A renewed gang clash at Mpasaaso No. 1 and No. 2 in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region has left one person dead and three others in critical condition, including a pregnant woman, plunging the community into fear and uncertainty.
The violent incident, which occurred around 3:00 PM on Wednesday, has compelled many farmers to stay away from their farms, while some students are too terrified to attend school.
The cause of the clash is yet to be ascertained.
Mpasaaso, a predominantly farming and mining community, has witnessed a series of violent clashes over the years, but residents say the latest attack is one of the most severe.
After a deadly shooting, the assailants reportedly stormed the residence of the Queen Mother of Mpasaaso No. 2, destroying property and ransacking her room in what locals have described as a targeted act of intimidation.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Dwamena Mensah, the Abusuapanin (family head) of Mpasaaso No. 2, lamented the repeated attacks and the inaction of the authorities.
“This is not the first time such an incident has happened here. We’ve made countless complaints, but no arrests have ever been made. The situation keeps getting worse,” he said.
An eyewitness, Collins Appiah Afrifa, also expressed deep frustration at the lack of police intervention.
“We’ve reported everything to the Police Commander at Mankranso, but still nothing has been done. We don’t trust the police anymore. If authorities in the region don’t act swiftly, we will be forced to protect ourselves,” he warned.
A youth leader, Kwadwo Asare, echoed similar sentiments and accused the District Chief Executive, Abubakar Saddick, of being complicit.
“The thugs themselves say they have the support of the DCE. We are giving him up to Friday to provide us protection or we’ll defend ourselves,” he stated firmly.
Residents are now appealing to the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Inspector General of Police to step in immediately to restore peace and protect lives and property in the troubled community.
