A tragic hunting accident has claimed the life of a 48-year-old woman in the Okanease community of the Krachi East Municipality in the Oti Region, Ghana. The incident occurred on Monday, May 4, 2026, at approximately 4:00 a.m. local time.
Details of the Incident
Mr. George Yaw Gameli, Assembly Member for the Okanease Electoral Area, confirmed the event to the Ghana News Agency (GNA). According to him, the hunter, identified as Victor Gyamesi, reported that he fired his weapon after seeing what he believed to be the reflection of an animal's eyes during a hunting expedition.
Upon approaching the spot, the hunter discovered that he had shot Felicia Dutenya, a resident of the community. Mr. Gameli stated that he accompanied the suspect to the Katanga District Police Command to report the incident.
Possible Cause of the Mistake
Preliminary investigations suggest that Dutenya had gone to harvest mangoes near a hunting path frequently used by the suspect. She was carrying a silver pan, whose reflection under the moonlight may have been mistaken for the eyes of an animal. The hunter, acting on instinct, fired a fatal shot.
Current Status
The suspect is currently in police custody and is assisting with the ongoing investigation. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Worawora Government Hospital morgue, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
This tragic incident has left the community in shock, highlighting the dangers of misidentification during hunting activities. Authorities urge hunters to exercise extreme caution and verify their targets before discharging any weapon.
