Akyem Hemang Boils As Residents Protest Military Killing Of 29 -Year-old Man

Residents of Akyem Hemang, Gyampomani, Dome, Dwenase and neighbouring communities in the Eastern Region have taken to the streets to demand justice over the alleged killing of 29-year-old Douglas Acheampong by military personnel.

The demonstrators, under the Concerned Youth of Akyem Hemang, embarked on a 10-kilometre walk on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from Akyem Hemang to Osino, where they are expected to present a petition to the District Chief Executive for Fanteakwa South.

The protest follows the alleged shooting of Douglas Acheampong at close range by military personnel on August 26, 2026. The incident occurred after military personnel arrested a plain-clothes immigration officer from the community, whom they allegedly suspected of being an informant after seeing him making a phone call.

The protesters say Douglas Acheampong and others attempted to intervene during the arrest, leading to the alleged shooting.

About 40 police officers drawn from the Anyinam, Kibi, Suhum and Abomosu commands have been deployed to provide security during the demonstration.

The protesters carried placards with messages including “Military must serve and not kill,” “We need presidential probe,” “Investigate, Identify and Prosecute,” “Say no to civilian mortalism,” and “We stand against injustice.”

The group is demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Acheampong’s death and accountability for those responsible.

Speaking to the media after presenting a petition, the Assembly Member for the Akyem Hemang Electoral Area, Hon. Richmond Darko, expressed deep concern over a recent fatal shooting incident. He stated that the tragedy has left local residents devastated as they seek answers and justice.

Hon. Darko used the opportunity to plead with the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to set up a committee to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Additionally, he called on the Ghana Armed Forces to release the soldiers allegedly involved for questioning, while appealing to relevant stakeholders to add their voices to the call for justice for the late Douglas Acheampong.

Adding his voice to the plea, Abdul Kareem, the Operations Manager of Narawa Mining Company, also urged authorities to conduct a thorough and proper investigation into the circumstances surrounding Acheampong’s death to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Madam Mercy Krang, the Fanteakwa South District Chief Executive (DCE), received the petition on behalf of the President.

She assured the residents that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for immediate action.

While acknowledging the community's frustration over delays in handling the case, she reassured them that due process would be followed to ensure justice is served.

Finally, as part of their efforts to seek redress, the residents submitted a separate petition to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Fanteakwa South, Hon. Duke Ofori Atta, calling for parliamentary intervention.

Mr. Collins Agyekum (also known as Colman), the Fanteakwa South Constituency NPP Chairman, received the petition on behalf of the MP.

He pleaded with the residents to remain calm and patient now that the matter has been directed through the appropriate channels, promising to deliver the message to the MP to ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable