The body of Richard Opoku, a bus conductor, was discovered in the early hours of Monday, July 15, marking the 17th victim in the ongoing series of unexplained killings in Wa.
His body, found with a slit throat behind a trailer, adds to the growing fear and uncertainty in the community.
Opoku had accompanied a trailer transporting salt to Wa and had plans to unload the cargo upon arrival, myjoyonline reports.
Upon reaching Wa, Opoku and the driver were unable to offload the salt, leading them to the house of the salt owner. While the owner offered Opoku a room to spend the night, he chose to rest on the verandah.
The next morning, traces of blood led to the grim discovery of his body. The police have since arrested the salt owner and the driver for further questioning as investigations continue.
The Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Rashid Pelpuo, has urged security services to intensify efforts in finding those responsible for these mysterious killings.
He expressed concern over the increasing fear and potential for vigilantism in the community. Pelpuo criticized the authorities for allowing illegal organizations to operate and openly advertise on radio, which he believes contributes to the violence.
In addition, on July 13, 2024, a large crowd in Wa protested the killings of security men and mentally unstable individuals, joined by dignitaries including MPs and local leaders.
