Police administration accused of bias in Apremdo.

Takoradi, Aug 1, GNA- The elders, opinion leaders and some members of the Apremdo community have accused the Western Regional Police command of interfering in their chieftaincy institution. They alleged that anytime there was a crisis in the town, the regional police command uses it as an excuse to harass and intimidate them. Mr. Nat Panyin, Spokesman of the community disclosed these at a press conference in Takoradi on Tuesday. He said on July 24, the community appointed a regent, to manage the affairs of the community but two days later; the leadership were invited to the regional Police command for "allegedly forging the signatures of some dead sub-chiefs and have been charged with forgery".

Mr. Panyin said the community soon after the appointment of the regent saw "macho" men parading through the town and therefore reported the incident to the Kwesiminstim Regional Police command at about 1800 hours on July 26, but the Police arrived at 0500 hours the following day. He alleged that the Police administration especially the regional command had a vested interest in Apremdo due to their close relationship with Nana Erziah, a self styled regent of Apremdo. He said in 2005, Nana Erziah, who is the Gyaasehene, brought in "macho" men to brutalise the community leading to the death of one person. Mr. Panyin said some of the macho men wore Police uniforms but were released and no action was taken against Nana Erziah. He said the troubles in Apremdo stared in 2005 when the community refused to allow Nana Erziah, to bury a 10-year old boy in the town at night.

The community suspected foul play since the deceased died in Accra and brought to Apremdo to be buried in the night. Nana Obutsia Tuntuli, the third, krontihene of Apremdo said in 2005 they were arrested and remanded in custody for two weeks for refusing to allow Nana Erzia from installing a chief. He said Nana Erzia alone cannot install a chief and when they resisted he used the Police to harass them. In a related development, the Ahanta Traditional council in a letter dated July 28 and signed by Chas Opoku-Ferefere, Assistant Regional Registrar, for Otumfuo Baidoo Bonsoe XV, Ahantahene, has accepted the appointment and introduction of Nana Domeabra as the new regent of Apremdo. This however is subject to his formal introduction and acceptance into the membership of the traditional council at a subsequent meeting.