Police clash with civilians at Dambai, teenager killed

A 19-year-old, Mensah Kwaku Sey, a resident of Dambai Lakeside, was reportedly shot dead on Sunday, May 5, following clashes between the police and irate youth in Dambai, the municipal capital of Krachi East, Oti Region.

Mr. Francis Gesaloge Boyesah Okoro, a resident of the community, alleged that the police, who were on night patrol, went to the area to arrest some "ghetto" youth who were smoking hard drugs at the time.

He said the youth resisted arrest, which degenerated into chaos with warning shots fired. As a result, Sey was hit by a stray bullet and later died at the hospital.

Mr. Emmanuel Atali, the Assembly member for Dambai Lakeside, who confirmed the altercation between the police and the youth, said he heard a gunshot on Sunday evening around 20:00 hours and followed up to find the deceased on the ground in a pool of blood.

He reported the incident at the police station, and the body was later taken to Worawora Hospital for preservation.

The incident triggered fear in the community as both residents and pedestrians ran for cover.

Two motorbikes belonging to the police officers were destroyed at the scene by some of the irate youth.

The police have arrested two individuals to assist in the investigation.

Meanwhile, the police at the Divisional and Regional Commands remained tight-lipped about the incident when the Ghana News Agency visited the station to verify the reports.