Two scrap dealers have been lynched at Ntensere in the Ashanti Region following allegations of an attempted child abduction, an incident that has heightened fears within the scrap trade and renewed concerns over mob justice.
The killings occurred on Sunday, March 15, after a nine-year-old girl reportedly raised an alarm, claiming one of the men had placed her three-year-old brother in a sack.
Residents quickly mobilised, confronted the suspects and the situation escalated.
One of the accused was reportedly beaten to death at the scene, while the second fled but was later tracked to a nearby scrap facility, where he was attacked with stones and other objects and killed.
Bloodstains were still visible on a building near one of the locations on Monday.
However, eyewitness accounts have since raised questions about the incident. The girl later clarified that her younger brother was rescued unharmed, casting doubt on the circumstances that triggered the fatal attacks.
Condemning the incident, community member Godfred Amoah called for greater public education and restraint, warning against the dangers of mob justice.
“Instant justice is not good for society… Justice must prevail,” he said.
Leaders of the Metal Scrap Dealers Association in the Ashanti Region have also expressed concern over the safety of their members. The association’s regional head, Abubakar Aminu Champang, appealed to authorities to ensure justice and protect scrap dealers from further attacks.
He called for urgent intervention from national leaders, including President John Dramani Mahama, the Interior Minister, the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief Justice, stressing that recurring mob violence could lead to wider instability if not addressed.
Police at Kokoben have since launched an investigation into the incident.
Local opinion leaders note that this is not the first time scrap dealers in Ntensere have faced accusations of criminal activity and mob attacks, highlighting longstanding tensions between residents and those engaged in the scrap metal business.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh /Isaac Justice Bediako
