Suspect arrested after stray bullet injures Adanse Dompoase Chief at Obuasi funeral

Regional authorities have confirmed the arrest of a 30-year-old man after a firearm was discharged at a funeral in Obuasi, injuring the Dompoasehene, Nana Okofo Kwabena Bonsu II.

A statement issued by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council indicates that the incident occurred on Saturday, 29 November 2025, when a musketeer fired a shot as part of funeral activities. The stray bullet struck the chief while he was greeting other traditional leaders, including the Omanhene of Asebu Kwamankese. The funeral was in honour of the late mother of the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, Faustilove Appiah Kannin.

Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene said police officers moved swiftly to contain the situation and arrested the alleged shooter, Nana Yaw Dankwa, who is now assisting investigators.

The Dompoasehene was taken for emergency medical treatment and has since been discharged.

Dr Amoakohene used the incident to reinforce the rationale behind the temporary nationwide ban on firing muskets and other firearms at funerals and customary gatherings.

He stressed that the directive is “a critical public safety instrument” designed to:

minimise preventable injuries,

maintain order at high-traffic traditional events, and

uphold community confidence in security arrangements.

The Coordinating Council urged residents to exercise restraint and support the ongoing investigations, emphasising that the region’s security architecture remains robust.

“Our collective compliance with issued directives is central to sustaining peace and protecting lives,” the statement noted.