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A 58-year-old Wildlife Resource Guard has been shot dead during an anti-poaching patrol at the Kakum Forest Reserve in the Assin South District of the Central Region.
The deceased, identified as Richard Otwey, was attached to the Kakum Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission and was on patrol with two other wildlife guards when the incident occurred.
According to reports, the guards encountered two men allegedly hunting illegally inside the protected forest area at the Assin Kruwa section of the reserve on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
The guards reportedly attempted to apprehend the suspects, but one of them allegedly pulled out a single-barrel gun and fired at Richard Otwey, hitting him in the chest. He died at the scene.
Police and officials from the Wildlife Division later visited the scene, where a spent cartridge, footprints and a firearm believed to have been used in the attack were recovered as exhibits.
One of the suspects was arrested while the other reportedly escaped into the forest. Police investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to locate the suspect at large.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers faced by wildlife officers in protecting Ghana’s natural resources and combating illegal hunting activities.
Story by Efua Nessa