The Western Regional Minister and the House of Chiefs are working to restore order in Asemko, a community devastated by a violent chieftaincy conflict that resulted in a resident being beheaded and widespread destruction.
Background of the Conflict
Tensions have been brewing for years between Asemko and its sister community, Butre. Both communities share a traditional leader, Nana Agyeibu Tiah, but a faction from Butre has been pushing for its own chief, deepening the rift.
This conflict escalated violently last week when Nana Agyeibu Tiah was attacked during a visit to Asemko.
Accounts from Residents
Kobina Fosu, a resident of Asemko, recounted the chaos: “We fled Asemko, not salvaging anything. We later heard that our community was set on fire. All our belongings have been burnt to ashes.”
He expressed the dire situation faced by the youth, who are now wandering hungry after losing everything.
Current State of the Community
Asemko now resembles a ghost town, with homes destroyed, schools closed, and families hiding in the bush.
The silence is only interrupted by the sounds of burnt debris. The Western Regional Security Council, led by Minister Joseph Nelson, has visited to assess the damage and to direct police to capture those responsible for the violence.
Calls for Assistance
Local leaders and officials, including the Municipal Chief Executive of Ahanta West, Ebenezer Aidoo, are compiling a list of displaced victims and calling for support to rebuild the community. MP Mavis Kuukua Bissue emphasised the need for peace and investment in the area.
As security officers are deployed to restore safety, the community awaits justice and support to rebuild what has been lost. The situation in Asemko serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unresolved chieftaincy disputes.
Reporting by Isaac Hughes (Western Regional Correspondent)
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