Accra: A suspect in the murder of Raphael Ganyo, a resource guard at Kalakpa Resource Reserve, has allegedly committed suicide by hanging while in police detention at Anyirawase Police Station.
According to Ghana News Agency, Agbey Avi, a hunter with a history of poaching in the reserve, was discovered with the blanket provided for sleeping, strapping his neck to a metal bar around the window, days after his arrest. Avi had previously served multiple prison terms and paid fines for his poaching activities, alongside signing a bond never to enter the reserve again.
Mr. John Parker Atingah, Park Manager of Kalakpa Resource Reserve, informed GNA that the suspect was apprehended on Friday, January 9, through a collaborative effort between his men, the police, and community members, following the murder of Ganyo on January 6. Ganyo had been part of a patrol team investigating suspected poaching activities when he was shot in the left chest and pronounced dead at the scene. His body was deposited at the Ho Teaching Hospital morgue.
"We had several suspects in mind and narrowed it to one key suspect, Agbey Avi. We kept monitoring and surveying, and on Friday, we received information that he was trying to escape. Collaboration among my men, the Anyirawase police, and community members led to his arrest," Mr. Atingah stated.
A police source confirmed the suspect's suicide to GNA without providing full details. Mr. Kudzo Gotu, a resident of Abutia-Kloe, expressed that the murder of the guard and the alleged suicide confirmed his belief that "some souls are not meant to be taken."
Another resident, Da Mawunyo, described the deaths as tragic, highlighting Avi's history as a regular poacher who missed his own mother's funeral due to incarceration. Avi's younger brother had also died and was yet to be buried before the suicide incident.
Mr. Francis Dusey, the District Chief Executive of Ho West and Chairman of the District Security Council (DISEC), briefed GNA on the intense collaborative effort that led to the suspect's arrest. He emphasized the responsibility placed on citizens to protect natural resources and noted the deadly consequences of illegal exploitation.
"The police conducted investigations, and the suspect admitted opening fire on the Forestry Commission guard. His confession was recorded on audio," Mr. Dusey explained.
However, officers discovered early Tuesday morning that the suspect had taken his own life in the cell, as formalities were being explored for his prosecution. "He used the blanket provided to him, tearing it with his teeth and hanging himself," Mr. Dusey disclosed.
He noted that the suspect was held alone in a separate cell to aid investigations and that police would fully brief him on the circumstances surrounding the death. The family of the slain guard, Mr. Ganyo, had been informed, and management awaited directives from headquarters on further steps.
Mr. Dusey warned residents and settlers encroaching on the reserve to desist from illegal activities, announcing new joint security measures, stakeholder engagements, and appeals for increased forest guard personnel to strengthen protection of the reserve.