Two individuals have been confirmed dead following a chaotic looting incident at Akomadan in the Offinso North Constituency of the Ashanti Region on Monday, December 9, 2024. The tragic event occurred amidst rising post-election tensions marked by looting, vandalism, and property destruction across the country.
Fertilizer Looting Turns Deadly
The violence at Akomadan reportedly began when some youth, alleged supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stormed a warehouse at the cocoa station to seize bags of fertilizer stored there. The fertilizers, purchased by Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate, were intended for distribution to farmers, particularly NPP members.
According to eyewitnesses, the NDC supporters claimed they were “now in charge” and attempted to take the fertilizers by force. NPP supporters, however, intervened, sparking a violent confrontation. In the melee, one person was allegedly beaten to death.
The deceased’s younger brother, identified only as David, reportedly retaliated by stabbing two individuals, one in the head and the other in the abdomen. The injured victims were rushed to the A.M.E. Zion Hospital at Akomadan Afrancho, but one succumbed to injuries later.
Police Intervention and Escalation
David, the suspected attacker, fled the scene, prompting police intervention. However, when law enforcement arrived, the youth resisted, preventing the immediate arrest of the suspect. The police called for reinforcements from Offinso and, amidst the firing of warning shots and teargas, managed to apprehend David.
During the operation, another individual was injured by a gunshot, further inflaming tensions. A mob subsequently surrounded a house where the police officer believed to have fired the shot had sought refuge, escalating the already volatile situation.
NADMO and Tarkwa Incidents
Elsewhere, the head office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in Accra was ransacked by unidentified individuals on Monday morning. Meanwhile, in Tarkwa Nsueam, a group of youth, reportedly led by an Assembly member, stormed a community mining site. The group issued workers a one-day ultimatum to vacate the premises, adding to the growing list of post-election disturbances.
Rising Tensions Across Ghana
These incidents are part of a wave of unrest following the December 7 general elections, with increasing reports of looting, vandalism, and attacks across the country. Security forces have been deployed in affected areas, and authorities are urging calm as investigations into these incidents continue.
Attached below is a copy of a statement issued by the police on how it was handling the post election issues.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
