A deep sense of fear has settled over the Akoti Health Centre after a gang of armed men stormed the facility last Sunday, assaulting a patient and causing terrified health workers to abandon their posts.
The incident, which has sparked urgent calls for heightened security, began with a violent farm dispute but spiralled into a nightmare for medical staff simply trying to do their jobs.
According to local reports, the trouble started when a man, Yaw Buabeng, allegedly confronted a couple, Daniel and his wife, accusing Daniel of stealing from his farm. A violent fight erupted, leaving all three with severe cutlass wounds.
Daniel, with deep cuts to his arm, was the first to arrive at Akoti Health Centre for treatment. He was soon followed by a heavily bleeding Yaw Buabeng, who had injuries to his head and hand.
The crisis erupted moments later.
While nurses were attending to Buabeng, a group of about ten young men, armed with machetes, clubs, and sticks, charged into the health centre.
They located Buabeng and launched a severe beating on him right inside the medical facility.
The brazen attack triggered instant panic. Fearing for their lives, health personnel fled, briefly shutting down the centre’s operations.
“We are gripped by fear and panic,” one health worker told Graphic Online. “How can we work when armed men can just walk in and attack? Our safety is not guaranteed.”
Although services have resumed, the staff’s demand is clear: immediate intervention from security agencies and health authorities to protect them. They warn that without concrete action, many may request transfers, which would cripple healthcare delivery in the area.
The matter is now with the Assin Fosu District Police Command. A joint team, led by District Commander ASP Jacob Kumdzro and Municipal Health Director Benjamin Amoakoh, visited the centre to assess the situation and reassure staff
Police have assured that measures will be implemented to enhance security at the facility.
In a statement, Divisional Police Commander ACP Dr. Asare Nyarkoh outlined proactive steps, including community engagement to educate on the consequences of violence and vigilantism.
He also disclosed that the prime suspect in the initial farm attack, Yaw Buabeng, is currently under police guard while receiving treatment at St. Francis Xavier Hospital.
ACP Nyarkoh has appealed for calm as investigations proceed, but for the health workers at Akoti, the wait for tangible security improvements is fraught with anxiety.