Police shoot Priest in dramatic standoff

Panic and confusion gripped Agona-Amenfi in the Western Region when a traditional priest armed with a cutlass was shot multiple times by police officers during a dramatic confrontation at a palace grounds.

The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, unfolded before a large crowd of stunned onlookers who watched as the priest defied repeated police orders to surrender his weapon.

The circumstances leading to the incident are still being investigated. However, a video circulating on social media shows the priest inside a palace compound holding a cutlass aloft while chanting. He was dressed in a traditional smock and adorned with talismans.

The footage shows armed police officers carrying AK-47 rifles repeatedly ordering the priest to drop the weapon. Despite several warnings, the priest refused to comply and continued moving around the compound with the cutlass raised.

After multiple unsuccessful attempts to persuade him to surrender the weapon, the officers opened fire. One of the bullets struck the priest in the wrist area, causing him to drop the cutlass. Although disarmed, he continued moving around the compound for a short period, with the hand that was shot hanging by a thread before collapsing on the ground. Blood could be seen flowing from the gunshot wound as a crowd of onlookers watched the incident unfold.

According to reports, the confrontation occurred on Saturday after the priest allegedly prevented a palace messenger from entering the palace grounds. The messenger had reportedly been sent to retrieve a ceremonial hoe needed for a sod-cutting ceremony for a new maternity ward project in the community.

Eyewitnesses say the priest allegedly threatened or attacked the messenger with the cutlass, preventing him from carrying out his duties. The police were subsequently called to restore order.

Reports indicate that during the police intervention, the priest refused repeated commands to surrender his weapon, resulting in officers using force to subdue him. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident, and investigations are ongoing.

The condition of the priest remains unclear, while police are expected to launch a full investigation into the incident.

The shocking encounter has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many questioning the events that led to the violent confrontation.