Law enforcement authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with the unauthorized possession and discharge of firearms at a funeral in Attakrom, near Bibiani, in the Western North Region. The incident, which occurred on March 14, 2025, involved a group of individuals who were observed openly firing weapons, including a pistol and shotguns, during the funeral ceremony.
The arrests took place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, according to an official police statement.
A video recording of the event, which was widely circulated on social media, showed individuals gathered at the funeral discharging firearms in an unauthorized manner. The police launched an investigation into the incident after the footage gained widespread attention.
Police Confirm the Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Following extensive investigations, the Western North Regional Police Command confirmed that the firearms were possessed illegally.
In a press release dated Thursday, April 4, 2025, the police identified the two arrested suspects as Frank Afoko (41) and Kojo Agyapong (31).
During an interrogation conducted by the Regional Investigation Team, which was led by the Crime Officer, the suspects reportedly admitted to being the individuals shown in the viral video footage.
Both individuals have been placed in police custody to assist with further investigations. Meanwhile, efforts are still underway to locate and apprehend additional individuals involved in the incident, as some of the perpetrators remain at large.
A copy of the police statement, which was signed and issued by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Michael Nkekesi, the Head of Public Affairs of the Western North Regional Police Command, provided further details on the case.
Official Statement from the Western North Regional Police Command
The Western North Regional Police Command has issued an official public notice regarding the arrests:
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On April 2, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, a team from the Western North Police Intelligence Department, with assistance from the Formed Police Unit, successfully apprehended Frank Afoko (41) and Kojo Agyapong (31).
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The arrests were made after thorough investigations into an incident that occurred on March 14, 2025, during which individuals were filmed discharging firearms without legal authorization at a funeral gathering in Attakrom.
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The video evidence, which circulated widely on social media, played a key role in the investigation.
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Both suspects were brought in for questioning by the Regional Investigation Team, where they confessed to being the individuals captured in the footage.
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The suspects have been detained for further questioning, and authorities are actively pursuing other individuals involved in the incident who are still at large.
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The Western North Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining security across the region.
The police urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the apprehension of the remaining individuals linked to the case.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
This incident has raised concerns about public safety and illegal firearm possession in the region. The Ghana Police Service has reiterated that carrying and discharging firearms without authorization is a criminal offense and will not be tolerated.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of responsible gun ownership and are urging community members to report suspicious activities involving illegal weapons.
The police have also commended the public for their vigilance and for assisting in bringing the case to their attention by sharing the video evidence. They encourage further cooperation to help eliminate unlawful firearm activities.
As investigations progress, the law enforcement agencies remain committed to identifying and prosecuting all individuals involved in this incident.
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