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Manhunt for Gomoa Potsin Herdsman After Kasoa Election Day Gunman Confesses

Introduction

The Central East Regional Police Command has intensified a high-stakes manhunt for a nomadic livestock herdsman in the Gomoa Potsin area. This development follows a critical confession by the main suspect in the violent shooting incident that marred the 2024 general elections in Kasoa. On Friday, January 23, 2026, authorities confirmed that the alleged gunman, Mujaheed Suraj, admitted to purchasing the weapon used in the attack from this elusive herdsman. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the unfolding investigation, the background of the Kasoa election violence, and the broader implications for illicit firearm control in the Central Region.

Key Points

Background

The Odupongkpehe Zongo Shooting Incident

The investigation centers on a dark chapter during the December 7, 2024, general elections. The Odupongkpehe Zongo voting centre in Kasoa became the site of a violent confrontation involving gunfire. According to official case reports, the incident resulted in direct casualties and property damage.

The Victims and Damages

Two individuals, identified as Bukari Inusah (34) and Tanimu Adamu Tanko (44), were struck by pellets when the gunman discharged the firearm into a crowd. Additionally, a stationary pickup truck, registered as GT 9550-P, was caught in the crossfire and sustained significant damage. As of January 2026, police reports indicate that both victims have not yet fully recovered, highlighting the enduring physical and psychological impact of election-related violence.

The Suspect Profile

Mujaheed Suraj was apprehended on January 17, 2026. Following his arrest, he was subjected to interrogation, during which he admitted to the crime. His confession shifted the narrative from identifying the shooter to dismantling the supply chain of illegal weapons in the region.

Analysis

The Illicit Firearms Supply Chain

The revelation that Suraj purchased the pump-action gun for GH₵4,000 underscores a thriving black market for unlicensed firearms in Ghana. The specific mention of a “herdsman” in Gomoa Potsin suggests a sophisticated network where legitimate cover occupations are used to facilitate illegal trade. This highlights a significant gap in regulatory oversight and border control, allowing weapons to flow into communities where they are used to terrorize citizens and disrupt democratic processes.

Strategic Importance of the Herdsman

Regional Commander DCOP Mr. Francis Nchor has emphasized that the herdsman is considered “pivotal” in the supply chain of unlicensed guns. The police investigation is now focused on tracing every transaction within this criminal network. The suspect’s inability to provide any legal documentation, permits, or registration for the firearm confirms the illicit nature of the transaction. This manhunt is not merely about one individual but about dismantling a network that has historically supported “land guard” activities and political violence in the Kasoa-Gomoa-Potsin axis.

Legal and Social Implications

Under Ghanaian law, the possession of an unlicensed firearm is a criminal offense punishable by significant jail time. The herdsman, upon capture, will face charges related to illegal arms dealing. Furthermore, the police have indicated that they are investigating whether the herdsman has supplied weapons to other individuals involved in political violence, which could lead to expanded charges of conspiracy and aiding and abetting criminal acts.

Practical Advice

Community Safety and Reporting Mechanisms

Residents in the Gomoa Potsin area and the wider Central East Region are urged to remain vigilant. The police have issued a directive for the public to report any suspicious activities involving the dealing or storage of firearms and ammunition. Safety in these communities relies heavily on cooperation between law enforcement and civilians.

How to Report Suspicious Activity

• Direct Contact: Citizens should contact the Central East Regional Police Command immediately if they have information regarding the whereabouts of the herdsman.
• Anonymous Tips: Where possible, utilize anonymous tip lines to ensure personal safety while aiding the investigation.
• Community Awareness: Community leaders in Gomoa Potsin should engage in dialogue with residents to identify strangers or unusual activities related to livestock management that may mask illegal trade.

Victim Support

For victims of similar incidents, it is crucial to maintain engagement with medical and psychological support services. The long-term recovery of Bukari Inusah and Tanimu Adamu Tanko highlights the need for sustained trauma counseling following election violence.

FAQ

Conclusion

The confession of Mujaheed Suraj has opened a new, critical phase in the investigation into the Kasoa election day violence. While the shooter is in custody, the manhunt for the Gomoa Potsin herdsman represents a vital step toward dismantling the network of illegal arms distribution that threatens public safety in the Central Region. The Central East Regional Police Command’s commitment to tracing every transaction and holding supply chain actors accountable is essential for restoring order and ensuring that the justice system addresses not only the perpetrators of violence but also those who arm them. Continued public cooperation will be the linchpin in the success of this operation.