Chief Inspector Isaac Evans, Public Affairs Officer of the Police in the Central Region, says the Gomoa land ownership dispute that preceded the violence at New Winneba is a civil matter that must be resolved through the courts.
An earlier statement from the police reported that approximately 300 people from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze and Gomoa Pomadze, armed with guns, stones, cutlasses, and sticks, stormed the township at about 10:40 a.m., and attacked residents, stores, and homes belonging to inhabitants.
According to the statement, fifteen injured victims, including a police officer, were taken to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba. Medical officers on duty confirmed that three people had died as a result of the assault. Officers have arrested six suspects.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on the Morning Starr on Starr FM, he said the Police are focused on investigating the criminal acts allegedly committed during the dispute, including deaths, injuries and destruction of property.
“Anything regarding land litigation goes straight to the court. It’s not a criminal matter. But we will deal with the criminal part where people have died, properties have been destroyed and people have been injured. That’s what we’re picking up,” he said.
Chief Inspector Evans said the Police have since intensified security in the area, with increased patrols and route checks to prevent further violence.
“We have mounted route networks across the area where we’ll be searching and making sure nobody carries any weapons in the area again,” he said.
He added that plainclothes personnel have also been deployed to gather intelligence on the incident and identify persons who may be linked to the violence.
“We have our PID and CRD, plainclothes men around, and sniffing information for us,” he said.
Chief Inspector Evans also assured residents that the situation is under control and urged them to go about their normal duties while the security presence remains heightened.
“So, as soon as we hear from any president there, they should go out and do their normal duties,” he said.
The Police say investigations are continuing, with further arrests expected as they work to identify and prosecute persons found culpable for the criminal acts.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
