Police open fire on ‘juju’-fortified suspect during palace standoff in Ghana (Video) 

A dramatic confrontation at the Agona Amenfi Palace in Ghana’s Western Region ended with police shooting and arresting an armed suspect after he allegedly attacked a palace messenger and resisted security operatives.

The incident reportedly occurred during preparations for a sod-cutting ceremony for a new maternity ward project in the community.

According to reports, a palace messenger had been sent to retrieve a ceremonial hoe needed for the event when he encountered the suspect, who was allegedly blocking access to the palace. 

The man, said to have been dressed in a traditional smock and wearing various talismans, reportedly prevented the messenger from carrying out his assignment, leading to a confrontation.

Witnesses said the situation quickly turned violent after the suspect allegedly attacked the messenger, prompting security concerns ahead of the ceremony.

Police officers who responded to the scene reportedly attempted to bring the situation under control, but the encounter escalated into a standoff. 

During the operation, officers opened fire, injuring the suspect before successfully disarming and arresting him.

In a viral video of the encounter, a police man is seen cocking his gun and aiming at the ‘juju’ man, who did not flinch.

The intruder continued to prance around, waving a cutlass menacingly and defying the police’s order to surrender himself for arrest.

The police man aimed and shot the juju man. However, it appeared not to have any effect on him as he continued to prance about.

About 9 shots were fired at him with what appeared to be an AK-47, after which the intruder went over to a chair and sat before slumping to the ground.

 Both the suspect and the injured palace messenger were subsequently taken to a hospital for medical attention.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of those involved or provided details about the extent of their injuries.

Police have since launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the events that led to the confrontation.

The development drew the attention of residents and visitors in the area, with many gathering near the palace as security personnel worked to restore calm following the disturbance.

See the confrontation here.

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