The death toll in the explosion at Hamile in the Upper West Region and the subsequent clashes has risen to four, comprising two immigration officers and two suspected smugglers.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the Ghana-Burkina Faso border, involved suspected smugglers and officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).
Initial reports indicate the incident started when immigration officers spotted three suspected smugglers moving contraband through an unauthorised route towards Burkina Faso.
The suspects were two teenagers on a sand-laden tricycle and an elderly man on a motorcycle in front of them, allegedly acting as a guide.
Officers reportedly chased the suspects, who allegedly fired shots at them during the chase. An explosion then occurred when the gunfire hit objects thought to be explosives in the tricycle.
The two teenagers and one of the immigration officers died on the spot in the explosion, while another officer who sustained critical injuries was rushed to the Nandom Hospital but died later.
The elderly man also sustained serious injuries and is receiving medical care at the hospital.
The incident reportedly resulted in further violence as some aggrieved youth in the community allegedly attacked immigration officers in retaliation for the deaths.
The officers allegedly shot back during the confrontation, leaving about 10 people injured. The injured persons have since been rushed to the Nandom Hospital for treatment.
The development has increased tension in the border community as reports say groups of youth gathered in parts of Hamile to protest the deaths.
Reports indicate the military has been deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, government has imposed a curfew on Hamile township and its surrounding communities in the Lambussie District of the Upper West Region.
The curfew, which takes immediate effect, runs from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily.
Investigations have also been launched to establish the circumstances of the explosion, the nature of the suspected explosive materials involved, and the events that led to the deaths and the subsequent clashes.
Community leaders and other stakeholders are also engaging residents to calm tensions and restore normalcy.
Gov’t launches investigation into Hamile explosion – Interior Minister
