A funeral ceremony at Ayanfuri in the Central Region has ended in tragedy after Nana Kwabena Okyere, the Mmratehene of the Ayanfuri Traditional Area, reportedly died following an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident occurred on Friday, May 9, 2026, during the funeral rites of Abusua Panyin Akwasi Kwateng in the Diaso District.
According to reports, Nana Kwabena Okyere was handling a pump-action gun as part of customary funeral activities when the weapon accidentally discharged.
The bullet reportedly struck him in the abdomen, causing severe injuries and triggering panic among mourners gathered at the ceremony.
He was rushed to the Ayanfuri Pentecost Hospital for emergency treatment but was later pronounced dead while receiving care.
His body has since been deposited at the Dunkwa-On-Offin Municipal Hospital mortuary as police begin investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The sudden death of the chief has thrown the Ayanfuri community into mourning, with residents and traditional leaders describing the incident as heartbreaking.
The incident has also reignited public concern over the use of firearms during funerals and traditional ceremonies in parts of Ghana.
While gun firing remains part of some cultural observances and displays of honour, repeated accidental shootings at public events have renewed calls for stricter safety measures.
