Two killed, third injured at chief's funeral

Takoradi, Dec. 13 GNA - Tragedy struck Sefwi-Wiawso in the Western Region on Friday when a female cashier of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and one other person were killed in two separate incidents during the funeral rites of the chief of Sefwi-Wiawso, Nana Yaw Korankye. Another female secretary of the IIRS who sustained severe injuries was rushed to a private hospital in Kumasi.

The dead were identified as Madam Lydia Osei the cashier and Mr Kofi Nkrumah alias "Someso" a driver while the injured was Madam Clara Owusu. The bodies of the dead have been deposited at the Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital for autopsy.

Four traditional leaders, made up of two sub chiefs, one divisional chief and a sub queen mother have been arrested for their involvement in the case and placed in custody.

Mr Stephen Wilks Mensah, the Sefwi Wiawso District Chief Executive (DCE) told the GNA on telephone that, in line with custom, the chiefs of the Sefwi area were going on a procession through the principal streets of the town amidst the firing of musketry to show their last respect to the deceased.

In the process one of the musketry strayed killing Lydia who was standing in front of her office instantly and injuring Clara who was also standing close to her.

In the second incident, the DCE said later in the day a group of young men loyal to Mr John Gyika who has been nominated to be installed as a paramount chief of Sefwi Traditional Area attempted to forcibly enter the Sefwi Wiawso palace, which has been sealed off for years and under security guard as a result of a chieftaincy dispute in the town. Mr Mensah said the police prevented the youth from invading the palace resulting in struggle between the police and the mob, during which Mr Nkrumah was killed by a stray bullet.

The DCE said the suspects would be transferred to Sekondi for further investigations.

He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and appealed to the people to remain calm, while the police carried out their investigations.

The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in charge of Sefwi Wiawso, Raymond Erzuah, confirmed the incident to the GNA on telephone, and said the police were investigating the matter, adding that, clam has been restored to the town with people going about their normal duties. 13 Dec 09