Forest Concession Power Struggle Turns Deadly: Three Gang Members Executed in Tano South

A violent power struggle over the control of a forest concession at Ahwerewamu in the Tano South Municipality has resulted in the brutal execution of three gang members from Bechem. The incident that happened in a town called Breme was a result of escalating tensions between rival factions vying for control of lucrative resources in the area.

The conflict reportedly stems from a fierce competition for ownership of the forest concession at Ahwerewamu, a village near Adugyama and Pokukrom. The struggle led to the formation of two rival gangs: one originating from Bechem and another composed of young men from Ahwerewamu, Pokukrom, and Adugyama.

According to sources, the Bechem gang had previously maintained control over a portion of the forest concession, despite its proximity to the territories of the rival gang. However, on the morning of Wednesday, 19th March 2025, the Ahwerewamu, Pokukrom, and Adugyama gang launched an offensive attack, forcibly driving the Bechem gang members, who were without their leader, out of the forest.

In response, the Bechem gang mobilized reinforcements, led by their leader, identified as C.K. Abas, also known as Kaydane. However, the reinforcements, including Abas, Gideon (aka Cobra), and Junior (aka Y Pee), were ambushed en route to the forest.

Only one member of the Bechem gang managed to escape the ambush. According to a report, the gang members were travelling on a motorcycle when they were ambushed. The attacking gang fired upon them at close range before attacking at close range. The three victims were fatally shot, with their brains shot out at close range. The sole survivor had sought to hire a motorcycle but to no avail. He continued on foot but recognized the ambush location approximately 90 meters from the scene, prompting him to flee back to Bechem to report the incident.

The deaths of C.K. Abas (Kaydane), Gideon (Cobra), and Junior (Y Pee) mark a significant escalation in the conflict. This incident exposes the dangerous conditions and intense rivalries surrounding the control of natural resources in the area. The local authorities and security services are under pressure to investigate the killings, bring the perpetrators to justice, and address the underlying issues fueling the violence and tension between these communities.