Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe, has described the recent unrest in Asawase as a challenging but familiar situation for the security services.
While calling for calm, he noted that although the current wave of violence is testing, it is not unprecedented. He assured the public that the turmoil will be effectively addressed.
DCOP Cudjoe made these remarks while addressing the media during a working visit by the President of the Ghana Journalists Association to Kumasi.
The Asawase community in Kumasi recorded two tragic incidents last week, raising serious concerns about safety and security in the Ashanti Region.
The wave of violence began with the assassination of Abdul-Malik Azenbe, the Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti Region, who was brutally gunned down at his home near the Asawase F-line community centre on July 22.
A couple of days later, another shooting occurred, where an unidentified man was targeted by gunmen on a motorbike.
Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe, insists the crime is part of the challenges the security services have had to deal with.
“Touching on what happened at Asawase, this may be a trying moment for the nation; however, it’s not something we have not been through or tackled before,” he said.
He urged media cooperation and public vigilance as he assured of the police’s commitment to restoring normalcy.
“We will urge the media to be circumspect in their reportage. We believe with the support of the media, the security setup is on top to clear this hurdle. We want to assure all citizens to feel safe and can promptly inform, and draw the attention of security organizations on whatever they see. We are dedicated to ensuring everything returns to normalcy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, noted that the seeming tension within the country is a test of police resilience.
He condemned the killings at Asawase and indicated the GJA’s interest in how the police tackle the situation.
“I am happy you have touched on Asawase. Our mandate is to be the watchdogs. The recent happenings raised concern and fear not only for people in the Ashanti Region but across the country. And many see it as an extension of the Bawku conflict.
“I am confident that the police are in a good position to restore calm to the area. Four months on office, this is a test case for you. And as GJA, we have already penned security situations in the country as a focus on our upcoming nation’s and press address, with a focus on Bawku and Asawase. We are watching keenly how the security services will restore order and bring calm,” he said
Clinton Yeboah
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