E/R: Farmer shot dead in land dispute at Nyanoa; suspects on the run

A 45-year-old farmer, Azumah Zakari, was shot and killed in Nyanoa. This farming community is located in the Upper West Akyem District of the Eastern Region. The incident happened on Saturday, April 5, 2025, around 2:00 p.m. Zakari was visiting his orange farm at the time.

His wife, Madam Adwoa Augustina, said he planned to assess the farm. He wanted to cut down some trees to improve yield. Upon arrival, he found two armed men cutting down orange trees. Locals identified them as Kobby Asaa and Red.

The gunmen told Zakari that someone else had bought the land for garden eggs. Zakari calmly replied that he would return later for the fallen trees. As he tried to leave, he was shot from behind in the left leg. This caused heavy bleeding.

Due to a lack of transportation, Zakari bled for several hours. Despite help from community members, he died before reaching medical assistance. His body was taken to Asamankese Government Hospital and confirmed dead.

The incident has angered local residents. Some youth allege that Chief Osabarima Opoku Okyere II may be involved. They claim the suspects are notorious land guards working under his direction. Currently, Kobby Asaa and Red are on the run.

The matter has been reported to Nyanoa and Asamankese Police for investigation. Residents are demanding justice and urging law enforcement to apprehend the suspects quickly. They also want an investigation into traditional authorities' involvement in land disputes.