Residents of Akyem Hemang in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region have embarked on a demonstration this Tuesday morning to demand justice for Douglas Acheampong, who was allegedly shot and killed by military personnel during an anti-illegal mining operation.
The residents are demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m.
There is heavy police presence ensuring law and order.
According to the Assembly Member for the area, Richmond Darko, the incident began when military personnel allegedly confronted an Immigration Officer, Kwaku Kwebia, who was speaking on the phone and accused him of providing information to illegal miners.
Mr. Darko said the personnel demanded the officer’s phone and attempted to force him into one of their vehicles after he refused to surrender it.
He said Douglas Acheampong intervened in support of the Immigration Officer but attempted to flee when the confrontation escalated.
The Assembly Member said he was briefed by eyewitnesses that the military personnel fired warning shots before Acheampong was eventually shot.
However the military say they came under attack and fired warning shots to dispersed the charged atmosphere.
Residents Dispute Claims of Attack
The residents have also disputed any suggestion that the security personnel came under attack from a large crowd during the operation.
According to them, the confrontation involved the military personnel, the Immigration Officer, his father and Douglas Acheampong.
Mr. Darko said eyewitnesses estimated that about seven armed personnel were involved in the operation and arrived in several vehicles, including two black V8 vehicles and pickup trucks.
He added that a resident was able to identify the registration number of one of the black pickup trucks as CN 7371-25.
The demonstration follows growing concerns among residents over the circumstances surrounding Acheampong’s death.
The protesters are demanding accountability and a transparent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the shooting and ensure that anyone found culpable is held responsible.
They will present petition to the Fanteakwa South Assembly, the District Police command, and the Regional Police Command.
