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
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
