The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, has said that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), will hold a meeting on February 8, to discuss the security situation in Kwahu Bepong.
According to him, a full report on what caused the clash between the police and the youth will be discussed.
“We are holding a monthly regional security meeting on Thursday, and all of them will be in one meeting and we will have the full brief from officers who are enforcing the rules for us, and I’m sure I’ll be able speak authoritatively. I can, when I would have received the full briefing from them,” Mr Acheampong said in an interview on Ghana Tonight with Alfred Ocansey on February 5.
It would be recalled that on February 5, a confrontation ensued between some police officers and an agitated crowd in the Kwahu South Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The incident happened at the chief’s palace, where the police were attempting to rescue an alleged suspect accused of murdering two people in Adwumasu, a farming community in the Kwahu South Municipality.
Community members, upon learning of the arrest, stormed the palace, demanding the immediate release of the suspect for instant justice.
The police, who intervened, prevented the release, leading to community members growing impatient and pelting the police with stones. The crowd ended up destroying a service vehicle and four police motorbikes.
Mr Acheapong explained that the police met an irate crowd who unfortunately damaged property.
“The police vehicle was vandalized, the palace was also damaged. They have therefore deployed more security enforcement agents on ground. Fortunately, that aided them in restoring calm to the community,” he said.
The Regional Minister commended the Ghana Police Service for their prompt response in respect of this matter.
“I commend the high level of professionalism exhibited by the Police. I encourage them to continue to help bring stability and peace and harmony within the Bepong township. It has been really a worry for them,” he stressed.
Mr Acheampong could however not confirm the number of casualties.
“I have heard of some causalities, but actual number have not been confirmed yet. They are still waiting for the team, so they are just waiting for the Police Service to give them the report. I understand that it is still work in progress and wouldn’t want to rush in confirming numbers.
At the end of it all, we will give a full report to everybody. But they’re praying that they don’t deal with such incidents anymore, he explained.
By Eva Boamah