One person has been confirmed dead and others injured following a shooting incident linked to a chieftaincy dispute at Ahwerease near Aburi in the Akuapem South District of the Eastern Region.
The Public Relations Officer, for Eastern Regional Police Command, Superintendent Ebenezer Tetteh, confirmed the incident and said the Police Command has arrested 34 persons and launched an investigation into the matter.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 22, , when it became necessary for traditional rituals to be performed to lift the ban on noise making, a ceremony that heralds the beginning of the Odwira Festival.
During the process, a misunderstanding broke out between the Abokomahene of the Asona family, Nana Semenyia, Akrofa, and the Bemuhene of Ahwerease on entry into the palace and over who had the rightful authority to perform the ritual.
As tensions escalated, some youth groups at the scene began firing gunshots. Four people were hit by the bullets, one was pronounced dead, while the others sustained various degrees of injury and are currently receiving treatment at the Aburi Hospital.
The Police intervention restored calm. Already, 34 suspects have been arrested and are in custody at the Aburi Police Station to assist with investigations. Two weapons, a pump action gun and a pistol have been retrieved.
Superintendent Ebenezer Tetteh, stated that the police are determined to ensure that the law takes its full course after investigations are concluded.
“This is to serve as a deterrent to others who may be bent on fomenting trouble and creating problems during this year’s Odwira Festival. The police will ensure that nobody takes the law into their own hands, and the security of the area will be maintained before, during, and after the festival.” Superintendent Tetteh warned.
He further added: “We are going to ensure that any miscreant who attempts to cause trouble is quickly arrested and dealt with according to the law. We want to assure everyone that peace will be maintained so that people can go about their activities without fear or hindrance.”
The use of firearms during festive occasions continues to pose a serious threat to public safety. Despite repeated concerns from communities and security experts, there remain no clear directives from the relevant authorities regulating the use of arms during festivals.
The absence of firm guidelines increases the risk of such accident and loss of lives during such celebrations.
Ahwererase Osiahene Nana Owusu Anakwah Ntow ,confirmed the incident, noting that traditional authorities have initiated measures to restore lasting peace in the area.
“We are engaging all stakeholders to ensure calm is maintained and to prevent a recurrence of such incidents especially us we celebrate the Odwira festival,” he stated.
Uneasy calm has returned to the Ahwerease township, as residents still live in shock.
Assemblyman for the Oware Ahwerase electoral area Samuel Anoff Agyiri , has called for beef up of police presence against any reprisal attack and for a peaceful Odwira festival .
Source:Lovinghananews.com
