By Emmanuel Gamson
Butre (W/R), March 12, GNA – Six months after a violent clash between Asemko, and Butre communities in the Ahanta West Municipality, Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, says 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The clash claimed the life of 45-year-old John Ekow Abban, and left several others injured including the Chief of Butre, Nana Egya Butsia X.
Mr Nelson, also the Chairman for the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC), during a visit to the Butre community to update the chief and people on the case pledged his commitment to ensuring that anyone involved in the matter was brought to justice.
He said: “As we speak, 11 individuals have been arrested and are in police custody assisting with investigations, and interestingly, the last suspect was apprehended in Côte d’Ivoire.”
He said the arrests demonstrated the REGSEC’s commitment to ensuring that the matter was not swept under the carpet.
“We have our eyes wide opened and we are determined to bring anyone who had a hand in this case to justice,” Mr Nelson added.
Nana Egya Butsia X, Chief of Butre, called on the government to establish a security post in the area to prevent future conflicts.
He said: “My elders, the security forces, and I are doing our best to protect lives and property, but the truth is, we are working with a weak security system.
“It is very difficult for anyone here to go all the way to the Municipal capital to report a crime, and by the time help comes, the harm has already been done.”
The Chief implored the government to establish a permanent security post in the area to help prevent such clashes in the future.
Some of the residents also reiterated the need for the government to establish a security post in the area to help protect them and their property from future violent destructions.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/George-Ramsey Benamba