Seven persons have sustained gunshot wounds after a suspect accidentally discharged a firearm during the enstoolment of a National Security Operative as Akyampimhene for the Suhum Traditional Area in the Eastern Region on Saturday.
According to police reports, the gunshot incident occurred in the house of the newly enstooled chief, Nana Amoako Darko, when the firearm being carried by the suspect went off in the afternoon.
The victims who were ushers and drummers have been identified as Sandra Kwakye, Roselyn Boateng, John Offei, Kwadjo Darko, Emmanuel Offei, Francis Ntow, and Godfred Owusu.
They had to be rushed to Suhum Government Hospital in an ambulance.
The Eastern Regional Police Spokesman, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh who confirmed the incident said, through police intelligence a locally manufactured gun that suspect reportedly used has since been retrieved for further action.
According to him, victims Sandra Kwakye and Roselyn Boateng who were rushed to the hospital have been treated and discharged, while the victims namely John Offei and Kwadjo Darko have also been referred to Regional Hospital, Koforidua, for further treatment, but Emmanuel Offei, Francis Ntow, and Godfred Owusu are on admission at Suhum Government Hospital.
The police spokesman added that one of the suspects who sustained injuries in his right palm was sent to Suhum Government Hospital, where he was treated, discharged, and brought to police custody to assist in further investigation.
The enstoolment of the operative brought many security personnel including the military and police to the streets of Suhum.
A durbar was later held in honour of the Akyampimhene at the Suhum main lorry park, where a lot of dignitaries celebrated with the newly outdoored sub-chief.
During the durbar, cash prizes were donated to four first-cycle schools within the Suhum Municipality by the Akyampimhene after he launched his educational foundation.
The Director of the Scholarship Secretariat, Kingsley Agyemang, who chaired the occasion, pledged to support the educational fund.
The Chief of Suhum, Osaberima Ayeh Kofi, in his remarks entreated the residents come together and support the development of Suhum.