The Ejura Traditional Council has recommended to the three-member committee probing the disturbances that occur in Ejura Sekyeredumase in the Ashanti region few weeks ago that a military station in the area will help control and avoid the re-occurrence of such riotous behaviour as demonstrated by youth.
According to the Nifahene, Nana Osei Kwadwo Ansebie II, who appeared before the committee yesterday, the angry mob would have still carried on with the violent protest even if the Ejura Police were well resourced at the time of the unfortunate incident.
Nana Osei Kwadwo Ansebie II noted that the people of Ejura are too familiar with the police, making them reluctant to comply with their commands.
He added that although the Ejuramanhene, Barima Osei Hwedie II, admonished them to cooperate with the security agencies and not take the law into their own hands, the mob targeted some public and private properties within the municipality and went ahead to protest.
“Looking at Ejura, if the police reacted proactively, as some people alleged that there was a delay in their actions, the youth would have still done same. A section of the mob moved through the central business area, vandalised the charge office, attacked the municipal assembly revenue check point close to the police station, and some pavilions painted in NPP colours. Meanwhile, Barima Osei Hwedie spoke to them earlier,” he said.
He added: “The youth pleaded with Ohene to intervene, which he advised them to allow the laws of the country to work. Barima Osei Hwedie sent messages around calling for a meeting with the Zongo leadership before it happened, but on the 28th June, we were informed that a section of the Zongo community had gathered and blocked the Ejura-Atebubu highway because Kaaka had died.
“They protested and on the 29th June, around 8am, Barima sent his condolence message to family of the victims, and expressed his disappointment in their actions. He then gave GHC5,000 each to the deceased families and 2,000 each to those discharged home.”
Preventing future attacks
Again, he presented documents of some recommendations made by the traditional council to the committee. The recommendations are on how to avert future occurrences. He also presented two empty bullet shells which the youth gave to the Ejura Kontihene on the day of the protest.
Nana Osei Kwadwo Ansebie II expressed worry that unguarded politics had affected life at Ejura. He added that even funerals and weddings have been politicised to the extent that “you have to belong to one’s party before he or she attends your programme”.
