The Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, who spoke to journalists after being summoned by the Kumasi Traditional Council, however said authorities will not be in a rush to enforce order at the expense of peace and security.

[contextly_sidebar id=”shMLOzMaqrLRhv45MmTGtGTVjNHlYTqA”]Mr. Osei Mensah said REGSEC was still monitoring the security situation in the area and has since advised the District Chief Executive, Okyere Tawiah Antwi, to stay away until there is absolute calm at Foase.

“Until we relocate it [the district capital] will still be there… relocating an office is not an event. It is a process. First of all, they need office accommodation. Even if the town should offer some buildings, maybe they have to renovated and etc.”

“We are taking steps to make sure we enforce the ruling of the Supreme Court on May 22, 2012, but I cannot tell you that we are moving today or moving tomorrow. The process will continue and we want to ensure a smooth process so we won’t rush to get into a problem like we had,” the Minister explained.

Compensation for injured

Mr. Osei Mensah also hinted that Government will absorb the medical bills of residents who sustained injuries during the disturbances.

He was not however clear if families of the bereaved families will be compensated.

“… what I can say here is that the medical bills of those who were injured and then the deceased ones, that we can pay, but for the compensation, for now, I cannot talk about it.”

Assurances from Traditional Council

The Kumasi Traditional Council has resolved to assist stakeholders in enforcing the Supreme Court order to relocate the Atwima Kwanwoma’s District capital from Foase to Twedi.

This follows recent disturbances in the area after police opened fire to disperse residents who were protesting the relocation of the District capital.

The incident led to three deaths and several others sustaining injuries of which seven are still on admission at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

The Traditional Council on Thursday summoned the Ashanti Regional Security Council and the Atwima Kwanwoma District Council to answer questions on what triggered the disturbances.

The Council also questioned the use of live ammunition by police to disperse the residents and says the deaths could have been avoided if minimum force was used.

Sensitizing residents

The council has thus directed the Foase Traditional Council to sensitize residents on the relocation of the District capital.

Otumfuo Kyeamehene, Nana Nsuase Poku Agyeman III, who spoke to journalists says the Kumasi Traditional Council will hold a town hall meeting with residents of Foase for a peaceful relocation of the District capital.

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By: Hafiz Tijani/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Foase: We wont rush relocation of district capital – A/R Minister appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Members of the Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly recently called for a probe into events that left three people dead and several others injured at Foase.

The members have questioned the use of live ammunition by police in controlling rioting residents allegedly armed with sticks and stones over the relocation of the district capital.

The angry youth in the area last week mounted roadblocks and burnt car tyres to protest the relocation of the District capital from Ofoase to Twedie.

A confrontation between the youth and police officers who were deployed to the area to maintain order led to the death of three of the protesters.

One person died instantly, while the other two who were rushed to the hospital died some days later.

The Regional Minister who heads the Regional Security Council and the DCE for the area, among other members of both REGSEC and DISEC, are part of the meeting.

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By: Hafiz Tijani/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Kumasi Chiefs summon Minister, DCE over Foase deaths appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.