Residents of Gomoa Buduburam, near Kasoa in the Central Region have said they are living in fear after the killing of two policemen in the line of duty on Wednesday afternoon.

Speaking on Accra based Joy FM, one of the residents said most of the people in the area have purchased weapons in order to protect themselves against attacks.

He called on Security Agency to find ways to deal with the situation as soon as  possible.

“Most of our residents have purchased guns…We are just trying to be each other’s keeper. Because as I told you the police themselves are overwhelmed,” he said.

Commenting on the purchased weapons by Residents of Gomoa Buduburam, the Director General of Police Public Affairs ACP David Eklu said they have taken a delivery of 4,500 body amours to be distributed to various command centers across the country.

“We have taken delivery of 4,500 body amours and the distribution will be begin immediately after this conference, the commanders asked that, they should bring their store keepers to start collecting them so that they can be distributed to Patrol Officers or officers who are performing front line duties,” he said.

Background

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting of two police officers at Gomoa Buduburam, near Kasoa in the Central Region on Wednesday afternoon.

The three suspects, all male are being held at the Kasoa Police station, Graphic Online has gathered.Their names are yet to be known.

The two police officers have been confirmed dead.

One died on the spot whilst the other was rushed to the police hospital in Accra in critical condition where he also died.

The shooting incident happened on Wednesday afternoon between the police and the assailants.

The one who died on the spot with multiple shots has been identified as Sergeant Michael Dzamesi.

Sergeant Dzamesi after he was hit in the head, was said to have run into a nearby provision shop, ostensibly to take cover, but collapsed on entering the facility.

The second officer who Graphic Online gathers had gunshots at the lower pelvic, died at the Police Hospital whilst he was being prepared for the theatre.

He has been identified as Lance Corporal Mohammed Awal, according to Graphic Online sources.

Police confirmation

The Central Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Irene Oppong who confirmed the incident, said the it happened around the Buduburam stretch of the Accra-Winneba road during a checking procedure by the police.

It happened at the Kasoa Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and that the police signaled an unregistered vehicle to stop but the driver refused to stop.

She said the police gave the vehicle a chase but the occupants at a point began shooting at occupants of the police vehicle.

The police officers were hit.

Ms Oppong said the police mounted a search for the vehicle and its occupants.