Ishmael Odoom, the Assembly Member for the Agona Asafo Electoral Area, is in critical condition after being shot during a brazen daylight robbery on Thursday afternoon.
The incident took place around 5:30 p.m. at “Me Na Ye” Junction, a busy suburb of Agona Asafo. Mr Odoom and his friend Bright Adobah had gone to a branch of U Fresh Company to buy drinks for pupils preparing to participate in Independence Day marching activities.
According to Mr Adobah, who spoke to Adom News, they loaded the drinks onto an “aboboyaa” tricycle after the purchase. Moments later, a group of armed robbers — including a woman — attacked them. The assailants, carrying guns and cutlasses, opened fire during the confrontation, hitting the Assembly Member.
The robbers then seized two sacks of “Ghana Must Go” bags believed to contain large sums of money before fleeing the scene. Mr Adobah alleged that police officers stationed at a nearby checkpoint did not intervene during the attack.
The injured Assembly Member was rushed to the Agona Swedru Government Hospital, where he is currently receiving emergency treatment. His condition remains critical.
In a related claim, Mr Adobah said the owner of the beverage company attempted to resist the robbers and managed to shoot one of the attackers. The wounded suspect reportedly escaped into a nearby bush.
The District Chief Executive for Agona East, Samuel Oscar Mensah, expressed shock over the robbery, especially since it happened close to a police barrier. He assured that the district assembly will collaborate with security agencies to strengthen safety measures and protect lives and property in the area.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident. No arrests have been reported yet, and authorities are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the robbery or saw the fleeing suspects.
The attack has heightened fears in the community, with residents calling for increased police visibility and faster response to violent crimes in the district.
