Gomoa Obuasi, Ghana – Six people, including the head of the Gomoa Obuasi Asona Royal Family, Agya Amoh, are in critical condition and receiving treatment at the Agona Swedru Municipal Hospital following a violent chieftaincy clash in the community.
The incident occurred when a group of youth attacked the Chief of Gomoa Obuasi, vandalizing his palace and two of his vehicles.
The unrest stems from a long-standing chieftaincy dispute in Gomoa Obuasi, a farming community of over 7,000 residents. For the past five years, tensions have persisted over the rightful occupant of the stool.
In an attempt to resolve the matter, the Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Council recently installed Nana Mbir Asomako IX as the new chief.
On Sunday, February 23, Nana Mbir Asomako and his elders were holding a family meeting at the palace when some youth, allegedly loyal to a rival claimant, mobilized and launched an attack. The assailants pelted stones at the chief and his elders, injuring six individuals in the process.
According to police sources, the Omanhene of the Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Council, Obrempong Nyanful Akrampah, had previously appointed Kwabena Atta as a caretaker chief after the passing of the former leader.
However, after the official installation of Nana Mbir Asomako IX, the regent refused to relinquish power, escalating tensions within the community.
During the violent confrontation, the attackers not only destroyed parts of the palace but also set upon two vehicles belonging to the new chief. Some family members, including the head of the Asona Royal Family, were also assaulted.
Speaking to Adom News, Nana Mbir Asomako recounted how the mob besieged the palace for over three hours, forcing him and his elders to seek refuge at the Agona Swedru Divisional Police Command. He further alleged that the attackers doused the palace with petrol, intending to set it on fire.
In response to the escalating violence, Nana Mbir Asomako has appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to deploy additional security personnel to Gomoa Obuasi to restore calm and prevent further disturbances.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to contain the dispute and prevent further outbreaks of violence.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
