Calm has been restored at Aboso in the Western Region following a disturbance that erupted during a police swoop operation on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

In a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Western Central Region, Assistant Superintendent of Police Beatrice Turkson, the police indicated that the operation formed part of security measures put in place ahead of the December 31 crossover night celebrations.

"The exercise was aimed at clearing the town of suspected drug peddlers, users and traffickers," adding that about "70 suspected drug dealers, pushers and users were arrested during the operation."

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, "indicate that while officers were preparing to convey the suspects to the police station, an individual identified as a chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) approached the officers to intervene. He was informed that the operation targeted persons suspected of being involved in drug-related activities."

The individual later moved to address a gathered crowd, but the situation escalated when some members of the crowd became hostile and armed themselves with guns, cutlasses, machetes and stones.

The police reported that the group began firing shots and throwing stones at officers.

To prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of personnel, the police team tactically withdrew from the area.

Officers were pursued from the Gangway area to the Aboso Market, where some officers, acting in self-defence, discharged their weapons.

During the ensuing confusion, two youths sustained gunshot wounds.

One male victim was found unconscious with blood oozing from the back of his head. He was immediately conveyed by the police to the Apinto Government Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Police Command said calm has since been restored in the area, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The police urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

The Command assured residents that further updates will be provided as the investigations progress.