Kusasi Sub-chief in Ashanti Region Shot Dead in Targeted Attack

The Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti Region, Abdul-Malik Azenbe, who also served as the Kaadi Divisional Area Chief in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region, was shot and killed by unknown assailants on Tuesday evening, July 22, 2025.

The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. at Asawase F-Line, near the community centre, in front of his residence.

Eyewitnesses reported that two men on a motorbike approached the chief’s home. One of them, wielding an AK-47 rifle, opened fire multiple times before they fled.

Chief Azenbe was rushed to the Manhyia District Hospital and later referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Confirming the attack, the Head of Public Affairs at the Ashanti Regional Police Command, DSP Godwin Ahianyo, said the Regional Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, had visited the bereaved family and assured them of a swift investigation. Two empty AK-47 shells were recovered at the scene.

Police are appealing to the public for information to help apprehend the killers.

The killing comes less than a month after Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II resumed mediation in the long-standing Bawku conflict. On June 30, Otumfuo met with the Kusasi Traditional Council at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, reaffirming his commitment to traditional diplomacy as a tool for peace.

That meeting followed earlier engagements with both Kusasi and Mamprusi factions on April 29. Mediation was briefly suspended due to the burial rites of Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, Paramount Chief of Mampong.

The Bawku conflict stems from historical disputes over land and chieftaincy. The Kusasi claim indigenous status, while the Mamprusi cite colonial-era appointments.

Following the June dialogue, six sub-chiefs reaffirmed allegiance to the Kusasi Traditional Council. Their legal representative, Mr Maxwell Agbambilla, praised Otumfuo’s leadership and urged the Kusasi youth to remain calm.

Otumfuo’s role as mediator was formalised after consultations with government officials, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak.

Having successfully led peace efforts in Dagbon, the Asantehene is widely respected for his commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue.