News
Misuse of firearms at funeral: Tenager loses pregnancy, another loses eyes
The cry of a baby that never came will haunt Hiawu Besease in the Atwima Nwabiagya South District of Ashanti for years.
At a funeral meant to honour the mother of Nana Aboagye Asare III, Chief of Besease, a gunfire rang out—and a bullet tore into the abdomen of 19-year-old Serwaa Alice, heavily pregnant.
Doctors at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital could not save her unborn child.
Beside her, 13-year-old Maa Adwoa collapsed, struck in the eye. She remains in critical condition at the Nkawie Government Hospital. The incident took place on March 13, 2026.
“We were mourning already, and suddenly we are mourning even more,” said Abigail, Serwaa’s sister, trembling as she recalled the moment.
“The bodyguard was firing gun and it hit my sister in her abdomen and the other lady. It was devastating,” she added.
The tragedy has ignited outrage across Besease. Residents are demanding answers, questioning why firearms were discharged so close to mourners. “This is not tradition, this is recklessness,” an elder lamented.
The Committee Chairman of the area, Mr Emmanuel Asante, confirmed that the victims were rushed to hospital. Serwaa Alice was admitted to the emergency unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), but doctors could not save her baby. Maa Adwoa is receiving treatment at Nkawie Government Hospital, her condition still uncertain as of the time of filing the story.
The incident has sparked outrage across Besease. Residents are demanding answers, questioning why firearms were discharged so close to mourners. “This is not tradition, this is recklessness,” one elder lamented again. “We fire muskets to honour the dead, but this was careless gunplay that has destroyed lives,” he added.
In Akan communities, gun salutes at funerals are meant to honour the departed. But in recent years, misuse of firearms has turned symbolic gestures into deadly risks. The incident at Hiawu Besease has reignited debate: should gunfire at funerals be regulated—or banned outright?
Community leaders are pressing for a formal investigation. Residents want clarity on whether the bodyguard acted under instruction or negligence. Police have yet to issue a full statement, but pressure is mounting.
For now, two families bear the weight of grief: one mourning a baby who never drew breath, another praying for a girl fighting for hers. As one relative put it, “The echoes of gunfire at Hiawu Besease will not fade quickly.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The Ghana National Gas Company has denied allegations of wrongdoing in its recent procurement and insurance contract renewals.
In a press statement issued in Accra on April 13, 2026, the company explained that concerns raised in some media reports were linked to a change in its lead insurer.
It noted that the change followed the expiration of previous insurance contracts at the end of the year.
The company stressed that the new insurance arrangements are lawful and form part of efforts to improve its risk management system to protect its assets.
It further indicated that all contracts awarded so far have gone through the required approval processes by the Public Procurement Authority after receiving financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
The statement, signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It added that management remains focused on delivering gas efficiently to meet the country’s energy needs while continuing to strengthen internal systems to ensure good corporate governance and compliance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has clarified that it now supports the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence system at the country’s ports, following earlier concerns raised in 2025.
In a press statement issued on April 9, the Association explained that claims suggesting it still opposes the system are misleading and based on outdated information from a December 18, 2025 media publication.
It noted that its earlier concerns were legitimate, pointing to a lack of stakeholder consultation, as well as issues related to data security, transparency, and system integration.
At the time, it called for broader engagement to ensure the system would be credible and beneficial to all stakeholders.
According to the statement, the Government of Ghana, through the Finance Ministry and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has since engaged industry players, including the Association, to address those concerns.
The Association described the engagements as constructive, indicating that they helped resolve key issues and showed government’s commitment to improving the system’s implementation.
As a result, it affirmed its support for the Publican AI system, which has already been rolled out at the ports.
The Association acknowledged that the system is facing some operational challenges but noted that such difficulties are common with major technological reforms.
It added that authorities are taking steps to resolve the issues.
It highlighted the potential benefits of the system, including improved revenue mobilisation, increased transparency, reduced revenue leakages, and a decline in unethical practices at the ports.
The statement cautioned the public against attempts by some individuals and groups to misrepresent its position, stressing that such actions undermine national progress.
It further emphasised that it will not allow itself to be used for propaganda or agendas that do not serve the interests of importers, exporters, and the wider economy.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, signed the statement, reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting reforms that improve efficiency at the ports and promote a fair trading environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
