A 45-year-old hunter has been shot dead in the Bowie Forest at Wassa Adamanso in the Wassa Amenfi East District of the Western region after his friend mistook him for an animal, police said.
The suspect, Kwaku Tuffour, 42, a resident of Abotreye was arrested after he reported himself to the Wassa Akropong District Police Command.
The deceased, who has been identified as James Boateng went into the forest to hunt with the suspect at about 12:00 am, Tuesday when the incident happened.
While in the forest, Kwaku Tuffour spotted what he thought was an animal a few meters away and shot it.
As he approached to pick the supposed dead animal, he saw Boateng lying lifeless on the ground with blood oozing from his mouth and nose.
Police accompanied the suspect to the scene and discovered the deceased lying on his right side.
“A search at the scene retrieved one AAA spent cartridge, two BB live cartridges and one single barrel gun belonging to the deceased”, Police say.
The body has since been deposited at the Wassa Akropong Government Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Police have since detained the suspect for further investigations.
Hunting and capturing of wild animals banned in Ghana
The development comes days after the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission had announced a ban on hunting and capturing of wild animals, which is referred to as “Close Season,” beginning August 1 to December 1, 2019.
The move is among measures used to regulate the utilisation and help curb the decline of wildlife resources in the country and ensure sustainable use whilst serving as a respite for the animals during their breeding period.
A statement signed by Mr John Allotey, Deputy Chief Executive of Forestry Commission, said during this period, the hunting, capturing or destroying of any wildlife species was prohibited.
By J. Ofori, Daily Mail GH
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