Rival factions clash at Kato leaves one dead

One person was shot dead yesterday following clashes between rival chieftaincy factions at Kato, near Berekum in the Brong Ahafo Region.

The deceased, identified as Edmund Opoku Appiah, was pronounced dead on his arrival at the Berekum Holy Family Hospital.

Appiah, together with two others, Hamza Mohammed, 39, and Dennis Yaw Kyereh, was shot during the exchange of fire between supporters of the Queenmother of Kato, Nana Afia Asiraa Ababio and the opposing faction.

The clashes followed an attempt by the queenmother to install a rival chief, against the advice of the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC).

While Mohammed has been referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi for further treatment, Kyereh is still receiving treatment at the Berekum Holy Family Hospital.

However, while the police say that only three persons, including the deceased, were shot during the incident, reports indicate that five persons, including the deceased, were affected during the clashes.

The Berekum police had to send a Save Our Soul (SOS) message to the regional police headquarters, which responded by dispatching a reinforcement of about 40 policemen to help quell the violent clash.

Police briefing

The Brong Ahafo Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Christopher Tawiah, told the Daily Graphic that at about 8.00 a.m. yesterday, the police received reports that the queenmother was installing a new chief, against the advice of the MUSEC.

He said not satisfied with the action of the queenmother, some members of the opposing faction attacked the palace with guns.

Reports say some people left the town for fear of their lives following the clashes and the counterattack resulted in the death of Appiah and injury to Hamza and Kyereh.

Uneasy calm

Reports monitored on local radio stations suggested that the town was now calm with people going about their economic activities while police patrols had been intensified in the area.

Shops in the town, which were closed because the owners feared that the renewed clashes would result in the looting of their goods, have been reopened.

History

According to some residents, the Kato chieftaincy dispute had been lingering for some time now.

Residents say even though a new chief had been installed following the death of the previous one, Nana Asiraa  insists that he is not the rightful heir.

Writer’s email: emmanuel.gyamerah@graphic.com.gh