There is a heightened police presence in the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality following violent clashes between youth from the main township and members of the Zongo community. The conflict is believed to be a reprisal attack sparked by the death of a 35-year-old Okada rider, Masawudu Issaka.
Two individuals sustained injuries during the unrest and are currently receiving treatment at the Nsawam Government Hospital.
According to reports, the violence erupted shortly after the confirmation of Issaka’s death. He had been assaulted during a scuffle involving some youth from Adoagyiri last week. Following the incident, he was rushed to the Ridge Hospital in Accra, but unfortunately passed away on the night of Thursday, May 22.
Issaka’s death triggered outrage within the Zongo community. In what appeared to be retaliatory action, some youth from the area went on a rampage, destroying properties and setting multiple shops ablaze. Among the damaged assets was the recently constructed community astroturf, which was also vandalised during the chaos.
The volatile situation forced many business owners to shut down their shops and flee, fearing for their safety.
In response to the unrest, Eastern-South Regional Police Commander, DCOP Ohene Boadi Bossman, visited the troubled area along with reinforcements. He held a series of emergency meetings with local chiefs and opinion leaders, appealing for calm and urging full cooperation as investigations into the incident continue.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has waded into the matter, meeting with traditional leaders in Adoagyiri and pledging his support to ensure justice for the bereaved family.
“I will raise this issue in Parliament and make sure that the culprits are dealt with by the law. I am pleading that I will help the victims with the small amount that I will get to help with their revival,” the MP assured.
The late Masawudu Issaka was laid to rest on Friday, May 23, following Jummah prayers. His funeral procession drew hundreds of mourners who accompanied the cortege through the principal streets of Adoagyiri to the cemetery, amid tight security.