The Upper East Regional Police Command in Ghana reported that they arrested seven suspected armed robbers on September 19, 2026, in the Bawku West District. The suspects allegedly led police officers to the Tilli Forest to retrieve concealed weapons. According to the police, the team came under gunfire, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that killed three suspects, including Amadu Apiiga and Phillip Avoabilla.
The family of the deceased has rejected the police account, stating that the men did not engage in a gun battle with the police. The family spokesperson, Reverend Awintoam Sampson, questioned how suspects already in police custody could have engaged armed police officers in a gun battle. The family demands answers and justice over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
At a press briefing at the family house in Binaba on September 24, family members stressed that they were not opposed to efforts by security agencies to combat crime. However, they insisted that suspects must be given the opportunity to face due process of law. A sister of one of the deceased called on the authorities to provide evidence to support the allegations against their relatives.
Apiiga Ernestina, a family member, said the family had no intention of confronting the security agencies but wanted clear answers about the circumstances that led to the deaths. She expressed shock that taking a relative from his room to a police station for investigations would eventually result in his death.
The family is demanding clarification on the events leading to the deaths and is calling for justice for the deceased. Reverend Awintoam Sampson emphasized the family's desire for a clear account of what happened to their relatives. The police have not provided further comments on the incident.
The incident has raised concerns about police operations and the treatment of suspects in Ghana. The family's demand for justice and clarification reflects the need for transparency and accountability in such cases. The police operation was aimed at targeting a robbery gang allegedly operating across several communities in the region.
The police arrested seven suspected armed robbers during the operation, and the family of the deceased is still seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining security and the need for them to balance this with respect for human rights and due process.
Key points
- The family of two men killed during a police operation in Ghana disputes the police account that the men were killed in a gun battle.
- The family demands answers and justice over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
- The incident has raised concerns about police operations and the treatment of suspects in Ghana.
