A/R: Youth groups clash, loot and destroy properties; residents demand curfew

A violent clash between some youth groups at Ahwiaa in the Kwabre East District of the Ashanti Region Saturday has left properties destroyed and scores injured. Residents say there has been a longstanding rivalry between the Ashanti and Zongo youths in the area but could not tell exactly what triggered the latest clash Friday night and early Saturday.Akoma FM’s Kwame Baffoe Agyekum told editors.3news.com a team of police and military personnel have moved in to ensure law and order, saying “business is at a halt; everything is down”. Our correspondent reports that the team have managed to arrest some of the perpetrators in the clash, which is said to be the fourth in the area.About 20 vehicles have been vandalised and some shops along the busy commercial streets of Ahwiaa have been broken into and looted, our correspondent reported.Currently some residents who feel unsecured have been asking the Police to impose curfew on the people in the area that is noted for wooden artefacts.Deputy Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Fred Adu Anim said the injured have been sent to hospital for treatment.He confirmed some arrests have been made but could not give details.Touching on the calls for curfew in the area, he said that is not within his mandate but assured residents of their safety, adding he would consult with the REGSEC on the matter and if the need be, they will announce the curfew. By Stephen Kwabena Effah|editors.3news.com|Ghana