The Western Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the murder of 40-year-old John Abban at Asemkor in the Agona Nkwanta District, an incident believed to be linked to a chieftaincy dispute.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and signed by Superintendent Olivia E.T. Adiku, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Western Regional Police Command, the deceased — a brother of the chief of Butre and Asemkor — was attacked and murdered on October 6, 2025, during the height of a local chieftaincy dispute.
According to the police, the suspects fled the community immediately after the crime and went into hiding. “Following sustained intelligence by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, suspects Kennedy Abor alias Abongo, aged 30; Kojo Attah Panyi, aged 20; and Joseph Basses, aged 30, were arrested at their hideout in Funko on October 15, 2025,” the statement said.
Subsequent operations led to the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as Abraham Cudjoe alias Yalle (39) and Ekow Painstil (45), who were picked up at their hideout in Afuaman Ayigbe Town within the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
“The Regional Intelligence Directorate, in collaboration with a team from the Accra Regional Intelligence Directorate, apprehended the two main suspects at their hideout,” Superintendent Adiku disclosed.
All five suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations and will be arraigned before court in due course.
Superintendent Adiku reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining peace in the region, particularly in communities affected by traditional disputes. “The Ghana Police Service remains resolute in pursuing all persons involved in criminal acts, regardless of where they may hide,” she stated.
The Police urged residents of Asemkor and surrounding communities to remain calm and to support ongoing investigations with credible information that could aid in the prosecution of the case.
