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

In a tragic incident at the Kakum Forest Reserve on August 22, 2026, a 58-year-old Wildlife Resource Guard named Richard Otwey was shot and killed while on a routine anti-poaching patrol. Mr. Otwey was part of a three-member team in the Assin South District when they encountered two men suspected of illegal hunting within the protected area. The confrontation turned fatal when one of the suspects allegedly opened fire, highlighting the persistent and deadly risks faced by those tasked with protecting Ghana's natural heritage.

The incident unfolded as the patrol team attempted to arrest the two suspects, identified as Bukari Abudu and John Mensah. According to police reports and colleague testimonies, Abudu allegedly fired a single-barrel gun at Mr. Otwey, striking him in the chest. While the other guards managed to apprehend John Mensah at the scene, Abudu succeeded in fleeing into the dense forest and remains at large. Officers later discovered Mr. Otwey's body positioned under a wawa tree, where he had succumbed to his injuries instantly.

Chief Superintendent Edmund Agyemang Badu confirmed the shooting and stated that the police have recovered significant evidence from the crime scene, including a spent cartridge and the single-barrel gun used in the attack. The body of the deceased has been moved to a local morgue for a formal post-mortem examination as part of the ongoing criminal investigation. Law enforcement agencies are currently intensifying their search for Bukari Abudu and have called on the general public to provide any information that might lead to his capture.

This killing marks a somber moment for the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, emphasizing the increasing volatility of encounters between law enforcement and poachers in Ghana’s forest reserves. As illegal hunting continues to threaten the biodiversity of sites like Kakum, authorities are being urged to review the safety protocols and equipment provided to guards. The community is encouraged to assist the police in ensuring that justice is served for Mr. Otwey’s family and that the sanctity of the nation's protected lands is maintained.