Two scrap dealers beaten to death over accusations of kidnapping

Two scrap dealers were beaten to death in Ntensere on Sunday, March 15, 2026, after residents accused them of attempting to kidnap a three-year-old boy.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Metal Scrap Dealers Association, Abubakar Aminu Champang, condemned the killings and called on authorities to protect scrap dealers from mob attacks.

Reports indicate the violence erupted after a nine-year-old girl raised an alarm, claiming one of the scrap dealers had wrapped her younger brother in a sack. Residents quickly gathered and confronted the men.

According to accounts from the community, one of the suspects was attacked and killed on the spot as tensions escalated among the crowd. The second scrap dealer reportedly fled the scene but was later traced to a nearby scrap metal facility.

Residents allegedly dragged him out and assaulted him with stones and other implements until he died. Blood stains were still visible on a building close to one of the scenes when residents recounted the events.

Eyewitnesses later offered conflicting accounts about the alleged kidnapping attempt. The girl who initially raised the alarm reportedly clarified that her brother had been rescued unharmed, raising questions about the circumstances that triggered the fatal attack.

Some residents said fear and anger within the community escalated quickly once the alarm was raised.

Godfred Amoah criticised the mob action and urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands.

“Instant justice creates serious consequences for society,” he said, calling for greater engagement between community leaders and residents to prevent similar incidents.

The Metal Scrap Dealers Association in the Ashanti Region has also expressed concern about the safety of its members following the killings.

Mr Champang warned that repeated attacks on scrap dealers could worsen tensions between communities and those working in the scrap metal trade.

“Instant justice is not good for society. Justice must prevail,” he said.

He appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, the Interior Minister, the Inspector-General of Police Christian Yahonu, and the Chief Justice to ensure those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.

Mr Champang also urged the Ashanti Regional Police Commander and the Regional Security Coordinator, Captain Jabari, to act quickly to address the situation and guarantee the safety of scrap dealers operating in the region.

Police at Kokoben have launched investigations into the incident.

Opinion leaders in Ntensere say the killings reflect long-standing tensions between residents and scrap dealers, noting that previous accusations against individuals in the trade have also resulted in mob attacks within the community.