At least ten individuals sustained varying degrees of gunshot wounds following a chaotic incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon at Ritz Junction in Madina, a suburb of Accra. The violence unfolded during an already tense situation involving a significant fire outbreak in the area.
According to eyewitness accounts and testimonies from victims, the situation took a dangerous turn when a man, locally known as “Area,” appeared at the scene visibly agitated and in possession of a pump-action shotgun. Without provocation, he began discharging the firearm indiscriminately, firing at both bystanders and into the air. The motive behind the gunfire remains unknown, and authorities have yet to establish a clear cause for the suspect’s violent actions.
One of the victims, Ernest Opare, who is currently receiving treatment at the Pentecost Hospital in Madina, recounted the traumatic experience in an interview with Adom News. Opare revealed that he sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his forehead, back, and buttocks during the incident. He is among five victims currently admitted to the hospital for medical care.
In a disturbing revelation, Opare alleged that the shooting occurred in the presence of both police officers and personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), who were on the ground responding to the blaze. Despite witnessing the suspect’s reckless use of the firearm, the police allegedly failed to intervene, neither attempting to disarm nor apprehend the gunman. This perceived inaction has raised concerns among residents and bystanders, sparking criticism of the response by law enforcement officials at the scene.
The fire, which is believed to have started at a local washing bay, quickly spread to surrounding structures, prompting a swift deployment of firefighters from the Madina Fire Station. Personnel from the GNFS worked tirelessly to contain the flames, which had already engulfed a substantial portion of the area by the time emergency services arrived.
Preliminary assessments indicate that more than fifty wooden structures and metal containers were destroyed in the blaze. These structures served as makeshift homes and commercial spaces for many residents, leaving numerous families displaced and without shelter.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the gunman’s actions were directly related to the fire incident or whether the two events coincided by chance. Law enforcement agencies have yet to issue an official statement regarding the identity of the suspect or any possible motives. Additionally, no arrests have been reported as of Monday morning.
Community members and local leaders have called for a thorough investigation into both the fire outbreak and the subsequent shooting, urging the police to act swiftly to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
The situation has left residents of Ritz Junction shaken and concerned about the state of public safety in the area. Many have emphasized the need for increased police visibility and stronger coordination between emergency services to better manage such emergencies in the future.
STORY BY : KENNEDY AMPONSAH NTI
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHZ
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