A 51-year-old pillion rider was killed on Wednesday during a confrontation with policemen over an alleged attempt to extort GH¢10 from him at a police checkpoint at Gbintiri in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region.
He died from a gunshot fired from the gun of one of the policemen during the confrontation and exchange.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday [Nov 5, 2025], involved two civilians who were travelling from Gaboni in the Northern Region to the Gbintiri market in North East.
They were stopped by policemen on duty at the Gbintiri checkpoint.
Multiple checks by Graphic Online gathered that the policeman who was on duty with his colleague repeatedly demanded GH¢10 from the travelers before allowing them to proceed.
The civilians reportedly questioned the demand, which led to a heated argument.
During the altercation, one of the policemen reportedly opened fire, hitting the pillion rider, who has been identified as Mawutor Banakar.
The Assembly member for the Gbintiri Electoral Area, Manla Gbenja, corroborated the claims.
“I understand the police officers demanded GH¢10 from the victims, but they insisted they could offer only GH¢5, which infuriated the officers, resulting in the confrontations and the shooting incident,” he claimed.
The incident has heightened tension in Gbintiri, as some residents have condemned the action and are demanding justice for the deceased.
The residents are calling for an independent investigation.
Police account
However, the North East Regional Police Public Affairs Officer, DSP Robert Anabiik Anmain, has disputed the extortion claim and presented a different version of events.
He said “preliminary investigations indicate that the officers were on duty at the checkpoint when two men on a motorbike arrived.
During a search, the pillion rider, now deceased, suddenly became furious and held the weapon of one of the officers in an attempt to snatch it from him.”
He added that a struggle ensued between the officer and the pillion rider, during which the weapon discharged accidentally, hitting the upper arm of the rider and injuring him.
The officer also sustained bruises, and his uniform was torn in the process.
DSP Anmain said the victim was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
He indicated that the officer involved has since been taken into custody to assist with investigations.
Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh
