MONROVIA – Authorities in Ghana have launched a full investigation into the death of 26 year old Liberian national Austin Tengbeh, who was fatally attacked in the Lashibi Sakumono area of Accra. The incident, described by police as a case of mob assault, has triggered diplomatic engagement between Liberia and Ghana amid growing concerns over vigilantism.
In an official press release dated March 2, 2026, the Ghana Police Service confirmed that the Accra Regional Police Command is investigating “the circumstances leading to the death of 26 year old Austin Tengeeh, following an incident at an apartment complex at Lashibi near Sakumono on Friday, 27th February 2026.”
According to the statement signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, preliminary findings indicate that the deceased had visited his brother at the apartment complex “in the company of his girlfriend, but was attacked and assaulted by some residents and members of the public when the caretaker of the apartment raised an alarm that the deceased was a thief.”
Police say a patrol team responded swiftly to a distress call and managed to rescue Tengbeh from the scene. He was immediately transported to Sakumono Community Hospital for emergency treatment. However, authorities disclosed that he was “pronounced dead on arrival by the medical officer on duty.”
The body has since been deposited at the Lashibi Funeral Home for preservation and autopsy as investigators work to determine the full medical and forensic details surrounding his death. The police have emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Three suspects Vincent Adzikah, 38, Francis Amuzu, 44, and William Addison, 34 have been arrested and are currently assisting police with investigations. A fourth suspect identified as Enoch Mensah is on the run. The police noted that efforts are underway to apprehend him and confirmed that the arrested suspects are expected to appear before court.
The Accra Regional Police Command strongly condemned mob justice, warning the public against taking the law into their own hands. In its statement, the Command cautioned that “acts of mob justice or unlawful assault are criminal offences and undermine due process.” It further urged citizens to report suspected criminal activity to the police rather than resorting to violence.
Meanwhile, the Government of Liberia has announced that it is formally engaging the Government of Ghana to establish the full circumstances surrounding Tengbeh’s death. Liberian authorities say they are seeking clarity, accountability, and assurances regarding the safety of Liberian nationals residing in Ghana.
Reports indicate that Tengbeh may have gone to the apartment complex to carry out repair work when an altercation broke out, escalating rapidly into mob violence. The conflicting accounts surrounding the incident are now central to the police investigation.
The tragic death has reignited debate over vigilantism in parts of West Africa, where suspected thieves are sometimes subjected to instant mob punishment before police intervention. As both governments monitor the case, the focus now turns to the judicial process and whether justice will be served in a case that has already stirred grief, outrage, and diplomatic attention across borders.
