A suspected traditional leader was shot by police at the Agona Amenfi Palace in the Western Region on Saturday, May 30, 2026, following a confrontation where he allegedly refused repeated orders to surrender a machete.

The incident, which was captured in video footage circulating on social media, began when a palace messenger was sent to retrieve a ceremonial hoe required for a sod-cutting ceremony for a new maternity ward project.

According to reports, the traditional leader attempted to block the messenger from entering the palace premises and allegedly attacked him with a machete. The altercation prompted an intervention by officers from the Ghana Police Service.

Eyewitness video from the scene shows police officers repeatedly commanding the man — who was dressed in a traditional smock adorned with talismans — to drop the weapon. The traditional leader ignored the orders while continuing to hold the machete.

Police officers initially fired multiple warning shots in an attempt to disarm him. When the man refused to comply and allegedly attempted to attack both the police officers and onlookers gathered at the scene, officers opened fire in self-defense.

One of the bullets reportedly struck the man's hand. Despite the injury, the traditional leader was seen running around the palace grounds while still holding the machete, before sitting on a chair and subsequently collapsing to the ground.

Witnesses stated that he was rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment. His current medical condition remains unknown.

The precise circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the police decision to deploy direct force remain under review. Authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the incident at the time of reporting.