Political clash leaves uneasy calm at Asutsuare

The police has brought under control a violent clash between alleged supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday, which left 30 persons wounded at Asutsuare in the Greater Accra Region.

The Asutsuare police suspect, however, that the disturbances might have been triggered by land and Chieftaincy disputes, which had divided the town between the two political parties, with the NPP supporters seeking revenge for alleged maltreatment they had suffered from the NDC sympathisers in the past.

Mr Raphael Lawerh, a 32-year-old driver, who according to authorities at the Akuse hospital, was hit in the foot by a bullet and three others with various degrees of injuries, are on admission.

They are Samuel Ayertey, driver, 26, Moses Nokolawe, both of the Volta River Estates, and Lawrence Amanor, Acting Asafoatse Aza of Asutsuare.

Dr Kofi Yamoah, Senior Medical officer in-charge of the hospital told the GNA, that a total of 14 men, and two women were admitted on Friday, while 14 others were treated and discharged. Some of those treated and discharged told the GNA that they are seeking refuge at the police station, since most of the perpetrators of the act have not been arrested.

Sources close to the Asutsuare police said the situation is "seemingly calm," but added that a platoon of 33 policemen have been deployed to check any further confrontation in the town.

The sources said the policemen who are stationed at the Asutsuare Sugar Factory, quite distant from the town, however, have no vehicle for patrol duties.

The clash, which started on the night of Friday, February 2 and raged on till Sunday, left Nene Michael Tetteh Ablor III, Asutsuare Chief's palace and four other houses belonging to NPP supporters vandalised.

Nene Ablor said the attackers "destroyed all the doors and windows of the palace, broke drums and traditional stools, stole four linguists sticks and jewellery, but did not take the black stool away." The palace was littered with pieces of wood, stones and broken bottles used in the attack.

At Gabon House belonging to Mr Ebenezer Dede Nartey, three rooms were set ablaze. Nine suspects arrested in connection with the incident have been granted bail, while two others, Gabriel Dewor, a 42 year old farmer and Isaac Amanor Addae, a photographer have been placed in custody.

A police source said the two were being sought by the police in connection with an attempted murder of Detective Sergeant Samuel Addo, of the Akuse police when policemen were detailed to arrest a group of person in connection with a criminal offence last year.