Police investigate death of man allegedly shot during NAIMOS operation
Police have begun investigating the alleged shooting death of a young man during an operation by personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Akyem Hemang in the Eastern Region, authorities said.
Douglas Acheampong was allegedly shot dead at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday, 26 August, in the Fanteakwa South District, according to accounts from community members.
According to community sources cited by local media, the incident began when military personnel attached to the NAIMOS operation stopped at Akyem Hemang and confronted a resident, Kwaku Kwebia, who was speaking on his mobile phone.
Kwebia, an immigration officer who was reportedly dressed in civilian clothes, was allegedly accused of acting as an informant. The personnel reportedly demanded his phone and attempted to take him into one of their vehicles after he refused to hand it over.
The confrontation attracted other residents, including Kwebia’s sister, who reportedly tried to prevent him from being taken away.
Acheampong was among residents who intervened and allegedly became involved in a heated confrontation with the personnel.
Community sources said the personnel subsequently fired warning shots to disperse the gathering.
Acheampong and other residents reportedly fled after the shots were fired. He was allegedly shot from behind while running away.
He was taken to a hospital by residents after the personnel had left the area but was pronounced dead on arrival, according to the community sources.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain subject to police investigation.
The incident has angered residents, who are reportedly considering demonstrations to demand justice and accountability over Acheampong’s death.
The Eastern South Police Command’s investigation is expected to establish the circumstances leading to the shooting and determine whether any criminal wrongdoing occurred.
