Immigration Officer Killed, Another Critically Injured in Dynamite Explosion at Hamile

An officer of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has died, while another has been left in critical condition following an explosion involving a motor tricycle carrying suspected dynamite at Hamile in the Upper West Region.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 3, along an unauthorised route in the area, raising security concerns over the transportation of suspected explosives through unapproved border routes.

According to information gathered from security sources in Hamile, the explosion also killed the civilians who were transporting the suspected explosive materials on the motor tricycle.

The civilians were reportedly being pursued by security personnel after allegedly refusing to stop at a security checkpoint.

Initial accounts indicate that the motor tricycle was travelling along an unauthorised route when security personnel attempted to intercept it. The occupants allegedly ignored instructions to stop, leading to a pursuit that ended in the explosion.

The blast reportedly struck the pursuing security personnel, killing one Immigration officer and leaving another with critical injuries.

The injured officer is said to be in a serious condition. However, details regarding the extent of the injuries and the medical facility where the officer is receiving treatment have not yet been confirmed.

Hamile, a border community in the Upper West Region near Burkina Faso, is a key security point where agencies conduct surveillance and operations to prevent unauthorised movements and other cross-border threats.

The incident has highlighted the security challenges associated with the use of unapproved routes in border communities, particularly in monitoring the movement of people, goods and potentially hazardous materials.