Soldier accidentally kills self with rifle while preparing for duty

A Ghanaian soldier, Private Roger Bayou, lost his life due to an accidental discharge of his rifle while he was in the process of preparing for his duty.

Private Bayou was a member of the 5 Infantry Battalion and was stationed at the Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) near Michel Camp in the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality of Greater Accra.

The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, August 19, 2023, around 7:50 AM, as Private Bayou was getting ready to assume his duty post.

He was found sitting on his bed, awaiting the moment to relieve his fellow soldier who had completed his shift.

In a tragic twist of fate, his rifle discharged unexpectedly, with the bullet striking him under the chin, resulting in his immediate and untimely death.

Private Bayou was an integral part of a platoon from the Southern Command, assigned to perform duties at the Base Ammunition Depot.

Preliminary investigations have indicated that the incident was a result of an accidental discharge of the firearm he was handling.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) expressed its deep sorrow and regret over the unfortunate incident.

Brigadier General Emmanuel Aggrey-Quarshie, the Director General in charge of Public Relations at GAF, issued a statement extending the GAF’s heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of Private Bayou.

“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.

“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.

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