A/R: Kusasi Chief shot dead; police launch manhunt

The Kusasi Chief in the Ashanti Region, Abdul-Malik Azenbe—who also served as the Kadi Divisional Chief in Binduri, Upper East Region—was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

The attack occurred around 8:40 p.m. outside his residence near the Asawase F-line community centre. According to eyewitness accounts, two men arrived on a motorbike, with one of them wielding an AK-47 assault rifle.

Without warning, the gunman opened fire on the chief before both suspects fled the scene.

The 40-year-old traditional leader, who was enskinned just three months ago, sustained critical injuries and was initially rushed to the Manhyia District Hospital.

He was later transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The incident has sent shockwaves through both the Ashanti and Upper East Regions, where the late chief played active leadership roles.

Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, visited the bereaved family hours after the shooting to offer condolences and assure them of a swift investigation.

No arrests have yet been made, and motives behind the attack remain unclear. Police say updates will follow as investigations progress.