Suspected poacher remanded over Kakum National Park guard's murder
John Mensah, a 54-year-old suspected poacher, has been remanded into police custody in connection with the alleged killing of a forest guard at Kakum National Park. Mensah, from Assin Betwease, appeared before the Nyankumasi Ahenkro District Court on charges of murder and unauthorized entry into a protected forest area. His plea was not taken, and the court ordered his remand for 14 days as investigations continue, with his next court appearance scheduled for September 11, 2026. The incident occurred on August 21, 2026, during a routine patrol by forest guards. The patrol team encountered suspected poachers, and during a pursuit, forest guard Richard Otwey was fatally shot. Mensah was later arrested and reportedly identified Bukari Abudu as the shooter; Abudu is currently at large. Investigators recovered two single-barrel guns, animal remains including porcupines, rats, and monkeys, as well as other items suggesting the suspects had spent time in the forest. Otwey's body was recovered and deposited at the Abura Dunkwa Government Hospital mortuary.
