Who is responsible? Ayanfuri funeral shooting exposes gaps in gun control at public events

A funeral ceremony in Ayanfuri community has turned tragic after a respected traditional leader died following a gunshot incident, prompting renewed scrutiny over the use of firearms at public and cultural gatherings.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has triggered investigations and debate over whether existing informal controls and safety practices around firearms at funerals are adequate.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (11 May), Kwabena Ennin Castro said early accounts suggested the firearm involved was believed to be loaded with a rubber bullet, a claim that later proved inaccurate.

According to him, the community was “surprised” to learn that the shot fired was a live round, which ultimately led to the death of the traditional leader during the ceremony.

“We were told it was a rubber bullet, but it turned out to be an actual bullet,” he said, adding that the incident had left the community shaken and searching for answers.

Also speaking on the programme, Nana Kwasi Oppong Ayanfuri Kyereme expressed concern over long-standing cultural practices that allow firearms to be carried and discharged at funerals, questioning whether enough safeguards exist to prevent such avoidable tragedies.

The discussion on the show centred on broader issues of gun regulation and accountability at public events, particularly funerals where firearm displays are sometimes treated as traditional expressions but increasingly linked to safety risks.

The assembly member questioned who bears responsibility for verifying and controlling weapons brought to such gatherings, noting that firearms are typically expected to be licensed and monitored.

“If guns are brought to public events, someone must be responsible for ensuring they are handled properly,” he said, calling for stricter oversight.

The programme also highlighted uncertainty over whether safety protocols were followed during the ceremony, and whether existing community or state mechanisms were sufficient to prevent such incidents.

Authorities have yet to conclude investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Meanwhile, the incident has intensified calls for a reassessment of firearm use at funerals, with stakeholders urging a balance between cultural practices and public safety as investigations continue.