Wildlife Resource Guard Richard Otwey Fatally Shot by Suspected Poacher in Kakum Forest Reserve

In a tragic escalation of the conflict between law enforcement and illegal hunters, a 58-year-old Wildlife Resource Guard, Richard Otwey, was shot dead on August 22, 2026, during a routine patrol in the Kakum Forest Reserve. The incident occurred in the Assin South District as Otwey and two other guards were conducting an anti-poaching operation. The team encountered two men suspected of illegal hunting within the protected area, leading to a fatal confrontation that has once again highlighted the extreme risks faced by those protecting Ghana’s natural heritage.

According to police reports and forestry officials, the guards confronted the two suspects, identified as Bukari Abudu and John Mensah, while they were hunting in the reserve. During the attempt to effect an arrest, Bukari Abudu allegedly fired a single-barrel gun at the patrol team. Richard Otwey was struck in the chest and died instantly at the scene under a wawa tree. While the patrol team managed to apprehend John Mensah following the shooting, Abudu succeeded in fleeing into the dense forest and remains at large.

Chief Superintendent Edmund Agyemang Badu has confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation is actively underway. Police teams at the site recovered a single-barrel gun and a spent cartridge as evidence. Mr. Otwey’s body has since been transported to a morgue for a post-mortem examination. Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt for Bukari Abudu and are appealing to the general public to come forward with any information that could lead to his arrest.

This fatal shooting underscores the growing dangers surrounding forest conservation in Ghana, where wildlife guards often face armed and desperate poachers. As illegal hunting activities persist, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. The Forestry Commission and police officials are expected to review security protocols for patrols in the Kakum area to better protect guards during future operations.