The Ghana Prisons Service has launched an internal investigation into allegations that an inmate at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison played a role in the murder of the Abamba Queenmother, authorities said.

In a statement issued on Saturday (30 May), the service said preliminary findings by the Ghana Police Service had implicated an inmate, Ishaku Alhassan, also known as Sule Yagani, in the killing of Nana Serwaa Asaama Agyankomaa I, also known as Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma I.

According to the statement, the inmate is alleged to have acted as an intermediary in facilitating the murder plot while serving a prison sentence at the facility.

The Prisons Service said it viewed the allegations with “the utmost gravity” and had constituted a high-powered team to investigate the matter and make recommendations.

It added that it was collaborating with the police to ensure a thorough investigation and pledged that anyone found culpable would face the full force of the law.

The service also sought to reassure the public about security measures within correctional facilities, stressing that inmates are only permitted to make supervised calls through official prison telephone booths and that personal mobile phones are strictly prohibited.

Authorities said regular searches, intelligence-led operations and contraband control measures are conducted across prison facilities to prevent unauthorised communication and other security breaches.

The investigation follows the fatal shooting of the queen mother, who operated Ohemaa’s Kitchen in Atebubu.

Police say she was ambushed by two armed men shortly after arriving at her residence and died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators have arrested several suspects in connection with the case.

According to police, one suspect identified Nana Yaw Bediako allegedly admitted to shooting the queen mother after being contracted for GHC50,000 to carry out the killing.

The case remains under investigation.