Family demands justice after brutal killing of security guard in Gomoa Akoti

The community of Gomoa Akoti in the Gomoa East District has been left in shock and mourning following the brutal killing of 63-year-old Kwame Boateng, a private security officer who was found dead while on duty at a factory under construction.

Boateng, who worked for Debridge Security Services, had been assigned to guard the site of a new factory under Ghana’s One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative. He was reportedly attacked and killed by suspected thieves attempting to steal parts from a decommissioned power transformer.

His body was discovered on the factory premises with signs of foul play—his hands and legs tied, and a plastic bag over his head, suggesting suffocation as the cause of death. The scene also revealed dismantled transformer components and missing electrical cables, confirming theft as the motive.

The bereaved family is now demanding swift justice. Speaking to Citi News on Friday, July 4, a relative, Kwame Koomson, urged authorities to act quickly: “We are counting on the police to conduct swift investigations and have the perpetrators arrested to bring justice.”

Another family member emphasized that only the prompt arrest of those responsible could provide a sense of closure and comfort in the midst of their grief.

This tragic incident highlights a growing concern in the region over rising theft and vandalism, especially of infrastructure tied to national development initiatives. The increasing demand for scrap metals—particularly copper—has led to a surge in transformer and cable thefts across Ghana. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) continues to suffer major losses due to such crimes.

Opinion leaders in Gomoa Akoti are now calling on law enforcement to step up efforts to protect lives and property. They’re demanding stronger preventive measures, especially in areas hosting critical infrastructure like the 1D1F factories, which aim to boost local industry and employment.

The murder of a security officer in the line of duty is a stark reminder of the threats faced by frontline personnel and the need for reinforced security around strategic assets in Ghana’s developing industrial hubs.