Kumasi, Feb. 24, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has with immediate effect banned street preaching by the Al-Sunna and Tijanniya Muslim sects in the region. Additionally, they are disallowed from using loud speakers in their Mosques at Aboabo Number Two.

The ban followed growing tension between the two which nearly exploded into bloody clashes in Kumasi on Wednesday.

The Police had to act swiftly to avert what would have been nasty confrontation, sparked by an alleged to unsavory remarks made by one of the leaders of the sect on a Kumasi-based radio station, Zuria FM, during a religious programme.

A statement signed by Mr S.O. Kusi-Appiah, Regional Coordinating Director, said any member of the two sects intending to organize street preaching must first obtain permit from both the Kumasi Metropolitan Authority (KMA) and the police.

Leaders of the feuding sects had signed an undertaking to ensure that the directives are strictly observed. The statement warned that the police would deal drastically with any person or group of persons who breached the ban.