The death toll from Tuesday’s explosion involving a tricycle reportedly transporting suspected dynamite at Hamile in the Upper West Region has risen to three, including a Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officer. Ten other people have sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday, November 3, after security personnel reportedly pursued a tricycle carrying suspected explosive materials along an unauthorised route. Preliminary information suggests that the occupants of the tricycle failed to stop when they encountered security personnel at a checkpoint, leading to a pursuit that ended in the explosion.
Casualties and injuries
An Immigration officer was killed in the incident, while another officer sustained critical injuries. The two civilian fatalities were reportedly the result of stray bullets from military personnel deployed to the area, according to Upper West Regional Correspondent, Rafiq Salam.
The GIS has confirmed that one of its officers died in the line of duty, while the other is receiving emergency medical care at Nandom Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
Government imposes curfew
The government has imposed an 11-hour curfew on Hamile Township and its surrounding communities in the Lambussie District of the Upper West Region following the incident. The curfew, which takes immediate effect, runs from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily.
The Ministry of the Interior has also imposed a total ban on the possession of firearms, ammunition and other offensive weapons in Hamile and its surrounding communities. Individuals found violating the ban will be arrested and prosecuted.
Tensions in the border community
The explosion has heightened tensions in the border community, with residents reportedly gathering at the Ghana Immigration Service checkpoint to demand the withdrawal of immigration personnel. Military personnel have been deployed to the area following the incident.
The Lambussie District Chief Executive, Naawule Ireneous Basingbie, said the dynamite was being smuggled illegally towards Burkina Faso when the incident occurred. He said the rider of the tricycle sped off when Immigration officers attempted to stop him, resulting in a collision that killed the officer and the rider.
Investigation underway
The GIS says the Sector Commander and a team have visited the scene, which has since been secured. Investigations have commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Service has expressed condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the deceased officer.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
