Tension brewing in Kpassa

Kpassa (V/R), Nov 2, GNA- Tension has heightened between the Police and the inhabitants of Kpassa, over what the police described as persistent and unwarranted attacks on them by the people in the course of their work.

The Police authorities in the Nkwanta district have thus declared Kpassa a "no go area" and a lawless community.

Briefing newsmen on the state of affairs, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr Sekyere Bruku, Nkwanta District Police Commander said security as well as cooperation with the people in the area has deteriorated, and the police personnel are living in constant fear. He said the youth in the community attacked the Police and forcibly freed suspects in a stealing case on September 18.

Mr Bruku said the next day a vehicle loaded with contraband goods seized by the police was also taken away by the youth and bolted with a police handcuff, which as later abandoned at the charge office. He said the suspects are still on the run and the vehicle not recovered.

Mr Bruku said on October 24, a Police operation to clampdown on unregistered motorbikes and acts of indiscipline on the road was met with stiff opposition from the youth of Kpassa.

He said the youth by their number were able to overpower the Police and managed to forcibly free three traffic offenders and their bikes. Mr Bruku said the enraged youth entered the charge office and forcibly held down Inspector Michael Anyinase, in charge of the Kpassa station and took away a seized motorbike.

The Police Commander said on October 25, Mr Biteh Kokomba, the linguist of Nana Konja, chief of Kpassa came to the police station and warned that they would take on the Police until they stop policing the inhabitants.

Mr Bruku has consequently appealed to the Police Administration and the National Security apparatus to come to the aid of the personnel in the area.

Mr Joseph Yaw Denteh, Nkwanta District Chief Executive in his reaction said information reaching him indicated that the peoples' conduct stemmed from alleged extortion levelled against the Policemen during the operation to apprehend motor offenders. He said motorbikes was the cheapest means of transportation in the area and suggested to the Police and the National Commission for Civic Education to embark on a public sensitisation to educate the people, adding that, the District Security Council and other stakeholders would meet over the issue. Mr Denteh denied knowledge of other attacks but called for calm in the area stating that Police are allies and partners in development.