A tragic incident has struck the Ghana Immigration Service as one officer was fatally shot and two others critically wounded in an armed attack in Bawku, Upper East Region.

The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Monday, when the officers—who were off duty—came under fire from unknown gunmen near the Bawku Police Station while driving into town to buy food in a private vehicle.

The fallen officer, Assistant Inspector of Immigration Philip Motey, was stationed at Missiga. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital.

Two other officers, Assistant Inspector Lawrence Afari (stationed in Kulungugu) and Assistant Inspector Eric Ayidiya (stationed at the Pulimakom border post), sustained severe gunshot injuries. Mr. Ayidiya has since been transferred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, while Mr. Afari remains at the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital in critical condition.

A statement from the Ghana Immigration Service, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Emmanuel Ntim Dankyi, Sector Commander for Bawku, confirmed the details of the attack and described it as a brazen and tragic assault on law enforcement officers.

“Any further information about the incident will be communicated as soon as possible,” the statement said.

This latest attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Bawku area, which has seen periodic violence in recent months. Authorities have not yet disclosed any leads on the assailants, but investigations are reportedly underway.

The Ghana Immigration Service is expected to issue updates as the situation develops.