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According to a report by GHOne TV on Saturday, two suspected robbers were shot dead by police officials in a dramatic standoff after being discovered holding a local businessman hostage and demanding a ransom of GHS 34,000.
The event began late Friday evening, when police responded to a distress call from Kwasi Appiah, a famous businessman in Ho.
Kwasi, 45, was reportedly on his way home after a business meeting when robbers accosted him near his shop in town.
The suspects, named as Abubakar Ibrahim, 32, and Kwame Osei, 28, threatened him with pistols before forcing him into his car and demanding the big sum of money.
“They had guns pointed against me and continued demanding GHS 34,000. “They threatened to kill me if I didn’t give them the money,” Kwasi said in an interview.
Kwasi’s family instantly got aware of the situation and notified the authorities.
Authorities were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle and initiate an operation to retrieve him.
The police encircled the area where the robbers were keeping Kwasi, prompting a difficult negotiation.
However, things swiftly escalated as one of the bandits tried to run while firing at the officers.
“We attempted to bargain with them to release the businessman amicably, but they refused.
Superintendent Enoch Tetteh, the officer in charge of the operation, stated that one of the suspects fired rounds at our police, prompting us to take action.
In response, police opened fire, killing Abubakar and Kwame on the scene. Kwasi was retrieved unscathed, but noticeably frightened by the event.
Ama Ofori, a local resident and eyewitness, recalled the scenario.
“It all happened so quickly.” I witnessed the police surround the automobile, and then there was shooting. “It was terrifying,” Ama remarked.
Residents were divided on the incident. While some were relieved that the businessman had been saved, others questioned if the authorities had alternative options before using lethal force.
“We are happy that the police saved Mr. Appiah, but we wonder if there was any way they could have handled the situation without killing anyone,” said Kwame Asante, a local merchant.
The police have already opened an investigation into the incident.
Superintendent Tetteh highlighted that the cops adhered to protocol and acted in self-defense.
“We will review the full details of the incident, but the situation was dangerous, and the officers did what they had to do to protect the life of the hostage,” added the commander.
The robbers’ bodies were brought to the Ho morgue for additional examination, and authorities are still investigating any possible connections to other offenders.
