An explosion involving suspected smugglers and Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officers at Hamile in the Upper West Region has left four people dead and several others injured, following a series of violent confrontations in the border community.

The Tuesday incident occurred near the Ghana-Burkina Faso border and claimed the lives of two immigration officers and two suspected smugglers.

According to preliminary reports, the incident began when immigration officers spotted three individuals allegedly moving contraband through an unauthorised route towards Burkina Faso.

The suspects reportedly travelled in a group: two teenagers on a sand-laden tricycle and an older man on a motorcycle ahead of them, allegedly guiding the way.

The officers reportedly gave chase, but the suspects allegedly opened fire during the pursuit.

Moments later, an explosion rocked the area after gunfire struck objects believed to be explosive materials being carried on the tricycle.

The blast killed the two teenagers and one immigration officer instantly. A second officer, who sustained critical injuries, was transported to Nandom Hospital but later died.

The older man also sustained serious injuries and was receiving medical attention at the same hospital, reports Sahada Dramani from the Upper West Region.

Anger sparks fresh violence

What began as an operation against suspected smugglers reportedly escalated into further violence after some residents, angered by the deaths, allegedly attacked immigration officers.

The officers reportedly returned fire during the confrontation, resulting in injuries to about 10 people.

The injured were subsequently rushed to Nandom Hospital for treatment.

The violence has heightened tensions in Hamile, where groups of youth reportedly gathered at different locations to protest the deaths.

Military personnel have reportedly been deployed to the community to help contain the situation, restore order and prevent further confrontations.

Investigations underway as curfew takes effect

Authorities have commenced investigations to establish what triggered the explosion, determine the nature of the suspected explosive materials and clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths and subsequent clashes.

Community leaders and other stakeholders are also engaging residents to calm tempers and encourage a return to normal life.

Meanwhile, the government has imposed a curfew on Hamile township and surrounding communities in the Lambussie District of the Upper West Region.

The restriction takes effect immediately, requiring residents to remain indoors between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. daily.