Eric Ato Appiah Mends, the 45-year-old acting Gyaasehene of the Nkusukum Traditional Area in Ghana’s Central Region, has been remanded into police custody for two weeks on allegations of murder. Mends, also known by his stool name, Nana Beeyin II, is accused of fatally shooting 52-year-old Kwesi Mekyeawo during preparations for the Nkusukum Odambea Festival on October 25, 2024.
The incident reportedly unfolded in New Nkusukum, Mankessim, during a ritual procession where a dispute erupted with individuals from the Nkusukum Obaatan Division. Amid the altercation, Mends allegedly produced a firearm and shot Mekyeawo in the head.
After the incident, Mends voluntarily surrendered to the Mankessim Divisional Police Command. He was subsequently arraigned in the Cape Coast District Court 1 on Tuesday, where he was formally charged with murder. Prosecutor ASP Daniel Gadzo requested more time to conduct further investigations. Presiding judge Her Worship Anita Sheila Crabbe remanded Mends into custody and set the next hearing for November 12, 2024.
The tragic incident has drawn strong reactions from local leaders and residents. Family head Abuapanyin Solomon Ato Budu-Hegan condemned Mends, referring to him as a “self-styled chief.” Gyaasehene Nana Amoa I of Nkusukum Amansea called for a swift and impartial trial. Community members of Mankessim, expressing their disapproval, urged the court to deliver a fair and expeditious ruling.