Violence at Bamiankor - Omanhene calls for probe

Takoradi (Western Region) --Awulae Angama Tuagyan, 11, Omanhene of the Gwira Traditional Area in the Western Region has appealed to the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to institute an enquiry into the violent attacks on innocent people by supporters of a faction in chieftaincy dispute at Bamiankor on 30 November during which one person died.

Fifteen others, including children, women and some elders of the town sustained various degrees of injuries and are on admission at hospitals at Eikwe, Dompim, Axim, Discove and Effia-Nkwanta.

Briefing the Ghana News Agency on the incident, during which guns, cudgels, stones, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons were used, Awulae Tuagyan denied media reports that the clashes were the result of his refusal to obey police orders to call off the grand durbar to climax the week-long annual yam festival of the chiefs and people of the area.

The Omanhene explained that the District Security Committee (DISEC) met a week earlier and approved the holding of the durbar on 30 November.

According to him the District Police Commander came to him at about 2.00 p.m. on 30 November when the durbar was about to commence and ordered the cancellation of the durbar.

Awulae Tuagyan said he complied with the order and all invited guests, including district chief executive, members of parliament, assembly members and foreign dignitaries were seen off.

It was when he was being carried in a palanquin from the durbar grounds to his house, a distance of about 50 metres by jubilant and enthusiastic youth of the town that supporters of the queenmother attacked him and his elders and supporters.

Awulae Tuagyan said tension is high as the youth and elderly considered to be his supporters have been driven out from the town and their properties vandalised by the queenmother and her supporters. He called on the Regional Minister to act immediately to ensure law and order in the town.