Police Shoot Machete-Wielding Traditional Man in Agona Amenfi

A suspected traditional leader in Agona Amenfi, a town in the Western Region, was shot by police during a confrontation at a palace after he allegedly refused repeated orders to surrender a machete, according to reports and video footage circulating on social media.

The incident occurred at the Agona Amenfi Palace on Saturday, May 30, when a palace messenger was sent to retrieve a ceremonial hoe for a sod-cutting ceremony for a new maternity ward project.

According to reports, the traditional leader attempted to prevent the messenger from entering the palace and allegedly attacked him with a machete, prompting the intervention of officers from the Ghana Police Service.

Video from the scene showed police officers repeatedly ordering the traditional leader to drop the weapon. The man, dressed in a traditional smock and adorned with talismans, appeared to ignore the commands while holding the machete.

Police subsequently fired multiple warning shots in an attempt to force him to surrender the machete. However, the traditional leader refused to comply and allegedly attempted to attack both the officers and members of the crowd gathered at the scene.

The police then opened fire in self-defence, this time aiming at him directly. One of the bullets reportedly struck his hand.

Despite his injuries, the traditional leader was seen running around the palace grounds while still holding the machete. He later sat on a chair before collapsing to the ground.

Witnesses said he was rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment. His current condition was not immediately known.

The circumstances of the confrontation and the police decision to use lethal force remain unclear. Authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident at the time of reporting.

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