Obuasi Shooting Suspect Remanded as Police Probe Attack That Injured Toddler and Five Others

A man identified as Kofi Cole has been remanded into police custody in connection with a shooting incident at Kwabenakwa, a community within the Obuasi East Municipality of the Ashanti Region, which left six people injured, including a toddler.

Cole was arrested on Sunday, October 20, 2025, while reportedly attempting to flee through the Kwabenakwa Police barrier. He was subsequently arraigned before the Obuasi Circuit Court the following day, October 21, 2025, where the presiding judge, His Worship Kofi Owusu Sekyere, ordered that he be remanded for two weeks to assist police with ongoing investigations.

The shooting occurred on October 15, 2025, at Kwabenakwa, causing panic among residents. Police reports indicate that six victims, including a young child, sustained injuries from the gunfire and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Although the motive for the attack has not yet been made public, police sources say investigations are focusing on uncovering whether the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute, criminal confrontation, or accidental discharge. Officers from the Obuasi East District Police Command have since intensified patrols within the area to prevent further disturbances.

During his first appearance in court, prosecutors requested that the suspect remain in custody to enable investigators to gather additional evidence, interview witnesses, and trace the origin of the weapon allegedly used in the attack.

The case has been adjourned for two weeks, after which the suspect is expected to reappear before the court. The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that full details will be released once the investigation is completed.

In a brief statement, police appealed to residents of Kwabenakwa and surrounding communities to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement officers by providing any information that could assist the probe.

The shooting has shocked residents of Obuasi East, a municipality better known for its mining activities and close-knit communities. Many locals expressed relief following the suspect’s arrest, noting that the incident had raised fears over public safety in the area.

A nursing mother, who was among those injured, told reporters that the swift police action brought some comfort to the victims and their families. “We thank the police for acting quickly to arrest the suspect. We only hope justice will be served and that such violence doesn’t happen again,” she said.

Community leaders have also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to prevent similar incidents.

The Obuasi shooting underscores ongoing concerns about firearm-related violence in some Ghanaian communities. According to the Ghana Police Service’s 2024 annual crime report, over 420 firearm-related incidents were recorded nationwide last year, with the Ashanti Region accounting for a significant proportion.

Security experts have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of gun licensing regulations and more community-based policing strategies to reduce violent crimes. In recent years, the government has also rolled out the “See Something, Say Something” campaign to encourage public cooperation in maintaining safety and security.

This latest case, therefore, highlights the urgent need for continued public education on conflict resolution and responsible weapon handling, especially in urban and peri-urban areas like Obuasi, where population growth and economic pressures can contribute to rising tensions.

While the victims of the Kwabenakwa shooting continue to recover, police say they are determined to bring justice to those affected. The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify the motive behind the attack and determine whether additional suspects were involved.

For many in the Obuasi East Municipality, the hope is that this incident serves as a wake-up call for stronger local security collaboration, ensuring that communities remain safe and peaceful.

As the case proceeds, all eyes will remain on the Obuasi Circuit Court and the Ghana Police Service to ensure a transparent and fair process that reinforces public confidence in the justice system.

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