A tragic incident unfolded in the Shiawu Besiase community, located in the Atwima South Constituency of the Ashanti Region, as a 19-year-old pregnant woman, Serwaa Alice, battles for her life following gunshot injuries sustained during a violent confrontation. The incident, which occurred on the evening of Thursday, March 12, also resulted in the loss of her eight-month-old unborn child.
According to reports, the violence erupted during a procession to bury a queen mother. A confrontation among individuals escalated into an exchange of gunfire at approximately 9 p.m., leading to collateral injuries among bystanders. Serwaa Alice was struck by stray bullets that penetrated her abdomen, resulting in critical injuries and the tragic death of her unborn baby. She is currently receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where medical professionals are preparing her for surgery.
In addition to the pregnant woman, a 14-year-old girl sustained severe injuries after being hit by a stray bullet in her eye. She is also undergoing treatment at the same hospital, with doctors working tirelessly to save her vision.
Nana Osei Tutu, the Assembly Member for the Shiawu Besiase Electoral Area, provided further details in an interview with Citi News. He revealed that aside from the two female victims of gunshot wounds, several others suffered machete injuries during the violent episode. He attributed the incident to a long-standing land dispute between two chiefs in the area, suggesting that tensions from this litigation may have fueled the confrontation.
“Some individuals dressed in military-style camouflage with their faces concealed were responsible for firing the shots,” Nana Osei Tutu explained. “One of the bullets struck a pregnant woman in the stomach, passing through from the right side and exiting on the left. According to doctors, her baby could not survive the trauma. The woman herself remains in critical condition.”
He further noted that the situation has been reported to law enforcement authorities, who are working to restore calm in the area and investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence.
The incident has left residents of Shiawu Besiase shaken, as they come to terms with the devastating consequences of the altercation. Community leaders have called for swift action by authorities to address the underlying land dispute and prevent further escalation of violence. Meanwhile, families of the victims remain hopeful for their recovery as medical teams continue their efforts.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
