The brother of a resource guard who was shot dead during a patrol at the Kakum National Park has recounted the moments leading to the fatal incident, saying the deceased called for help shortly after a gunshot was heard.

The incident occurred during a routine patrol by wildlife officers, who were reportedly tracking suspected bushmeat hunters, locally referred to as “butchers”.

The deceased, according to his brother Benjamin Ahadu, had worked as a resource guard at Kakum National Park for about 40 years.

Mr Ahadu said the wildlife team began its routine patrol at about 10:00am on Friday when they identified an entry point allegedly used by suspected bushmeat hunters.

He said the team subsequently heard gunshots and decided to monitor the movements of the suspected hunters in an attempt to apprehend them.

According to him, the wildlife officers were not using torchlights, while the suspected hunters were using theirs, allowing the officers to track their movements in the darkness.

Mr Ahadu said another gunshot was heard during the operation, initially leading the team to believe that one of their colleagues had fired a warning shot.

He said the officers quickly moved towards the area and saw one of the suspects fleeing.

While some members of the team pursued the fleeing suspect, Mr Ahadu said he remained with another suspected hunter.

It was shortly afterwards that he heard his brother allegedly shout for help.

“Ben, hurry, the guy has killed me.”

Mr Ahadu said he could not immediately establish where the voice was coming from and called the other members of the team to help search for his brother.

The team eventually found him dead, with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his chest.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting are subject to official investigations.

Mr Ahadu also alleged that a similar incident occurred at the park about 11 years ago.

He claimed the current shooting could be connected to that earlier incident, alleging that the brothers of a person who died during the previous event may have been involved in his brother's death.

That claim has not been independently established and would have to be tested through investigations.

Mr Ahadu described his brother as a major source of support for their extended family.

He said the deceased was the family's breadwinner and had supported the education of about 15 people.

He also paid tribute to his brother's nearly four decades of service at Kakum National Park, describing him as someone who had dedicated his working life to protecting the park.

The family is now calling for justice and says it will not resort to retaliation.

“We can't take the law into our hands, but we hope the law deals with them,” Mr Ahadu said.

The death has renewed concerns about the risks faced by wildlife officers and resource guards who patrol protected areas and confront suspected illegal activities.

The police and relevant wildlife authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.