Foase shooting: Government pays GHC1.4m to victims

The government has presented a cheque for GHC1.4 million to compensate the families of four victims who were shot dead by police officers at Foase in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region.

Each family received a cheque for GHS250,000.

Some 29 others who sustained injuries also received cheques for sums ranging from GHS120,000 to GHS4,500, depending on the severity of their injuries.

The cheques were handed over to them by the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development who doubles as the chairman of the seven-member committee that was set up by the government, Mr Kwasi Adjei Boateng.

The presentation ceremony was held at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) on Monday, 13 August 2019.

On 7 February 2019, some residents of Foase clashed with the police over the relocation of the Atwima Kwanwoma District capital from Foase to Twedie.

The four persons who are now deceased, were shot during the clash.

They include Kwaku Seth, 24; Kojo Ofori, 47; Prince Boateng, 29; and Douglas Addai, 35.

They have since been buried.

A fact-finding committee was set up by the government to investigate the melee where recommendations were made for implementation.

A seven-member committee led by the Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kwesi Adjei Boateng was later set up by the government to implement the fact-finding committee's recommendations.

Mr Adjei Boateng urged the families of the four deceased persons to make judicious use of the compensation package, especially for the wellbeing of the children left behind.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah also thanked the families of the deceased and those who sustained injuries for their patience.