Shooting incident mars rituals at Banda yam festival

Banda-Ahenkro (B/A), Sept. 29, GNA- Okokyeredom Kwadwo Sito I, Omanhene of Banda Traditional Area escaped unhurt when shooting broke out as he rode in a palanquin after performing some rituals in connection with the celebration of the annual 'Fodwoo' yam festival of the chiefs and people of the area.

About six persons who were carrying the Omanhene in the palanquin received injuries and were treated and discharged at the local clinic at Banda-Ahenkro.

Nana Sito told the Ghana News Agency that he and his elders were on their way back home from a stream where they had gone to perform some purification rituals when the incident happened.

He said his divisional chiefs and two unarmed police officers, detailed to ensure peace were with him at the time of the incident. The Omanhene described the shooting incident as a "barbaric act meant to get rid of me".

Nana Sito expressed regret that there were still some trouble makers in the area "trying to renew clashes between so-called feuding factions in the area.

He called on the people to work hard towards unity, progress and development of Banda instead of resorting to conflicts.

The Omanhene said he was not ready to re-open any litigation with any group of people in spite of the incident and expressed the hope that those "agents of conflicts" would reconsider their stance and rather help in the development of the area.

Mr W.A. Amuni, Wenchi district police commander, confirmed the incident.

Addressing the people later, Commander Amuni, appealed to the chiefs and people of the area to exercise restraint and refrain from embarking on any counter-attack.

He assured them that investigations would be carried out to expose the perpetrators and called for peace and co-operation in the area. No arrests have been made.