Ex-Queenmother of Mankessim and Four Others to Face Murder Trial Over 2019 Shooting

Nana Ama Amissah III, the former Queenmother of Mankessim, along with four other individuals—including a Fire Service officer—will appear in court on Monday at the Weija-Gbawe Magistrate Court.

They are facing charges related to the alleged murder of Samuel Ampofo, the Mankessim Municipal Director of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), and Kofi Yamoah, during a violent incident surrounding the installation of a new queenmother.

The shooting, which also left three others injured, occurred on December 7, 2019, during a procession in Mankessim following the installation of Nana Araba Otua I as the new queenmother. The case has come after six years of investigation by the Cold Case Unit of the Ghana Police Service.

A total of 13 individuals were initially arrested in connection with the shooting. However, the Attorney General’s office has proceeded with charges against six suspects, including the former queenmother.

The accused include James Kofi Obosu (also known as Nana Obosu Amissah, a farmer), Nana Ama Amissah III (ex-queenmother), Joseph Kobina Ansah (also known as Nana Okutseku, a Fire Service officer), and Robert Gardiner (a driver). Other accused persons are John Eric Kofi Turkson (also known as Nana Edu) and Clement Kwesi Owusu (an electrical contractor and teacher).

It is alleged that Nana Ama Amissah III masterminded the shooting after chairing a meeting where the disturbance was planned.

Background of the Incident

The violence erupted on December 7, 2019, during a procession in Mankessim following the installation of Nana Araba Otua I. The event turned deadly when a gunman opened fire on the crowd, killing two people—Samuel Ampofo, the NIB Director, and Kofi Yamoah.

This followed a Cape Coast High Court ruling that invalidated the previous gazetting of Nana Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI and Nana Ama Amissah III after a suit was filed by the Paakesedo Nsona family, challenging their legitimacy.

Investigations revealed that the shooting occurred near the Edu Nsona Royal family house, where members of the opposing Aduko Paakesedo Nsona family had been tipped off about plans to disrupt the queenmother installation. A witness discovered Nana Obosu Amissah with a pump-action gun and was shot at by him, although the witness escaped unharmed. Samuel Ampofo intervened, urging Nana Obosu to lower the weapon, but was shot at close range.

Post-mortem examinations confirmed that both Ampofo and Yamoah died from gunshot wounds. Ballistic tests on pellets retrieved from the bodies matched those from a pump-action gun.

Investigation and Arrests

The investigation was taken over by a specialized 7-member Cold Case Unit within the Ghana Police Service. The unit gathered new intelligence from WhatsApp chats, audio recordings, and witness interviews. This led to the arrest of several suspects in 2023.

James Kofi Obosu, the first accused, was arrested in Mankessim, while Nana Ama Amissah III was later detained at the CID Headquarters in Accra after responding to a police invitation.

Police investigations revealed a long-standing chieftaincy feud between the Paakesedo Nsona and Edu Nsona royal families, which fueled the violence. After the Cape Coast High Court ruling, members of the Edu Nsona family allegedly orchestrated a plan to disrupt the installation, even enlisting armed “Zongo Boys” from Kumasi.

The plan, reportedly hatched by Nana Ama Amissah, involved bringing in thugs armed with guns and machetes to cause chaos. On the day of the procession, these thugs allegedly shot and killed Samuel Ampofo and Kofi Yamoah.

Further Injuries and Legal Proceedings

Three others, including police personnel, were also injured during the attack. As the trial approaches, the accused individuals will face charges related to the murders, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.