Samuel Ekwam Ananse, the Assembly Member for Jacobu, has stated that the police cannot be held responsible for the death of an individual following a violent clash near Bepotenten in the Amansie Central District.
According to Honorable Ananse, the fatality occurred when a group of armed individuals attacked police officers at Sukuumu.
He clarified that the deceased was not intentionally shot, but was hit during a physical struggle with officers over a firearm.
A second individual sustained a leg injury during the incident but survived.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem via Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the Assembly Member detailed the events leading up to the violence.
He narrated that thr Police on patrol intercepted a a 15-year-old minor wielding a firearm (pump action gun).
When questioned about the weapon, the individual claimed ownership.
Officers seized the weapon and instructed the man to provide proof of ownership and a valid license.
Rather than complying, the man mobilised a group of armed individuals who blocked the police route and launched an attack on the officers.
During the confrontation, the group attempted to snatch the weapons from the police.
Honorable Ananse noted that the gun discharged accidentally during the struggle, hitting the man who had originally claimed ownership of the seized weapon.
The Assembly Member emphasised that the police did not intentionally target the group, stating that the firearm discharged “by itself” during the scuffle.
He further noted that the mob was so aggressive that even police warning shots failed to disperse them.
When asked if the clash was linked to illegal mining (galamsey), Honorable Ananse dismissed the claim saying “No. It was not related to illegal mining. The police found a young man wielding a gun and seized it after he couldn’t provide a license. He then mobilised people with offensive weapons to block and attack the police. They attempted to snatch guns from the officers, and in that struggle, the man was hit. The police did not shoot at anyone; the man was hit while the struggle over the gun was ongoing. That is the briefing I have received.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
