The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has dispatched a special investigative team to support ongoing efforts in unraveling the fatal shooting of Kusasi Chief Abdul-Malik Azenbe in Asawase.
The chief, also the Kaadi Divisional Area Chief of the Bawku West District in the Upper East Region, was gunned down at his residence near the Asawase F-line Community Centre on the night of Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
“We have already launched investigations, and I assure you that we will hunt down the suspects. All official protocols have been completed, and the body will now be released for burial”
Christian Tetteh Yohuno, IGP
Authorities believe the killing was a deliberate attack. Eyewitnesses reported that two men on a motorbike, one of whom wielded an AK-47 rifle, stormed the compound and opened fire on the chief before escaping.
The crime scene has since been cordoned off, and forensic experts are assisting with the evidence collection as part of the broader investigation.
During a visit to the bereaved family, Ashanti Regional Police Commander DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe confirmed that investigations had already commenced and would be intensified with the deployment of the special team from the Police Headquarters.
The police commander appealed to journalists to avoid speculative narratives in their reportage, urging for sensitivity towards the bereaved family during the period of mourning. He emphasized the potential for misinformation to incite tension in the community, which has been visibly shaken by the brazen act.
Community Outrage and Grief
The Kusasi community in Asawase and the Upper East Region has been thrown into mourning, with residents expressing outrage over the killing.
There are growing concerns that the attack could be linked to ongoing tensions in traditional leadership or unresolved local conflicts. While the IGP’s quick deployment of a dedicated team has been acknowledged, residents insist that results – not promises – are what will rebuild trust.
Police sources said the investigation includes a review of nearby CCTV footage, interviews with local informants, and an analysis of prior threats or disputes involving the late chief. The IGP has called on the public to assist with credible leads that could aid in identifying and arresting the perpetrators.
According to the Ghana Police Service, no arrests have been made as of now, but efforts are intensifying. Law enforcement agencies are working in collaboration with local leaders to ensure “community cooperation and prevent retaliatory incidents.”
Interior Minister Condemns Assassination
The Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has also waded into the matter, describing the murder as a grave attack on national cohesion.
He expressed deep sorrow over the incident and paid tribute to the slain chief. He extended condolences to the bereaved family and the Kusasi community, both in Ashanti and the Upper East Region.
The Minister emphasized the symbolic and cultural importance of the late chief and acknowledged the widespread grief that has followed his killing.
“This heinous act is not only an attack on a revered traditional authority but also a grievous wound to the peace and security we all cherish. Our security agencies will pursue the perpetrators and ensure they face the full rigours of the law. We remain resolute in protecting every citizen”
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior and MP for Asawase
Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak urged residents of Asawase and adjoining areas to remain calm and offer their cooperation in the investigations. He warned against any acts of reprisal and underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring justice.
“Let us all stand together to ensure that justice is served and that peace continues to prevail in our beloved constituency and nation,” he urged and concluded his remarks with prayers for the late chief and support for his grieving relatives.
“May Allah grant the late Chief eternal rest and strengthen his family and community during this difficult time.”
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior and MP for Asawase
The murder of Chief Abdul-Malik Azenbe has heightened security concerns in Asawase and beyond. As the police investigation progresses, national attention remains fixed on the outcome and the government’s ability to deliver swift justice without allowing the situation to escalate.
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