he can identify the perpetrator.
Mr. Norsi, who sustained injuries to his abdomen and arm, reported that he was also hit by a bullet while standing at the funeral grounds. He had to be rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state.
The accounts of Mr Shiabu and Mr Gyapong differed from the earlier victims' recollections.
As of 7:05 PM, all seven victims were in stable condition after receiving medical attention.
The late Kwakwaahene was the younger brother of Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Police sources have confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are currently underway.