Clash Between Soldiers and Civilians Over Military-Style Uniforms at Nyinahin Leaves 1 Dead

• A clash between soldiers and residents in Nyinahin, in the Atwima Mponua District, has turned fatal
• A 37-year-old man was killed while four others were wounded in the clash, which took place during a funeral
• Police were deployed to the area to restore calm and also launch investigations into the violent incident

A clash between soldiers and civilians in Nyinahin, a community in the Atwima Mponua District, has left one person dead and four others injured.

The incident reportedly occurred on the morning of April 24, 2025, during the funeral of a resident of the town in the Ashanti Region.

Three of the injured are currently receiving treatment at the Nyinahin Government Hospital, while one has been transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.

The Assembly Member for the Nyinahin Bubuom Electoral Area, Clinton Darko, told Citi News that the altercation began when military personnel passing through the area encountered a group of young men dressed in military uniforms.

“The officers reportedly stopped and asked the young men to remove the uniforms."

The situation reportedly spiralled quickly out of control, with stones thrown and gunshots fired, resulting in the death of 37-year-old Akwasi Lala.

According to Darko, the military personnel fled the scene after the shooting. Police have since been deployed to the area to restore calm and launch investigations into the incident.

A Facebook video describing the incident is included below:

Previous arrests for using military outfits

Civilians have gotten into trouble in the past wearing outfits resembling security apparel. In September 2024, a prisoner recounted how wearing a uniform of a soldier landed him in jail.

Narrating his ordeal to the Crime Check Foundation, he indicated that he went to a funeral and on his way back home, he decided to travel in the outfit resembling an army uniform.

He noted that an uncle cautioned him about the outfit; however, he ignored the caution.

During his journey, he encountered a soldier who questioned why he was wearing the soldier's camo when he was not one.

In November 2024, a Ghana Prisons Service officer arrested a trotro mate for wearing Prisons Service uniform while working.

The mate claimed the uniform belonged to his late father and reiterated that the attire has sentimental value to him.

It is illegal for civilians to wear security service uniforms, and many have been apprehended for this violation.

Illegal mining violence at Obuasi

YEN.com.gh also reported that soldiers killed at least seven people believed to be illegal miners at an AngloGold Ashanti mine on January 18. The Ghana Armed Forces claimed soldiers acted in self-defence.

People from the Obuasi township, including its Member of Parliament, have called for a thorough and impartial investigation, demanding accountability and measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

President John Mahama also ordered a probe into the clash between illegal miners and some soldiers protecting AngloGold Ashanti Mines that left at least seven dead on January 18 and expressed his sorrow.

Source: YEN.com.gh