Suspect in Kalakpa forest officer killing found dead in Police custody - Volta Region.

 

A suspect linked to the shooting that led to the death of a wildlife officer at the Kalakpa Forest Reserve in the Ho West District has been found dead while in police custody at Abutia Kloe, where he was being held pending investigations.

The Assembly Member for the Abutia Kloe Electoral Area, Fredrick Tengey, stated that the suspect was found dead in the police cell, with indications that it may have been a case of self-inflicted harm.

Police authorities have so far remained tight-lipped on the development, but the family of the late wildlife officer has been officially informed.

The incident follows the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old wildlife officer, identified as Mr Ganyo, in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, while on patrol near the Zitoe Camp within the Kalakpa Forest Reserve.

According to the Forestry Commission, the officer was part of a patrol team responding to suspected poaching activity when they encountered an armed individual near the boundary of the reserve.

“I received a call from the family of  Raphael Ganyo, who was shot in the reserve. According to them, the suspect has hanged himself and died in the cell. They confirmed the dead body in the cell, but I have yet to confirm from the district commander.”