A man has been shot dead after a two-hour gun battle with police during an operation tied to a chieftaincy dispute in Akwapim-Akropong.

The suspect, Kwasi Ansah Eku, also known as “Dragon,” reportedly opened fire on officers who had gone to arrest him in connection with recent clashes. Police returned fire, and he was killed during the exchange.

Authorities say a pump-action gun and both spent and live AA cartridges were recovered from the scene.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of April 10, 2026, involved officers from the Eastern Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, with support from the National Police Headquarters. It followed efforts to track down individuals seen in videos allegedly engaging in violence during the Awukudae celebration in Akropong on April 8.

Three other suspects—Bright Ofori Asante (“Bonto”), 33; Kwame Ayeh (“Saboba”), 41; and Elvis Adjei, 19—were also arrested for allegedly obstructing police and being linked to the earlier disturbances.

Police said the suspects have been sent to Koforidua, while the deceased’s body has been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue for autopsy.

The incident underscores rising tensions linked to chieftaincy disputes in the area. Investigations are ongoing.