Police Post Torched After Fatal Shooting in Sefwi Sayerano
Two people killed, three injured as authorities probe both the fatal shooting and the burning of a police post
- Two people killed during a police operation; three others sustained gunshot injuries
- Eight police officers interdicted as the Inspector-General of Police orders a full investigation
- Police post set ablaze by unidentified persons, with security reinforced and investigations ongoing
A police post at Asempaneye Forest near Sefwi Sayerano in the Juaboso District of the Western North Region has been set on fire by unidentified individuals following a fatal police shooting that claimed two lives.
The arson occurred hours after a confrontation between residents and a police patrol team during an operation to arrest a suspected drug dealer.
Authorities have launched investigations to identify those behind the attack on the police post, while additional security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the area.
The shooting has left the Sefwi Sayerano community in mourning, with emotional scenes as grieving relatives and residents escorted the bodies of the two deceased victims to the morgue at Sefwi Asafo.
According to residents, the victims were allegedly shot by officers from the Sefwi Wiawso Divisional Police Command after some community members reportedly resisted the arrest of the suspected drug dealer.
The Western North Regional Police Command has confirmed the incident and announced that eight police officers involved in the operation have been interdicted pending the outcome of investigations.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 7, the Police said preliminary findings indicate that five people sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Two later died from their injuries, while the remaining three are receiving treatment at Asafo Roman Catholic Hospital.
The Inspector-General of Police has directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Police say calm has since been restored in the community and have appealed to residents to remain peaceful and cooperate fully with investigators.
Meanwhile, investigations are also underway to identify and arrest those responsible for setting the police post ablaze.
The Police have assured the public that anyone found culpable in connection with either the fatal shooting or the destruction of the police facility will face the full rigours of the law.
