Four people, including two officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and two suspected smugglers, have died following an explosion and subsequent violent clashes at Hamile in the Upper West Region.
The incident occurred on Tuesday along the Ghana-Burkina Faso border, leaving several others injured and heightening security concerns in the border community.
Preliminary accounts suggest that the incident began when immigration officers spotted three suspected smugglers allegedly transporting contraband through an unauthorised route towards Burkina Faso.
The group reportedly consisted of two teenagers riding on a sand-laden tricycle and an elderly man on a motorcycle ahead of them, allegedly serving as a guide.
The officers reportedly pursued the suspects, who are said to have opened fire during the chase.
An explosion occurred shortly afterwards when gunfire struck objects suspected to be explosives being transported on the tricycle.
The two teenagers and one immigration officer died at the scene, while a second officer, who sustained critical injuries, was rushed to Nandom Hospital but later died.
The elderly man also suffered serious injuries and was receiving treatment at the facility, according to Sahada Dramani’s report from the Upper West Region.
Clashes leave about 10 injured
The deaths reportedly triggered anger among some residents, leading to a retaliatory attack on immigration officers by aggrieved youth in the community.
The officers allegedly responded with gunfire during the confrontation, leaving approximately 10 people injured.
The injured were transported to Nandom Hospital for treatment as tensions escalated across the border town.
Reports indicate that groups of youth gathered at various locations in Hamile to protest the deaths, prompting the deployment of military personnel to help restore order and prevent further disturbances.
Government imposes curfew
Authorities have launched investigations into the explosion to determine the nature of the suspected explosive materials, the circumstances that led to the incident and the subsequent violence.
Community leaders and other stakeholders are also engaging residents in efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore normalcy.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, the government has imposed an immediate curfew on Hamile township and surrounding communities in the Lambussie District.
The restriction requires residents to remain indoors from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily.
