It Felt Like My End: Kofi Adomah speaks on surviving near-fatal shooting at Dormaa

Ghanaian broadcast journalist, Kofi Adomah Nwanwani, has broken his silence months after surviving a near-fatal shooting incident that left him partially impaired and battling for his life.

In a heartfelt update shared on his Kofi TV YouTube channel on May 22, 2025, the former Adom FM and currently Angel FM presenter reflected on his long and painful road to recovery, describing the ordeal as a life-altering experience that nearly cost him his life.

The incident occurred on December 21, 2024, during the 25th anniversary celebration of Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, held at the Kwafie Festival in Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono Region.

While covering the event, Kofi Adomah was struck in the face by a musket shot fired at close range by a chief’s bodyguard during a traditional gun salute.

The force of the blast shattered his facial bones and severely damaged his right eye.

He was initially rushed to Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital and later transferred to Berekum Holy Family Hospital.

Due to the severity of the injury, he was flown to Dubai for advanced medical care, a trip fully sponsored by Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama.

According to Kofi, Mahama’s intervention not only covered the cost of the surgery but also included the offer of his private jet for transport—an act of generosity that the journalist said “went above and beyond.”

“Honestly, I thought I was going to die,” Kofi said in his emotional video.

“There was a woman who was shot in the leg at Teshie Nungua and she didn’t survive. Mine was in the face. When you look at the CT scans, there are still fragments in there. Doctors say I may have to live with them for some time.”

Despite the trauma and physical setbacks, Kofi Adomah expressed gratitude for his progress.

He revealed that while his eyesight is not fully restored, he is now able to see well enough to read messages and recognize people standing before him.

“Though my eyes are not what they used to be, I can now read. If the text is small, I take a screenshot and zoom in. That’s progress. I’m thankful to God and to all Ghanaians who supported me,” he added.

Kofi also acknowledged the immense outpouring of public support and thanked numerous individuals and donors who contributed to his recovery, while promising to address unanswered questions and controversies surrounding the shooting in future broadcasts.

The Dormaa shooting raised serious concerns about safety protocols during traditional celebrations and the use of live firearms in public spaces.

Although the bodyguard responsible for the shot has not been publicly named, civil society groups have since called for greater oversight of musketry displays at public festivals.