A migratory hawk believed to have flown from Brussels, Belgium, to Ghana has died after it was rescued in Assin North in the Central Region.
The bird was discovered injured on a farm at Assin Breku Kwame Ankra and is expected to undergo an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The rescue operation was carried out jointly by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in Assin North and a local farmer, Ebenezer Lativi, who first noticed the wounded hawk on his farm.
Speaking to Adom News, the Assin North Deputy Director of NADMO, Elisher Sarpong, revealed that the bird sustained visible injuries to both wings, raising suspicions of possible gunshot wounds or another form of serious attack.
Mr. Lativi recounted that he became alert after noticing bloodstains on leaves on his farm. A search of the area led to the discovery of the hawk, which was bleeding heavily and had a metal ring attached to one of its legs. The ring carried the inscription “BRUSSELS,” an identification code H220252, and details linked to the Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as the website www.ring.ac, indicating the bird was part of an international migratory research programme.
The hawk was initially taken to the Assin North Veterinary Office for treatment before being transferred to the Kumasi Zoo for further care. Sadly, it later died while receiving treatment.
NADMO officials confirmed that an autopsy would be conducted to establish the cause of death and determine whether the injuries resulted from human activity or other factors.
The incident has generated widespread shock and curiosity among residents. While some community members speculated about the bird’s presence in Ghana, others made unverified claims regarding its purpose.
Mr. Sarpong assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and that the findings of the autopsy would be released once available.
