Chief reportedly shot, as Larteh tension boils over

Tension has reached dangerous levels at Larteh-Akuapem in the Eastern Region, following a confrontation between the Larteh Kubease and Ahenease factions, during which a chief was reportedly shot in the hand on Saturday.

The incident, which occurred amid a longstanding traditional dispute between the two factions also resulted in police intervention, with tear gas reportedly fired to disperse the disputing groups.

At least, two people have reportedly been hospitalised at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Koforidua, after being affected by the tear gas. They have been identified as the Larteh Ahenease Asafoatse and Adu-Nyarko Ebenezer.

The latest confrontation has heightened fears of a possible escalation of the dispute, with residents and commuters caught up in the unrest.

ROAD BLOCKED

The situation reportedly became particularly tense at the Larteh Presby Junction, where the road linking the area was blocked, disrupting vehicular and pedestrian movement.

Eyewitnesses told The Chronicle that members and supporters of the opposing factions converged at the scene, resulting in a chaotic situation that forced some residents to flee for their safety.

The police subsequently moved into the area and reportedly deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order. The circumstances surrounding the reported shooting of the chief were also yet to be officially established.

CALL FOR URGENT INTERVENTION

The renewed confrontation has brought to the fore the longstanding dispute between the Kubease and Ahenease factions over traditional authority and the identity of the two communities.

The Kubease side insists that Larteh comprises two distinct towns and is opposed to any arrangement that, in its view, seeks to merge the two communities or place them under a single traditional authority.

Speaking amid the escalating tension, the Larteh Kubease Twafohene and Adweso Kyidomhene, Osaberimah Kwame Asah Tawiah I, called for urgent intervention by the government and traditional authorities.

He appealed to the President, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Eastern Regional authorities, the security agencies and the Okuapehene to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.

“We are calling for government intervention before it is too late,” he said.

Osaberimah Kwame Asah Tawiah I stressed the need for dialogue and restraint, warning that the growing tension could have serious consequences if not addressed promptly.

The Kubease side maintained that its position was not intended to promote conflict but to protect what it described as the distinct traditional identity of the two communities.

“We do not want conflict. We do not want bloodshed. We want peace, justice, truth and respect for the traditional identity of the people of Larteh,” the position stated.

Residents have similarly called for calm, urging the authorities to bring all the disputing parties together to find a lasting solution to the dispute.

SECURITY PRESENCE

The latest incident has renewed calls for a stronger security presence in Larteh to prevent further clashes and protect residents and property.

As at press time, the extent of injuries arising from the confrontation, apart from the reported injury to the chief and the two persons admitted to hospital, had not been officially confirmed.

There was also no official confirmation regarding arrests or the identity of the person or persons responsible for the reported shooting.

The Chronicle understands that the security authorities are monitoring the situation as efforts continue to restore calm to the community.

The Chronicle will continue to follow the development and publish verified information as it becomes available.

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