Calm returns to Ashanti Mampong

Mampong (Ash), April 20, GNA - Calm has returned to Ashanti Mampong, capital of the Sekyere West District in the Ashanti Region following disturbances by a section of the youth, last Friday. Commercial and other public activities have bounced back with residents going about their daily chores without hindrance. Last Friday, April 15 a group of irate youth went on a rampage destroying public and personal property in the residence of the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Thomas Edward Atakorah when he was out of town.

The mob also vandalised the offices and vehicles of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ghana National Fire Service. The cost of damage has not been established yet.

Speaking to the GNA on Thursday, the Mampong Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Osei Asibey Ahenkora said even though a few people had been arrested the Police were continuing investigations and monitoring the situation to forestall further disturbances.

Mr Asibey Ahenkora warned that the security agencies would deal with any group of persons who would want to take the law into their own hands to disturb the peace in the area.

Even though the real motive of the mob had not been established, the protesters claim they were dissatisfied with the recent intermittent power outages in the town.

Mr Atakorah said the District Security Committee met on Monday to review the situation and stated that enough measures had been put in place to ensure that residents went about their daily activities peacefully.

The body of a man identified as Kwaku Brother, 28, who was shot dead during the disturbances had been released to the family after autopsy. Three other persons Kofi Sammy, a driver, Fuseini Mohammed, unemployed and Kofi Karikari, a student who were arrested during the disturbances are in Police custody in Kumasi, assisting in investigations.