Police in Ghana’s Eastern Region have deployed reinforcements to the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality following violent clashes between youth from the main township and the Zongo community. The unrest comes in the wake of the death of a 35-year-old commercial motorbike rider, known locally as an Okada rider.

Masawudu Issaka died on Thursday night after being assaulted during a confrontation involving youth from Adoagyiri the previous week. He had been receiving treatment at the Ridge Hospital in Accra after sustaining serious injuries in the altercation.

Following news of his death, tensions flared in Nsawam Adoagyiri. Some members of the Zongo youth, angered by the incident, reportedly launched a reprisal attack, destroying property and setting fire to shops. A newly built community astroturf was among several assets vandalised during the disturbances.

Two people were injured in the violence and are currently receiving treatment at the Nsawam Government Hospital. Several business owners closed their shops and fled the area in fear.

Eastern-South Regional Police Commander, DCOP Ohene Boadi Bossman, visited the area on Friday and held emergency talks with local chiefs and opinion leaders. He appealed for calm and called for cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.

Local Member of Parliament, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, also visited the scene and pledged support for the bereaved family. “I will raise this issue in Parliament and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said. He also promised financial assistance to victims of the violence.

Masawudu Issaka was buried on Friday, 23 May, after Jummah prayers. His funeral drew hundreds of mourners who joined the procession through the streets of Adoagyiri under heavy police presence.

Source :TheDotNews