Ghana Armed Forces detail how a private soldier accidentally killed himself

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the death of a soldier, Private Roger Bayou, at the Base Ammunition Depot in Accra on Saturday, August 19, 2023, with the clarification that his gun accidentally went off in the morning and killed him in the process.

Private Roger Bayou was found dead at the base on Saturday morning as he prepared to take over from a colleague who had exhausted his shift. Unfortunately, his rifle went off, hitting him and killing him instantly.

A statement dated August 19, 2023, and signed by Brigadier General Emmanuel Aggrey-Quarshie, the Director General in charge of Public Relations at GAF said.

“The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) regrets to announce the death of a soldier from the 5 Infantry Battalion, Private (Pte) Bayou Roger, as a result of a suspected accidental discharge.

Pte Bayou, was part of a platoon from Southern Command performing duties at the Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) near Michel Camp.

The sad incident occurred on Saturday, 19 August 2023 at about 0750 hours at BAD.

The preliminary investigative report indicates the soldier was seen sitting on his bed, waiting to relieve his colleague at a duty post at 0800 hours when his rifle went off hitting him under his chin; killing him instantly.

The body of the deceased soldier has since been conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital mortuary.

A team from the Homicide Unit of Ghana Police (GBETSELE Police Station) is collaborating with the Military Police to investigate the fatal incident.

GAF takes this opportunity to express its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, friends and loved ones of the deceased soldier,” the statement said.