The police at Kumbungu in the Northern region reportedly opened fire sporadically injuring one person after they were called to quell an ‘illegal demonstration’ by the youth of Dalun, who had forcibly taken control management of revenues accrue from a sea sand mining site after they accused the District assembly of mismanagement.
The Police arrested some three individuals selected as local revenue collectors after a misunderstanding between the youth and officials from the assembly, leader of the youth Safianu Mahama told Starr News.
According to him, another person was picked up Monday which angered the youth to mount roadblocks, create rumble strips and staged a wild demonstration to protest the arrest.
Mahama added that suddenly an armed police arrived in the community and started firing “life bullets” at the youth who were unarmed.
He told Starr News an unidentified minor was hit by stray bullet and currently being treated at Tamale Teaching Hospital.
The police and the District Chief Executive were not readily available for comments but Member of Parliament-elect Ras Mubarak said he was aware of a misunderstanding in the community but added he could not confirm the allegations against the police.
Explaining what triggered the seizure of the site, Mr. Mahama said authorities of the assembly reneged on their promise to allocate 60% of the revenue to develop the community.
The activities have affected many farm lands and damaged water bodies but there is nothing in the community to show, the youth leader added.
He said the youth will continue to be directly involved in management of resources found in the community and will not be intimidated.
This is not the first time the youth of Dalun have rebelled against authorities for negligence and underdevelopment.
In April this year, some regional executives of the ruling government including Ras Mubarak for the constituency were reportedly chased away for failing to provide them good roads, an incident the chief of the community personally denied.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM/Eliasu Tanko
