The Chief of Gauso, a neighborhood in the Obuasi Municipality, Dramani Karim Gauso, has stated that his people are not violent, in contrast to popular belief in Obuasi.
He was giving a presentation at a community durbar to inform members of the community about recent mob attacks on Gauso residents.
The gathering also offered a chance for the Chief and his elders to educate the people, particularly the youth, on the importance of staying out of trouble.
Last week, a group of gun-wielding men reportedly from Estate, an Obuasi suburb, savaged some people in Gauso in what is presumed to be a revenge strike.
One man was wounded and the property was damaged as a result of the incident. The police acted quickly, apprehending 3 members of the group, who are now on trial.
A long-standing tussle has been observed between a group of young men in Gauso and their compadres in Tutuka and other sections of Obuasi.
This has resulted in deaths whiles others have suffered various degree of injuries.
This concern, however, has prompted the Chief of the area to convene with his people to warn them to avoid crime and other violent behavior, as he has settled not to shield anyone engaged in such actions.
Speaking with the media after the well-attended meeting, Nana Dramani Karim Gauso said ” we will not sit aloof as Gauso’s name is dragged in the mud, which has the potential of scaring away people from visiting our community and even preventing our youths from getting jobs”.
He added that the community has formed a task force to complement the efforts of the Unit committee to fish out criminal elements in the community who have been fomenting trouble.
The Chief said the elders of the community have resolved not to beg on behalf of recalcitrant individuals or groups who will be arrested by the Police.
Alhaji Yunusah Baba Iddrisu Ouro-ifa II, Adansi Kotokoli Chief also added his voice to the issue of bad press which the community has been attracting. He said Gauso community is not a violent community and hence appealed to the people to demonstrate good behaviour to vindicate his claim.
He again advised residents of the community not to shield any criminal who finds refuge in the community. ” I urge you to go by this principle; if you see something, say something. Kindly report criminals to the Police and don’t shield them.”
The Assembly member for the area Dauda Tahiru was of the view that it was about time the youth realised the enormity of the bad name the community has been associated with. He charged the youth to acquire employable skills and stay out of trouble.
The youth in the area also pledged to abide by the advice of their elders and said most of the people who commit crimes in the area are not indigenes of Gauso but hide behind the name to perpetuate their criminal activities.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com / Berimaba Kwaku Nyamekye
