General News of Saturday, 16 June 2012

Source: Radio XYZ

Vice President Storms Hohoe

The Vice President John Dramani Mahama is set to meet the leadership of the Muslim Community and the indigenes of Hohoe in the Volta region to help peace efforts in the volatile area.

Muslims and indigenes of Hohoe clashed on Monday after the dead body of the Chief Imam was exhumed by some unknown persons. The clashes claimed two lives whilst the Palace of the Paramount Chief of Hohoe, Togbega Gabusu together with his vehicle was set ablaze.

Following the clashes, a dusk to Dawn curfew was imposed on the community by the Regional Security Council to prevent further reprisal attacks.

Many organizations including the Peace Council have called on both leaders in the community to take pragmatic steps to ensure that peace prevails.

Speaking to XYZ News, the Volta Regional Minister, Henry Ford Kamel confirmed that the Vice President is going to the community to meet the various factions in the community to ensure that both parties forgive each other and live in peace.

Mr. Kamel added that calm has returned to the community since the clashes broke out on Monday.

According to Mr. Kamel the security agencies stationed in the community are more acclimatized to the environment and are totally in charge of the situation in the area.

Meanwhile, over 3,000 people have reportedly fled the community to neighboring towns for fear of their lives.

Information gathered by XYZ News also indicates that the Gbi Traditional Council has softened its stance on the 48-hour ultimatum given the Muslim community to return stolen regalia from Togbega Gabusu's Palace.

The Gbi Traditional Council on Wednesday ordered the Muslim community to return stolen regalia by Friday or will take the necessary action. However various interventions by government, the National Chief Imam and other organizations have succeeded in getting the council to change their mind regarding the ultimatum.