A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, November 3, in Hamile, a town in the Upper West Region of Ghana, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officer. According to reports, a tricycle suspected of carrying dynamite was involved in an explosion after security personnel pursued it along an unauthorized route. The incident has sparked concerns and heightened tensions in the border community.
The explosion resulted in the deaths of three people, including the GIS officer, while ten others sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment. The two civilian fatalities were reportedly caused by stray bullets from military personnel deployed to the area. An Immigration officer was killed in the incident, and another officer sustained critical injuries but is reported to be in stable condition at Nandom Hospital.
The government has imposed an 11-hour curfew on Hamile Township and its surrounding communities in the Lambussie District of the Upper West Region, effective immediately. The curfew runs from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily. Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior has imposed a total ban on the possession of firearms, ammunition, and other offensive weapons in Hamile and its surrounding communities.
The incident has heightened tensions in the border community, with residents gathering at the Ghana Immigration Service checkpoint to demand the withdrawal of immigration personnel. Military personnel have been deployed to the area to maintain order. According to the Lambussie District Chief Executive, Naawule Ireneous Basingbie, the dynamite was being smuggled illegally towards Burkina Faso when the incident occurred.
The rider of the tricycle sped off when Immigration officers attempted to stop him, resulting in a collision that killed the officer and the rider. The GIS has confirmed that one of its officers died in the line of duty, while the other is receiving emergency medical care. The Sector Commander and a team have visited the scene, which has since been secured.
Investigations have commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The GIS has expressed condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased officer. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the region and the smuggling of explosive materials.
The government and relevant authorities have urged residents to remain calm and to cooperate with security personnel to maintain peace and order in the area. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the public to prevent such tragedies.
Key points
- The death toll from the Hamile explosion has risen to three, including a Ghana Immigration Service officer.
- The government has imposed an 11-hour curfew on Hamile Township and its surrounding communities.
- Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
