Ashanti Region: Ejurahene destools chief over alleged conspiracy in robbery attacks
The action on Sunday (27 November) against the subchief of Miminaso Number 2, Nana Obiri Yeboah, comes after a police officer was shot and killed by unknown gunmen said to be hiding in the town
The president of the Ejura Traditional Council in the Ashanti Region has destooled one of his subjects over his alleged role in aiding nomadic herdsmen linked to reported violent crime in the area.
The action on Sunday (27 November) against the subchief of Miminaso Number 2, Nana Obiri Yeboah, comes after a police officer was shot and killed by unknown gunmen said to be hiding in the town.
The subchief was also queried about his failure to report the influx of nomadic herdsmen into his domain, exposing inhabitants to grave security risks.
“One of these nomadic herdsmen men brought his mobile phone for me to charge. I saw a video of him and three others holding AK-47 guns in the bush. I later saw them on my farm after some months holding the same guns, and I informed the authorities in the community, but they failed to act upon it,” said a resident quoted by OTEC FM.
Barima Osei Hwedie II, who was at a public forum, immediately asked the local zongo chief, assemblyman and imam to be caretakers of the community.
“Odikro has disappointed all of you,” he said. “During our first meeting, he denied claims that there were nomadic herdsmen in his area but reports suggest most of the suspects were arrested at Miminaso Number 2. And this is unfortunate.”
Condemning the action of his subchief, Osei Hwedie II said: “I have therefore issued a one-week ultimatum to the nomadic herdsmen to relocate, or face forceful eviction. But for now, the zongo chief, assemblyman and imam now take charge until a new subchief is named.”
Community task force
The traditional ruler also urged local people to form a task force and report any suspicious activity to the police for immediate action.
Friday’s incident brings to four the number of people believed to have been killed in suspected robberies and other violent crime within a month.
The municipal chief executive for Ejura, Kingsley Osei, said the Municipal Security Council appears overwhelmed by growing security threats and is seeking the intervention of the Ghana army to deal with the menace.
“In all situations, these crimes are perpetrated by Fulanis, so strategies have been marshalled by the security agencies,” the MCE said. “We will beef up the patrol team and ensure we nip this in the bud.
“We are also preparing a place for the military to come down and settle permanently,” Osei said. “And we are praying that, when they come, their presence will prevent such crimes.”
Ejura was in the news last year after the gruesome murder of Ibrahim Mohammed (also known as Kaaka) sparked protests in the town. A committee tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the violent clash that led to the death of two people recommended that local policemen should be resourced to carry out their duties.
Jonathan Ofori
Asaase Radio 99.5 broadcasts on radio via 99.5 in Accra, 98.5 in Kumasi, 99.7 in Tamale, 100.3 in Cape Coast and on our affiliates Bawku FM 101.5 in Bawku, Beats FM 99.9 in Bimbilla, Somua FM 89.9 in Gushegu, Stone City 90.7 in Ho, Mining City 89.5 in Tarkwa and Wale FM 106.9 in Walewale
Tune in or log on to broadcasts online: www.asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn
Follow us on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
Live streaming: facebook.com/asaaseradio99.5. Also on YouTube: Asaase Radio Official.
Join the conversation. Call: 020 000 9951 or 059 415 7777. Or WhatsApp: 020 000 0995.
#AsaaseRadio
