The Western Regional Minister, Honourable Joseph Nelson, has directed the police to pursue the individuals involved in the recent violent chieftaincy clashes between Asemko and Butre in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
The Minister issued the directive during his visit to the Asemko community, where structures were reportedly set ablaze. He described the incident, which led to the beheading of one person and the destruction of properties, as “criminal and most unfortunate.”
Minister Nelson emphasized the rule of law, stating that “no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands.” He insisted that persons who violate the country’s laws must be prosecuted.
”All those who attacked the chief, all those who participated in the illegality of burning the houses must be apprehended. I know the police are pursuing them…”
He confirmed that the police are actively pursuing the suspects, and the government is committed to following through with prosecutions to “send a strong signal to others who might be preparing to do similar things in the future.”
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The Minister expressed particular worry over the unending and unresolved chieftaincy disputes plaguing the municipality. He called on the Ahanta Traditional Council to implement effective measures to address such matters.
He pointedly noted the challenges within the council: “The bigger picture about chieftaincy issues is what makes me worried. What is happening now is not worrying. We have the Ahanta Traditional Council that is supposed to be active and dealing with such issues, unfortunately the truth of the matter is that it is not in the best of shape.”
Traditional Leader Urges Full Criminal Prosecution
Nana Kobina Nketsiah, President of the Western Regional Traditional Council, who accompanied the Minister, reinforced the call for decisive police action.
He urged the police and the military not to neglect the criminal aspect of the issue: “I will urge the Police and military to ensure that the criminal aspect of the issue must not be neglected in any way whatsoever. It must be pursued to its logical end. Those responsible must be apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. If we don’t pursue the criminal aspect, it will motivate others to misbehave.”
Nana Nketsiah also revealed that a key challenge confronting the Traditional Council is the lack of interest in attending meetings by members, especially those involved in ongoing court litigation.
He stressed the need for consensus: “The most important [thing] to note is that we need to compromise, find a common ground and ensure that we address our challenges without resorting to any approach that will undermine the peace and security of the people.”
In a related development, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ahanta West, Honourable Ebenezer Aidoo, assured residents affected by the recent displacement that the Assembly is “working tirelessly” to provide relief and restore normalcy to the area.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
