Foase riot unfortunate – Kumasi Traditional Council
The Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) has described as “unfortunate” and “sad” the rioting that occurred at Foase in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti region over relocation of the capital from Foase to Twedie.
The clash led to the death of three people with dozens sustaining gunshot wounds from police who were deployed to the town to maintain order.
The council therefore condemned the way and manner police handed the clashes and the gunshots that led to the deaths and several injuries.
The council said they are monitoring investigations into the case to unravel what led to the shootings and also recommended that the police officer who fired the gun shot should be dealt with according to the law to serve as a deterrent to other police personnel.
Otumfuo Akyeamehene, Nana Nsuase Poku Agyeman III, said these at a press conference after the council met with the Ashanti regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, the Atwima Kwanwoma DCE, Asokwa Divisional Police Commander and the Chief of Foase, on the incident.
He said the council condemns the Foase chief for not being able to advice his subjects leading to the bloody clashes.
Nana Agyeman indicated that the council will meet with the residents of Foase over the relocation of the capital to pave way for the capital to be relocated peacefully to Twedie.
He said the council wants peace and development in the Asante Kingdom and will not sit down for conflicts to derail it.
The Ashanti regional Minister, Mr Simon Osei Mensah said the clashes could have been avoided if the stakeholders had understood each other.
He called on the stakeholders leading the relocation of the District capital from Foase to Twedie to use all the legal processes, so that they will have a smooth and trouble free process in the relocation of the district capital.
He added that Foase is still the district capital and has advised the DCE not to move from Foase until the problem is resolved.
Source: classfmonline
