58-year-old Richard Otwey killed during patrol at Assin Kruwa

ASSIN SOUTH — A 58-year-old Wildlife Resource Guard has been shot and killed by a suspected poacher during a patrol operation at the Kakum Forest Reserve in the Central Region.

The deceased has been identified as Richard Otwey, a guard attached to the Kakum Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Assin Kruwa portion of the reserve in the Assin South District.

According to information gathered, Otwey was on routine patrol with two other forestry guards when they encountered two men allegedly hunting inside the protected forest reserve.

In the course of the encounter, the suspected poachers reportedly opened fire, hitting Otwey.

Police received information about the shooting at about 8:25 a.m. and proceeded to the scene together with officials of the Forestry Commission’s Wildlife Division.

Upon arrival, the team found the body of Richard Otwey lying under a wawa tree, about 60 metres from the boundary of the reserve, with a gunshot wound to the chest.

The body has since been retrieved and deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Police have commenced investigations to track down the suspects who are currently on the run, while the Forestry Commission is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The killing has once again highlighted the dangers faced by wildlife guards and forest protection officers as they combat illegal hunting and other activities in Ghana’s protected reserves.

Kakum Forest Reserve, which includes the famous Kakum National Park, is one of Ghana’s most important conservation areas but continues to face threats from poaching and encroachment.

More to follow…