Kotokoli Chief Calls For Probe Into Factional Fighting

Akim Oda, ,- Chief Mohammed Abdul Raman, head of the Kotokoli community at Akim Oda Zongo has called for an independent committee to probe last year's factional clashes in the Akim Oda area . He told a news conference at Akim Oda yesterday that there could not be any genuine reconciliation between the Kotokolis and Dagombas in the area if steps are not taken to rehabilitate victims of the clashes . A religious clash between the two sides at Akim Oda Zongo on February three last year claimed six lives while a number of houses and property worth several millions of cedis were destroyed resulting in the Kotokolis taking refuge outside the area. He said a committee set up by the Birim South District Security Committee to investigate the conflict recommended that the Assembly should rehabilitate the victims. Chief Abdul Raman stressed the willingness of his people to return to the area but they cannot do so now because most of their buildings have been burnt down. Mr Seth Wilson Gyekye, District Chief Executive told newsmen in an interview that the Birim Security Committee is determined to reconcile the factions and urged the Kotokolis to return since steps are being taken to assist them.