Man shot dead at Gbintiri in struggle over a weapon

A tragic shooting incident at a police checkpoint in Gbintiri, a community in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region, has sparked outrage and tension among residents following the death of a 51-year-old man, identified as Mawutor Banakar.

The deceased reportedly died shortly after being shot during what police have described as a struggle over a weapon.

The North East Regional Police Command, in a statement dated 5th November 2025, confirmed that investigations have commenced into the incident, which occurred at the Gbintiri Police checkpoint.

According to the police report, officers were conducting routine checks when two men riding a motorbike arrived at the barrier.

During the search, the pillion rider, Banakar, allegedly became aggressive and attempted to seize the firearm of one of the officers.

Police say a struggle ensued between the officer and the pillion rider, during which the weapon accidentally discharged, hitting Banakar in the upper arm. Both the officer and the rider sustained injuries.

The statement noted that the injured civilian was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival. The officer, who also sustained bruises and a torn uniform during the scuffle, has since been taken into custody to assist with ongoing investigations.

The Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Robert Anabiik Anmain, appealed for calm and urged residents of Gbintiri to cooperate with investigators by providing credible information.

“The Police would like to appeal to the people of Gbintiri to remain calm and assist the Police with valuable information for investigation,” the statement read.

However, the police account has been met with fierce rejection and anger from community members and local youth groups, who accuse the officers of brutality and extortion.

The Gbintiri Chapter of the Konkomba Youth Association (KOYA), in a strongly worded statement, condemned what it described as an “unlawful killing of an innocent civilian.”

According to KOYA, eyewitnesses alleged that the altercation began when the deceased confronted police personnel who had demanded an illegal payment of GH¢5.

The association claims that the officers’ unprofessional handling of the situation led to the tragic death.

“This act is not only unjustifiable but represents a gross abuse of power and a violation of the very principles that guide law enforcement,” said Nakum Benjamin Kofi, President of KOYA Gbintiri Chapter.

He added that the incident has deepened mistrust between the community and the police, warning that growing anger among the youth could threaten peace in the area if swift action is not taken.

The association outlined four key demands, including:

1. Immediate arrest and prosecution of all officers involved in the shooting.

2. An independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

3. A public statement and accountability from the North East Regional Police Command.

4. Protection of citizens against unlawful intimidation and extortion by security personnel.

KOYA further called on regional authorities, traditional leaders, and national security agencies to intervene promptly to prevent the situation from escalating into unrest.