|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Union of Adele People in Accra has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sack the Nkwanta Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and the Acting Oti Regional Police Commander for their alleged negligence in the Nkwanta conflict that led to deaths.
They also demanded the arrest of some individuals involved in the violence, who were seen on video provoking security agencies before the incident.
The Union said that the violence could have been prevented if these two state officials in Nkwanta, ACP Acquah and Bright Lenwah, had listened to warnings against allowing the Akyode ethnic group to celebrate the yam festival.
The Union rejected attempts to politicize the clashes. They said they were false allegations that tarnish every aspect of the community with the same sentiments.
They claim this makes it difficult for state actors to reason logically and make decisions in the interest of Nkwanta and its people.
During a media address on Saturday, December 9, at the Press Center, spokesperson of the Adele Union Steven Wonder Obour chronicled the events leading up to the clashes in November.
He mentioned that flyers were circulated by the Akyodes announcing the celebration of their yam festival, which had a history of turning violent.
The Adele and Challa tribes petitioned the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), resulting in an order for the Akyodes to abandon the planned celebration.
The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) also called all factions to a meeting and directed the festival to be put on hold.
Obour claimed that MCE Bright Lenwah clandestinely wrote a letter granting the Akyodes permission to proceed with the celebration, which escalated into the observed violence.
The Adeles and Challas opposed the celebration and petitioned the Chief of Staff, IGP, Interior Minister, and the National Security Minister, citing undertones of the Akyodes celebrating the yam festival as a subtle attempt to assert ownership claims over Nkwanta lands.
Obour stated, “Previous celebrations have always been marred by violence, including killing of people, maiming, and destruction of property.”
“The Adeles vehemently opposed the 2023 celebration because some victims of the previous year’s violence were still in the mortuary at the time of the intended celebration.”
The Union recommended retaining the curfew and security personnel in the area for some time.
He emphasized that the Adeles are a peace-loving ethnic group with a sincere desire for a peaceful, just, and united community in Nkwanta.
Obour stressed that resolving the land disputes and addressing past grievances is crucial for fostering cooperation among residents in Nkwanta South.
