The Chief of Gomoa Fetteh, Nana Abor Atta II, has condemned the killing of a military officer Lance Corporal Michael Danso, who was shot ‘recklessly’ in a land dispute at Millennium City, Kasoa in the Central Region.
At a press conference on Tuesday May 7, 2024, Nana Abor Atta II described the incident as unfortunate, criticizing the actions of the alleged killer whose name has since been given as Benlord Ababio, as immature.
The traditional ruler argued that even though the suspect is a surveyor to the stool, his actions in this case should be treated as individual and therefore distanced the stool from the dastardly act.
Nana Abor Atta II has called on the Ghana Police Service to ensure that the due process is followed to apply the law to the latter, in order to bring justice to the bereaved family. He believed this will serve as a deterrence to others who may engage in the same action.
A tragic incident unfolded at Millennium City in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, when Lance Corporal Michael Danso, a military officer, was shot and killed in a land dispute. The suspect, known in private life as Benlord Ababio and serving as the Gyasehene of Gomoa Bantama, fired multiple shots at the officer’s vehicle, leading to his immediate death.
The incident occurred around 4:30 pm when the military officer, accompanied by two others, went to a disputed piece of land following allegations of unauthorized development by landguards. The officers had previously reported the harassment to the District Police Command but received no favorable response, prompting them to escalate the matter to the Divisional Police Command.
However, before they could report the matter, the suspect Benlord Ababio, who is also contesting the land’s ownership, opened fire on their vehicle, killing Lance Corporal Danso.
The news of the military officer’s killing quickly went viral, with many condemning the suspect’s actions.
Benlord Ababio would later be identified as an employee of the National Security officer per the charge sheet by the Ghana Police Service. This was after initial denial by the National Security Ministry.
The suspect is currently in Police custody pending further investigation and prosecution.
Meanwhile, the family of the slain military officer is demanding justice. Despite rumors of the suspect’s influential connections and concerns about the case’s potential inconclusive outcome, the family remains hopeful for prudent action from state security.
They have announced June 26, 2024, as the burial date for the deceased officer.
The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for effective resolution of land disputes to prevent such unfortunate occurrences. Intensifying the debate on a proposed law to criminalized the activities of these landguards.
By: Akwasi Addo & Bright Yao Dzakah | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
