Kumasi, Jan 2, GNA - Two people including a policeman sustained injuries, when the policeman fired warning shots to clear drivers, who had blocked the entrance of the Kejetia Lorry Terminal in Kumasi on Monday.
The blockade was a protest against what the drivers of the terminal termed arbitrary toll increases by Freko Limited, the company managing the terminal.
The police used tear gas when all efforts to convince them to clear the roadblocks proved futile and some of them threw stones resulting in the injury of a police officer.
A statement issued by the police said the drivers used their vehicles to block the main entrance to the station thereby bringing business activities to a standstill for about three hours. The police, the statement said were therefore called in to maintain peace and order as the situation was virtually getting out of hand.
The statement said not even the presence of Mr S. K. Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister and the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Mr Frank Adu-Poku, at the scene could calm the drivers down. Some of the drivers resorted to throwing of stones at the police and the Regional Minister's entourage and the police had to resort to firing of warning shots and tear gas before they were able to rescue the Regional Minister and his entourage.
This morning, the management of Freko Limited decided to increase tolls at the terminals by 50 per cent and this, the drivers considered unfair and registered their protest by refusing to enter the terminal. The police has therefore warned any person or group of persons, who would capitalize on the situation to cause trouble to rethink, as the police would deal ruthlessly with anyone, who would thwart their efforts and thereby make life difficult for the citizenry. Meanwhile, the Regional Minister has asked the management of Freko Limited to suspend the intended increases and revert to the old toll, while efforts are made to investigate the justification or otherwise of new charges. Jan 02, 06
