Committee inaugurated to probe Agona Swedru - Zongo disturbances

Agona Swedru, Jan. 14, GNA - A seven-member committee set up by the Central Regional Security Council to probe the disturbances between two factions in Agona Swedru and the Zongo Community that led to the lost of lives and properties, has been inaugurated.

Reverend Professor Adow Obeng, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) chairs the Committee with other members being Mr Barima Kwame Nkyi, Omnanhene of Assin Apimanim, Mrs Hanna Spencer Taylor, Alhaji Mumuni Yidana, Alhaji Mohammed Ben Adu, ACP Samuel Lartey and Mrs Dorcas Hutchful Aidoo as member/Secretary. The committee has three weeks to submit its findings and recommendations to government.

Mrs Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Central Regiona l Minister, who inaugurated the committee, asked members to dispassionately investigate the circumstances that led to the death and destruction of properties especially at the Crockers, Solace and Paragon bars. She also mentioned the destruction at the residence of the owner of Crockers' bar. Ms Benyiwa-Doe said they should identify people behind the violence and to recommended appropriate sanctions to deter other miscreants and prevent future occurrences.

The Committee would also assess the extent and cost of damage of materials and its effect on social lives and to investigate the conduct and allegation against security personnel deployed in the Agona Swedru Municipality, who were alleged to have flouted traditional norms in the town. Mrs Benyiwa-Doe appealed to chiefs, opinion leaders, assembly members and the public to give the Committee the needed support and cooperation in order to help it to work satisfactory to ensure peace and tranquillity in the Agona Nyakrom Traditional Area. Reverend Professor Adow Obeng assured the Regional Minister, Chiefs and citizens of the area that the Committee would work to expectation and presents its recommendation to government. Meanwhile, the Chiefs of Agona Nyakrom Traditional Area have lifted the ban on commercial activities against the Zongo Community, who were also stopped from burying their dead at the Swedru Cemetery. 14 Jan. 10