Nyinahini shooting: REGSEC meeting expected as calls for justice grow

The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is expected to convene an emergency meeting following violent clashes between soldiers and residents in Nyinahin, which resulted in one death and three injuries.

The meeting would be chaired by the Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene, according to sources at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) who indicated that “it would be top on the agenda”.

The incident, which occurred in the Atwima Mponua District, comes days after a similar confrontation at Asafo in Kumasi led to two civilian deaths.

Police have launched an investigation and have formally requested the release of the soldier alleged to have fired the fatal shot. The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe who visited the mining town on Friday (25 April) has assured that justice will be served.

“We will do everything in our power to bring the perpetrators to justice. Apart from ensuring that justice is served, with the collaboration of the military, we will make sure we bring the culprit to book.

“He is an individual who committed this criminal act, and we will fish him out. We want to assure the people of Nyinahin that we will go all out and make sure that justice is served,” he assured.

The MP for the area Seth Osei Akoto has since condemned the incident and commiserated with the bereaved family. He further disclosed that he is in touch with State security to ensure those involved in the shooting are held accountable.

“The family is very calm. However, I have met a lot of the guys in town and looking at what is happening in the town, I’m waiting for the Chief of Nyinahin, and I’m also waiting for the Regional Commander of Police so that we can make a press statement to calm things down,” Akoto told Accra-based JoyFM.

The Chief of the area, Nana Amapene Boateng Twum II, appealed to the police to ensure justice is served.

“We are pleading with the police to look into this issue. The culprit must be punished. We are all under the law; no one is above it. Even if there was provocation, you are not supposed to shoot a person. This case is serious, so I am pleading with the police to investigate and bring the culprit to book,” he pleaded.

Background

The incident happened on Thursday (24 April) around 11:00 a.m. when a group of young people from Nyinahin were en route to the cemetery along the Kumasi–Bibiani Highway to bury a friend.

The Ghana Police Service said during the procession, a military truck carrying personnel reportedly stopped after spotting one of the mourners dressed in military camouflage.

Eyewitnesses say the soldiers approached the mourner and attempted to forcibly remove the camouflage attire. A confrontation ensued, during which a soldier allegedly shot the mourner in the head, killing him instantly.

The victim has been named as Akwasi Lala, aged 37.

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