Kumawu riot: ‘Chief’, eight others arrested

Nine people including a self-styled chief have been arrested by the Ashanti regional Police command in connection with the riots that broke out at Kumawu in Kumasi last month.

Berimah Tweneboah Koduah and the other suspects were arrested for their various roles in the chaos that led to attacks on some military and police personnel who were detailed to maintain order during the funeral of the late former Akyempemhene of Kumawu.

The suspects are all in police custody and have been charged with the offence of rioting with offensive weapons, abetment, causing harm and damage and an attempted murder, and are being processed for court.

Background

The clashes began during the funeral of the late Kumawu Akyempenghene Nana Okyere Krampah after a queen mother who belongs to a faction of Berimah Tweneboah Kodua V allegedly ordered the police to stop Berimah Sarfo Tweeneboah Kodua II from attending the funeral in his capacity as Kumawuhene.

Reports said Berimah Sarfo Tweneboah Kodua II’s supporters forcibly resisted the police attempt to stop them.

This compelled the police to fire warning shots including teargas to control the angry followers of the self-acclaimed paramount Chief which resulted in a gun battle between the disgruntled faction and the law enforcement agency.

Five police officers and some residents sustained bullet wounds and are currently receiving medical attention at the Juaben Government Hospital.

The Kumawu chieftaincy litigation was brought to an end after Berimah Tweneboah Koduah V swore allegiance to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II last year until the latest cashes.