Kumasi Tafo unrest: 45 suspects release on REGSEC agreement

A road map for peace, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has ordered for an unconditional release of suspects arrested in this week’s cemetery lands disturbances at Tafo in Kumasi.About Forty-five (45) persons were swooped by the Police in connection with the riots that rocked the Tafo township last Wednesday.

The Muslim youth in the area clashed with

traditional authorities after a fence wall they were erecting was pulled down over allegations of encroachment.The incident claimed one life while several properties including a mosque and about six churches are reported to have been vandalized.
Mr. Kojo Bonsu, the Mayor for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), has confirned that the Ashanti REGSEC chaired by out-going Regional Minister Peter Anarfi Mensah Friday, held “marathon meetings” with feuding parties in an attempt to “create a working understanding for ceasefire in the area.”
The Kumasi Mayor revealed that an unconditional release of the suspects was key to calming tempers and hopes both sides will heed to the resolutions made.
“I can say tremendous understanding has been reached between both sides.
“It was agreed that all of the arrested suspects will be released for peace sake” a carefully speaking Kojo Bonsu told.
He continued: “Luckily for us, we have videos which captured some of the events during the disturbances… so the agreement is to release the people and when there is peace, we will arrest those identified in the video.
“I can say we will stick to our side of the understanding and will hope both parties will also stick to their sides for peace to reign.
“We need to build the confidence of both sides in order to resolve the matters that led to the incident,” Kojo Bonsu stated.
The hours of the dusk to dawn curfew which was imposed on the Tafo community last Wednesday has also been relaxed. It has now been fixed to start from 8pm and end at 4am.
Earlier in the day, the national Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu arrived in Kumasi and joined in the peace discussions.
The Ashanti Regional Peace Council also joined the Chief Imam and REGSEC as they visited both factions as well as the Manhyia Palace on Friday.