By Daniel Bampoe
An alleged National Security operative, Samuel Atsu Forson has been arrested in connection with the killing of five people at Asiyaw, near Nsawam in the Eastern region.
The Eastern South Regional Police Command has already arraigned the suspect believed to be a powerful political figure and former NDC parliamentary candidate, Samuel Atsu Forson—popularly known as Alornyo—following a brutal shooting incident that claimed five lives at Asiyaw, near Akwane-Dobro, in the Nsawam Municipality on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The violent clash, which erupted from a long-standing land dispute over sand-winning rights, has exposed a web of political influence, vigilantism, and unchecked militia activity in parts of the Eastern Region and Greater Accra.
Alornyo Forson, who once stood as the NDC parliamentary candidate for Amasaman and currently serves as a sub-chief at Sarpeiman, has long been associated with land-related tensions in the area.
He is said to be the deputy National Security Coordinator for Greater Accra, with NDC regional chairman, Ashie Moore allegedly serving as his godfather.
His brother, reportedly the Ewe Chief of Amasaman, Torgbe Agahis also believed to hold influence in land matters stretching from Teacher Mante to Saaman. They are believed to be notorious land grabbers.
According to police and eyewitnesses accounts, the confrontation on April 29 stemmed from a dispute over ownership and control of a sand-winning site.
Two rival factions—one allegedly led by Forson—reportedly clashed violently. Eyewitnesses described how armed men believed to be Forson’s operatives arrived at the disputed site with multiple vehicles and engaged in a fierce shootout with a rival group.
When the dust settled, five individuals lay dead, while at least one other victim was said to be in critical condition.
Sources close to the investigation said Forson’s group overpowered their opponents during the attack, which appeared to be premeditated.
Law enforcement launched an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Forson was arrested along with three other suspects—Freeheart Kweku Sedonu, Kwesi Prince, and Benjamin Adzalekor—who were picked up from different locations.
They were arraigned before the Osino District Court on May 2.
The court remanded Forson, Sedonu, and Prince into prison custody, while Adzalekor was held in police custody pending further investigations.
Investigators believe Forson operates a network of armed land guards who have for years been involved in illegal sand-winning and land seizure operations across Nsawam and its environs.
Locals describe him as a “notorious land operator” who has often acted with impunity, allegedly bolstered by political ties and local chieftaincy positions.
Despite being in custody, there are concerns among community members and legal observers about the integrity of the judicial process.
Some fear political interference, especially as Forson’s name is associated with key figures within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The police have assured the public that the suspects will face the full rigour of the law.
“We are committed to bringing justice to the victims and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” a senior police official told reporters.
As investigations continue, the incident has renewed calls for the government to crack down on illegal land guards and militia operations, particularly those linked to political actors and traditional leaders.
Civil society groups are also urging the National Security to probe how individuals with ongoing criminal cases allegedly operate under the guise of political and traditional authority.
The killings at Asiyaw have left families in mourning and the local community gripped with fear.
With tensions still high, security has been tightened in the area as residents demand justice—and accountability at the highest levels.
