The Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council has expressed its deep sorrow over the death of Alhaji Abdul-Malik Azenbge, the Chief of Kusaase, who was shot and killed at Asewase on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025.

In reaction to this tragic incident, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, 24th July 2025 to assess the situation and take immediate action to maintain peace in the region.

After the meeting, REGSEC announced that motorbikes would no longer be allowed on the roads after 7:00pm until further notice.

In a press release signed by the Ashanti regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene made it clear that the use of unlicensed motorbikes or those without lights was strictly prohibited.

Additionally, they ordered an immediate suspension of the inter-tribal football competition that was ongoing in the region.

Another measure announced was a temporary ban on motorbike riders wearing smocks. According to REGSEC, some individuals have been using smocks to hide weapons, and this posed a serious security threat.

To ensure public safety and prevent further violence, REGSEC said there would be a strong security presence in identified hotspot areas.

It indicated that both police officers and military personnel would be deployed to help protect lives and property.

The Council assured the public of the government’s firm commitment to maintaining law and order.

They noted that everything was being done to find and arrest those responsible for the killing of the chief.

They called on the general public to cooperate with security agencies and share any credible information that could help with investigations. REGSEC emphasized that they remain fully committed to their mandate of keeping the region safe and peaceful.

By Jacob Aggrey

 A 60-year-old man, Doe Fiano, has been sen­tenced to 20 years’ imprisonment by an Accra High Court for shooting and killing his wife in front of their four-year-old child.

Fiano pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was also handed an additional 10- year sentence for possessing a firearm without lawful authority.

The sentences will run concurrently, as ruled by Justice Mrs Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie.

The tragic incident oc­curred following an argu­ment sparked by a phone call the victim, Grace Yorke Torku, received from a male acquaintance.

In response, Fiano en­tered their bedroom, re­trieved a pistol, and fatally shot her.

Originally charged with murder, Fiano opted to plead guilty to manslaugh­ter under Section 296(1) of Act 30, thereby securing a reduced sentence.

His lawyer told the court the convict had no previous criminal record, had shown remorse, and was caring for the couple’s children.

The prosecution, however, called for a minimum sen­tence of 30 years, empha­sising the emotional trauma inflicted on the four-year-old child who witnessed the killing.

It stated that what happened to the child had really affected him, also describing gunshot wounds to the victim’s head and genital area.

In sentencing, the judge took into account both aggravating and mitigating factors, including Fiano’s remorse, first-time offender status, and the need to care for his children.

According to the prosecu­tion, the Assemblyman for Okomante electoral area, Gordon Tsimese, alerted police after the incident at Taaboo Line, where Fiano was reportedly wielding a weapon and threatening passers-by.

Upon arrival, police dis­covered the victim lying in a pool of blood.

The weapon was later recovered, and an empty magazine retrieved on a follow-up visit.

Fiano was arrested at Nii Amui Park at Ashaiman through police intelligence.

On June 6, 2023, a pa­thologist at Tema General Hospital confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds to the head, de­scribed as unnatural. —GNA