A key suspect in the killing of Raphael Ganyo, a resource guard at Kalakpa Resource Reserve, has reportedly died by suicide while in police detention at Anyirawase Police Station.
The suspect, Agbey Avi, a known poacher with multiple previous convictions and fines, was found hanging in his cell using a blanket provided for sleeping, just days after his arrest. Avi had been taken into custody on Friday, January 9, following the fatal shooting of Ganyo on January 6 during a patrol near Zitoe Camp of the Reserve.
Mr. John Parker Atingah, Park Manager of Kalakpa Resource Reserve, told the Ghana News Agency that Ganyo, part of a patrol team investigating suspected poaching, was shot in the left chest and pronounced dead at the scene before his body was taken to the Ho Teaching Hospital morgue. “It was pure murder,” he said.
The arrest of Avi was the result of coordinated efforts between the Reserve staff, the Police, and community members after intelligence indicated he was attempting to escape. A police source confirmed the suspect’s death but withheld further details pending investigation.
Residents of the area expressed shock at the sequence of events. Mr. Kudzo Gotu noted the tragedy, pointing out that Ganyo had no children, while the suspect had also experienced personal loss, including missing his mother’s funeral due to incarceration and the recent death of his younger brother.
Mr. Francis Dusey, District Chief Executive of Ho West and Chairman of the District Security Council, confirmed that the suspect had admitted to shooting the guard, with the confession recorded. He explained that Avi had been held alone in a separate cell to facilitate investigations. “He used the blanket provided, tearing it with his teeth, and hanged himself,” Dusey stated.
Authorities have informed the family of the slain guard and are awaiting directives from headquarters on next steps. Officials also warned residents and settlers against illegal activities within the reserve, announcing strengthened security measures, stakeholder engagements, and appeals for increased forest guard personnel to protect the area.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and the deadly consequences of illegal poaching.
