The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West in the Ashanti Region, Abubakar Sedik, has died after a short illness.
Mr Sedik reportedly died on Sunday, September 20, after returning to Mankranso from a stakeholder engagement meeting in Kumasi involving trader groups and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga.
According to reports, the DCE complained of body pains after returning from the meeting and was subsequently taken to hospital, where he died.
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NDC supporters and some residents gathered at the party’s constituency office following news of his death, with mourners expressing shock over the sudden development.
Mr Sedik assumed office as DCE in 2025 and had since been involved in several development initiatives in the district, including road, healthcare and market projects.
He was also recently at the centre of controversy over claims that a classroom block at Mankranso was being demolished to make way for the market project.
Mr Abubakar Sedik rejected the claims, saying there was no plan to demolish the facility. The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, later said the existing structure was to be redesigned to accommodate components of the 24-hour economy project.
In June 2026, he broke ground on a 24-hour economy model market in Mankranso, a project the Assembly said was intended to boost commercial activity and create economic opportunities in the district.
Before he was appointed DCE, Mr Sedik was the NDC parliamentary candidate for Ahafo Ano South West in the 2024 elections. He subsequently became involved in legal challenges over the parliamentary results after the New Patriotic Party’s Elvis Dapaah was declared winner.
The circumstances surrounding Mr Sedik’s death have not been fully disclosed, and funeral arrangements are yet to be officially announced.
His death comes after months of public activity in the district, including engagements on infrastructure, healthcare and the government’s 24-hour economy programme.
CNR