The Western Central Regional Police Command has commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the explosion of suspected illegally stored explosives at Aboso in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region.
Initial reports indicated that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, resulted in the deaths of four people.
However, a statement issued by the police said three people died while three others sustained injuries in the explosion.
The Command also reminded the public that the unlawful possession, storage, handling or sale of explosives constitutes a serious offence and poses significant risks to public safety.
The police therefore urged members of the public to report any suspected illegal storage or handling of explosives to the nearest police station.
Investigations are being conducted in collaboration with the Minerals Commission.
The statement, signed by ASP Beatrice Turkson, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Command, said police personnel responded promptly to the scene after receiving reports of the explosion and immediately began investigations.
According to preliminary investigations, at about 12 noon on the day of the incident, workers operating at a site near the scene spotted a python.
They informed the owner of the site, David Kofi Fletcher, who is now deceased, and he reportedly arrived armed with a pump-action shotgun to kill the reptile.
Police suspect that after firing a shot, the pellets struck explosive materials believed to have been illegally stored on the premises, triggering the blast.
The explosion claimed the lives of the site owner and two other persons identified only as Solomon and Baba.
Three other persons sustained various degrees of injury and were rushed to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The statement added that the explosion caused extensive damage to nearby properties.
“Several houses within the vicinity had their window panes shattered, while six vehicles parked at a nearby washing bay had their windscreens and windows damaged,” the statement said.
The Command expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured persons a speedy recovery.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi