Regional News of Friday, 14 October 2011

Source: GNA

Ejura youth demands probe into mysterious deaths

Ejura (Ash), Oct. 14, GNA – A section of the youth at Ejura in the Ashanti Region, on Thursday protested against what they described as the mysterious deaths at the Ejura District Hospital in recent times.

They alleged that in the last four months about seven patients, all residents of Ejura who visited the hospital had died under strange circumstances and demanded an enquiry into the incidence.

The latest incident that triggered the demonstration was the death of one Abiba Issah, a resident of Sabon-Line near Ejura, who is said to have died under a bizarre circumstance on Thursday morning.

The deceased had since been buried in accordance with Islamic tenets.

The youth, clad in red, marched through the principal streets of Ejura, carrying placards some of which read: “We can no longer contain the fear,” “Ejura residents, stand up and fight for your right,” “ Who is responsible for these deaths?” and “Act now Madam DCE (District Chief Executive).”

Some of the aggrieved youth had earlier besieged the hospital premises and vandalised the laboratory, a refrigerator and some equipment.

When the Ghana News Agency (GNA) got to the scene, the District Security Committee (DISEC) had detailed security personnel to the hospital to maintain order.

The hospital premises was also temporary sealed off with some patients and staff running for their dear lives.

Mr Sulemana Abubakari, the Spokesperson, told the GNA that the death toll was too high, explaining that the residents suspected foul play and therefore demanded an investigations into the occurrence.

“Most of the deaths occur soon after surgery had been performed on patients and we are becoming apprehensive of the trend,” he lamented.

He called for mass transfer of staff of the hospital, saying the youth would otherwise have no choice than to take the law into their own hands for the right thing to be done.

Madam Martha Bruckner, District Chief Executive (DCE), who addressed the youth, appealed for calm and assured them that the DISEC would take the matter up for further investigations.