NPP executive killed in Akuapem

A tragic incident has rocked the Gyankama community in the Akuapem South District of the Eastern Region, as a man believed to be mentally ill has allegedly killed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) polling station chairman, Kwame Sampson.

The heartbreaking event happened on Wednesday, June 19, 2025. The victim, who was in his 50s and also worked as a businessman and contractor, died after being struck in the head multiple times with a cement block.

According to local reports, the suspect, who is widely known in the community by the nickname Yaw 5, fled the scene immediately after the act. He was, however, arrested by the police shortly afterward.

Speaking to YEN.com.gh, the Assemblyman for the Gyankama/Konkonduru Electoral Area, Michael Osae, confirmed the incident and expressed deep concern over the suspect’s history and the system’s failure to properly manage it.

“He has been arrested and sent to Pantang Hospital multiple times for treatment. We least expected this,” Osae said.

The Assemblyman revealed that Yaw 5 has had a long-standing history of mental health issues, and there have been multiple efforts in the past to have him confined to a psychiatric facility for proper treatment. Unfortunately, those efforts often failed, as he was repeatedly released without showing full signs of recovery.

“He was locked up in the police cell, and the next day he was out,” Osae recounted, expressing his frustration.

He also raised serious concerns about how mental health cases are handled in Ghana, especially when individuals pose a risk to public safety. Osae criticised both the medical system and the caregivers for not taking the necessary steps to keep the suspect under proper supervision.

“The suspect had not fully regained his sanity, but he was discharged from the facility… caregivers had also not shown seriousness in their duties and handling of their ward,” he added.