Ghana Districts: A repository of all Local Assemblies in Ghana

SECURITY

KWABRE E: Violence erupts at Ahwiaa Community

Violence erupted again at Ahwiaa community in the Kwabre East Municipality at about 11:00hrs in the afternoon.

Date Created : 3/21/2018 4:57:58 AM : Story Author : Francis Andoh/Ghanadistricts.com

The cause of violence is believed to be battle for supremacy between the various Ashanti youth and the Zongo youth gangs in the community.

Sources said the violence started when the victim, a Northener who is dating an Ashanti, was attacked by her fellow tribesmen for dating an Ashanti guy upon several objections to their relationship. Her boyfriend and his gang also retaliated and it resulted in the death of the leader of the other gang group.

Upon information reaching the community, the Zongo youth went on rampage and destroyed commercial properties and vandalized shops and kiosks belonging to the Ashantis and vice versa amidst pelting of stones at each other.

All schools in the community were closed and traffic was diverted for fear of vehicles been vandalized.

Armed police and military from the Regional Office rushed to the community to stabilize and maintain the peace of the community and also to augment the efforts of the Mamponteng District Police Command.

The police made some arrest on both sides and the injured sent to the Ankaase Methodist Hospital for treatment.

Most of the businesses in the area were closed as traders feared for their lives and properties. However, properties costing thousands of Ghana Cedis were destroyed in the violence mostly along the main road to Mampong.

Speaking to the issue after inspecting the scene of violence and briefing the media, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Nana Osei Asibey Bonsu, said the armed police and military men will be stationed to protect life and properties though calm has been restored in the community.

He said it was quite sad for such events to happen again when a great deal of efforts, resources and hard work were put in to preserve and protect the peace of the community, with pledges from both actors in peace building.

He said stakeholder consultations and Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) meetings will be held to find a lasting solution to the problem as it also retards development in the community. He also urged the youth to eschew violent behavior and resort to civilized way of

resolving issues.

He said some police and military personnel will be maintained to protect the citizenry and property at night as there is a likelihood of reprisal attack. He pleaded with chiefs and elders on both sides to call their youth to order and abide by the law governing societies.

In a related development, there has been another attack by the Zongo youth on the side of the Ashantis on Monday, 19th March, 2018. The community was calm at Ahwiaa community this morning but there are reports of an attack by the zongo youth during the heavy downpour last night. The report stated that one is on admission at the Tafo Government Hospital, and two at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, all sustaining cutlass wounds.

In consultation with the Municipal Director of Education, schools in the communities of Ahwiaa and Meduma have been closed for today 20th March, 2018 till further notice. The Police and Military are still patrolling the community and protecting the peace.

Municipal Security Council will meet this afternoon to access the situation and see the next line of action to take.