The 54-year-old poacher, identified as Kwame Mensah, has been remanded into police custody following an alleged altercation at the Nyankumasi Ahenkro District Court in the Central Region following a report of a fatal shooting at the Kakum National Park. The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:00 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026, has ignited a significant investigation into the suspected involvement of a man in a brutal act of violence within the protected forest ecosystem. The prosecution, led by the presiding judge, Peter Anongdare, has formally requested more time for the investigation, citing the need to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the potential involvement of multiple individuals. The case, initially brought before the Nyankumasi Ahenkro District Court, now involves charges of murder and unauthorized entry into a protected forest area, as detailed in the initial report. A resident of Assin Betwease, John Mensah, is charged with these offenses, representing a significant concern for conservation efforts within the Kakum National Park. The prosecution’s statement underscores a growing concern about illegal poaching activities, highlighting the vulnerability of the park’s wildlife and the potential for escalating violence. The initial report detailed a routine patrol conducted by forest guards, which reportedly detected signs of a planned poaching operation. The patrol team, comprised of several guards, strategically positioned themselves within the forest, anticipating the arrival of suspected poachers. Around 5:15 PM, two lights were observed moving towards the team, suggesting an imminent encounter. The guards, according to a Forestry Commission situational report, prepared to apprehend the individuals and ordered them to surrender. However, the report also indicated a potential escape attempt by the suspects, which led to a chaotic sequence of events. The suspects, reportedly, bolted into the forest in separate directions, abandoning a sack before firing a shot at Richard Otwey, the forest guard who was pursuing them. The Forest Commission confirmed that the shot was fatal, resulting in the death of Richard Otwey. The investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Bukari Abudu, also from Assin Betwease, was identified as the individual responsible for the fatal shot. The police, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission, have initiated a search operation utilizing recovered firearms, including two single-barrel guns suspected to have been used by the suspects. The recovered guns were found in the area, and investigators discovered the remains of five brush-tailed porcupines, two African giant rats, a Maxwell duiker, a snail, two Mona monkeys, and an olive colobus monkey. The discovery of these animal remains suggests that the suspects may have spent considerable time in the forest, potentially engaging in illegal hunting activities. Furthermore, investigators uncovered two machetes and a cooking pot, further suggesting a prolonged period of residence within the park. The retrieval of the body of Richard Otwey occurred at the Abura Dunkwa Government Hospital mortuary, demonstrating a clear intention to ensure proper burial and memorialization. The incident has triggered a significant response from the Forestry Commission, which is intensifying its efforts to combat poaching and protect the Kakum National Park’s biodiversity. The prosecution is seeking a lengthy legal process to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities remain committed to preserving the integrity of the national park’s natural resources.”}
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Source: Adom Online
