A wildlife resource guard has been killed during a routine patrol at the Kakum Forest Reserve in Ghana’s Central Region after a confrontation with suspected illegal hunters.
The incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the Assin Kruwa area of the reserve. The deceased guard, identified as 58-year-old Richard Otwey, was reportedly on patrol with two other wildlife guards when they encountered two men suspected of engaging in illegal hunting within the protected forest.
According to reports, the patrol team attempted to apprehend the suspected hunters when one of the men allegedly attacked the guards. Otwey was fatally injured during the confrontation and died at the scene.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the dangers faced by wildlife resource guards who work in protected areas to prevent illegal activities and safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.
Following the incident, the remaining members of the patrol team reportedly pursued the two suspects. One of them was apprehended and handed over to the Ghana Police Service to assist with investigations, while the other suspect reportedly escaped into the forest.
Police and forestry authorities subsequently intensified efforts to locate the suspect who remained at large.
Investigators who visited the area reportedly recovered evidence connected to the incident, including a spent cartridge and footprints. Authorities are continuing their investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of the wildlife guard and determine the full extent of the alleged illegal hunting activity.
The Central North Regional Crime Officer, Chief Superintendent Edmund Agyemang Badu, confirmed the incident to the media but indicated that investigations were still at an early stage.
Otwey’s remains have reportedly been deposited at the Abura Dunkwa Government Hospital Mortuary pending preservation and a post-mortem examination.
The death has highlighted the difficult conditions under which wildlife officers operate, particularly those assigned to patrol remote forest areas where they may encounter individuals involved in illegal activities.
Kakum is one of Ghana’s most important conservation areas and is widely known for its rich biodiversity and tourism attractions. The surrounding forest reserve plays an important role in protecting wildlife and natural resources.
Illegal hunting remains a major concern for conservation authorities because it can threaten wildlife populations and undermine efforts to preserve protected forests. Wildlife guards are therefore expected to play a critical role in monitoring these areas and preventing unlawful activities.
The death of Otwey has consequently brought attention to the risks associated with frontline conservation work and the need for effective measures to protect personnel working in Ghana’s forests.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the incident while efforts remain underway to locate the suspect who reportedly escaped.
The police have also appealed for information that could assist investigators in determining the whereabouts of the fugitive suspect and bringing the investigation to a conclusion.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges involved in protecting Ghana’s forest reserves and the personal risks faced by officers tasked with preserving the country’s wildlife and natural environment.
Source: Thepressradio.com
