A suspected high-priority homicide invasion, which has claimed the life of a 42-year-old man, has created fear in residents of Asonkore SSNIT in the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly. According to reports, a group of unidentified assailants attacked the deceased, Bismark Yaw Sarfo Danso, inside his own residence in the early hours of Saturday, December 13.

The unfortunate incident happened around 1:30 am and 2:00 am when three armed men invaded and ransacked the home of the deceased, and murdered the man, after which they bolted with cash, a laptop, and other valuable items.

The robbery attack is currently being treated as a suspected homicide by the police after the death of Mr Danso. The police have already launched an investigation into the case, leading to the detention of a close relative of the deceased for questioning as they ramp up efforts to find the suspects.

The police have also apprehended the younger brother of the deceased for questioning. Consequently, the police command has urged anyone with information related to the case to inform them.

Wife of the deceased, Comfort Mensah, confirmed the development, noting the quick response of law enforcement:

Meanwhile, Mr Danso’s body has since been deposited at a mortuary in the Ashanti Region pending a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.

Obuasi East, a municipality known for its deep historical ties to the massive AngloGold Ashanti gold mine, has often struggled with sporadic crime linked to economic pressures.

The Asonkore SSNIT area, a residential zone, is generally considered secure.

About two months ago, residents of Domeabra Old Town in the Ga South Municipality were reported to be living in fear following the gruesome murder of a 50-year-old mason, locally identified as ‘Taller’.

His body was discovered in an uncompleted building, savagely mutilated with specific organs and tissues removed, raising suspicions of a possible ritual killing, a category of homicide that, according to police data, remains a grave concern in the region.

The Assemblyman for the Domeabra Electoral Area, Joseph Akrashie, who has been coordinating with local law enforcement, provided chilling details of the police's preliminary findings to Adom News.

And according to him, "Taller is well-known in the area, and we are shocked about what has happened to him," Akrashie said, conveying the community's disbelief.

He proceeded to detail the precise nature of the mutilation as explained by the police, indicating that, "...the suspects cut the deceased's left heel and left thigh and removed all the veins in that part."

Following the discovery, the Ghana Police Service Homicide Unit was immediately deployed.

The body of the deceased was promptly conveyed to the Police Hospital Mortuary in Accra to undergo an autopsy, which is expected to confirm the exact cause of death and provide further forensic evidence relating to the type of instrument used in the mutilation.

Currently, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder; however, police have intensified investigations to apprehend the suspects who are still at large.

This has prompted calls from residents to the government and the IGP to beef up security in the community to ensure safety and prevent a recurrence.

In July, a similar ritual killing incident occurred when six people, including a female, murdered a 25-year-old mason for money rituals.

Six individuals, including five males and a female, are in police custody for their involvement in the murder of a 25-year-old mason, Nelson Anyena, at Mafi Adidome.

He was murdered after moving to stay with his wife, having left his hometown, Wusuta, in the South Dayi District, on December 4, 2024.

As the police continue their investigation, the Regional Police Command has entreated the family and close associates of the deceased to remain calm as they pursue justice.

"The Regional Police Command duly appreciates the support of the public in uncovering the heinous crime," the police added in a statement.