Twifo Ntafrewaso (C/R), Jan. 25, GNA - A number of persons were injured, one seriously and property estimated to cost millions of cedis belonging to the Twifo Oil Palm Plantation (TOPP) were destroyed during a clash between workers of Delta Company, a (private security company) and some angry youth of Twifo Ntafrewaso following a misunderstanding.
Michael Ayivi, of the Delta company, who was among security officers keeping guard at the TOPP was hit on the jaw with a big stone, while Ayawo, a youth of Ntafrewaso was slashed with a sharp knife. Property destroyed included a security gate, louver blades, a motorbike, a vehicle and sets of documents, while also setting ablaze a block near the golf course all belonging to the TOPP.
The incident was sparked off by a scuffle between a group of Delta Security personnel and some youth of Twifo Ntafrewaso over what was described as a seemingly harmless issue.
However, police moved in quickly to prevent what could have been a bloody clash.
According to Inspector Benjamin Dusi of the Delta Company, he was deploying his men at vantage points in the TOPP plantation when he spotted a Kia truck with registration number GR 556 P travelling at a top speed on the plantation.
He said the Delta Security personnel signalled the Kia truck to stop but the truck sped off. The Delta Security men chased the truck to Ntafrewaso where they accused the driver of blowing dust on them. According to Inspector Dusi in the ensuing argument, Mr Ebenezer Oduro, Assembly member of the town took Inspector Dusi to the chief's palace where he attempted to settle the case.
While at the palace they heard a riot outside the palace involving Delta Security guards and some of the youth.
According to Mr Kwaku Awuku, Human Resource Manager of TOPP, Mr Frederick Cudjoe, the Delta driver who thought the life of Inspector Dusi was in danger drove back to TOPP and mobilized some Delta Security personnel to rescue their Inspector.
He said the arrival of the Delta security men with offensive weapons provoked a clash between them and some Ntafrewaso youth resulting in serious injuries to both parties. As the fight intensified, a Delta driver moved his vehicle away from the scene and later stopped at Gyaman Junction to enable the security guards to board it.
He said a few moments after the vehicle had left the place a mob from Ntafrewaso arrived at the TOPP gate and attempted to attack one of them but the Delta guard took to his heels. A stone thrown by one of the Ntafrewaso youths hit Michael on his jaw.
During the stampede the mob attacked the main office security boot smashed louvers, took away one transistor radio and vandalised the offices.
The mob also smashed louvers at the TOPP Police Station, the clinic and attacked anybody in sight. A team of policemen led by Mrs Rose Bio Atinga, Central Regional Police Commander soon arrived at the scene and their Praso counterparts to restore order.
No arrests were made and some people who were involved in the riot have been invited to report to the Regional Commander. Meanwhile, Mr Samuel Agyeibie Kessie, District Chief Executive for Twifo-Heman-Lower Denkyira has met the chiefs and elders of Ntafrewaso and management of TOPP to resolve the matter. 25 Jan. 07
