Former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo was wounded after gunmen opened fire on her vehicle during a visit to her late father's residence in Kwabenya, in Ghana's Greater Accra Region.

According to police, the former lawmaker sustained a gunshot wound to her left ear during the incident on Sunday, June 21. Her vehicle was also riddled with bullets.

A statement from the Ghana Police Service reports the shooting occurred after Adwoa Safo reportedly arrived at the residence, where a ceremony was being held, and requested access to the premises.

“Police investigations further revealed that armed security personnel at the residence allegedly discharged firearms during the incident, resulting in the injury to Hon. Adwoa Safo. Her vehicle was also found with multiple gunshot marks,” the police said in a statement.

Investigations launched

Officers from the National Operations Directorate and the Intelligence Directorate responded to a distress call from the residence and launched an investigation into the attack.

The Ghana Police Service has since arrested six private security guards in connection with the shooting.

A search conducted by investigators led to the recovery of five pump-action guns, a Taurus pistol loaded with seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, an additional magazine containing five rounds of ammunition, and communication equipment.

The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of political figures in Ghana. The country has witnessed several violent incidents involving politicians over the years, including the killing of former Member of Parliament Ekow Quansah Hayford in 2020 when he was shot dead by armed attackers during an election campaign period.

Police say investigations into the circumstances surrounding the Kwabenya shooting remain ongoing.