Nyinahin Akwasidae turned violent

An “Akwasiade” celebration- a sacred first Sunday on the Akan calendar of the chief and people of Nyinahin in the Atwima-Mponua District almost turned tragic when three assailants armed with cutlasses suddenly besieged the palace and attempted to attack the chief as he sat in state on Sunday.

Nana Amanpene Boateng Twum II, escaped the wrath of the youth believed to be part of a chieftaincy faction, as he was whisked off to safety by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Philip Asante, the District Crime officer who was part of the guests gracing the occasion when the assailants struck.

ASP Asante confirmed to the Ghana news Agency (GNA) at Nyinahin that a chaotic scene erupted as the joyous celebrants had to run for their lives with most of them hurting themselves in a stampede.

But for the timely arrival of a police reinforcement from Kumasi, the situation would have turned violent.

Meanwhile, calm has returned to the community, the district capital of a pre-dominantly farming and one of the most deprived communities in the Ashanti Region grappling with a perennial chieftaincy dispute.

There is also security presence on a 24 hour patrol to maintain calm and order.

ASP Asante said no arrest has so far been made but the police is seriously hunting for the perpetrators.

The GNA could however not reach the chief for his comments.