Kakum National Park ranger shot dead by suspected poachers

Senior Ranger Richard Otwey, 58, was shot and killed by suspected poachers while on patrol in the Kakum National Park's Assin Kruwa area on August 21, 2026. The incident occurred during a three-day anti-poaching mission conducted by a team from the Forestry Commission’s Wildlife Division.

According to the Forestry Commission, the patrol team detected an active poachers' path and heard gunshots, prompting them to set an ambush. At approximately 5:15 a.m., the rangers encountered two individuals. When the officers ordered them to surrender, the suspects fled. During the pursuit, one suspect fired at Otwey, striking him in the chest and killing him.

One suspect, identified as 54-year-old John Mensah, was apprehended at the scene. A second suspect, Bukari Abudu, reportedly fired the fatal shot and remains at large. Police recovered a single-barrel gun, footprints, and a spent cartridge from the site. Otwey is the third Wildlife Division staff member killed or shot by poachers in 2026.