ARSON

Prestea, W/R --Controversy over a parcel of land allegedly belonging to Opanin Kweku Larbie, a farmer at Warekokrom near Prestea, has resulted in the burning down of his houses and the mysterious disappearance of his farm labourer, Kofi Tandoh.

Larbie, his family and the missing farm labourer, were also alleged to have been severely assaulted with cutlasses and sticks by Francis Acquah, a claimant to the disputed land and his supporters.

The controversy and subsequent arson and assault have created uneasy tension in the town and also threaten to degenerate into communal violence.

Larbie, his family and friends have since fled the town and are living with some sympathisers at Nkwanta and Prestea, both in the Western Region.

Five suspected assailants have since been arrested and are assisting police in their investigations.

They are Francis Acquah, 48, Peter Ellu, 59, Kennedy Dankwa, Stephen Nyemah and Kwafo Wereko, 61, all farmers.

In an interview with Larbie at Prestea, he said his farm labourer, Tandoh, made a report to him that Acquah was preparing his (Larbie?s) parcel of land for farming.

He said he requested Tandoh to invite Acquah for a discussion on the issue but for five days Acquah refused to show up.

According to Larbie, when Acquah later met Tandoh on the land, Acquah surprisingly warned Tandoh never to step on the land again. He said Acquah threatened to kill Tandoh the next time he meets him on the land.

Larbie said when Tandoh reported the threat to him, they both went to Acquah?s house, but they did not meet him He said in less than an hour after visiting Acquah?s house, a group of assailants led by Acquah, wielding cutlasses and sticks stormed his house and pounced on him and assaulted him and his family.

According to Larbie, soon after the assault Tandoh got missing and has since not been found.

He said he later reported he incident to the police at Prestea and the five assailants were arrested. When the Prestea police was contacted, DSP Joseph Antwi Gyawu confirmed the story.

He explained that after the arrest of the five, another group of assailants led by one Atta Erzuah, Papa Annor and Kweku Ellu went to set fire to the houses of Larbie and his family. He said the three persons are, however, on the run.