General News of Thursday, 26 February 2009

Source: GNA

Fear grips Atronie as six people disappear

Atronie (B/A), Feb. 26, GNA - Fear has gripped the people of Atronie, a farming community in Sunyani Municipality, and its environs following the disappearance of six residents within the past three months.

A spokesperson for the residents told the Ghana News Agency that the latest incident happened two weeks ago when a 68-year-old basket weaver went to the bush to collect some materials for his work but has not returned.

Mrs. Akua Anima, a farmer, said people of northern extraction, most of whom could not speak Twi, had been the most affected. She said the bodies of two out of the six missing persons including a 12-year-old boy were found at Atronie and Kuffour Camp. Mr. Kwabena Nimo, a taxi driver, corroborated what Mrs. Anima had said and alleged that some private cars that were usually found parked at some points on the Sunyani/Atronie main road at midnight could be the source of the disappearances.

He said the most dangerous places were Timber junction and a teak plantation at the outskirts of Atronie. The people claimed they had made several complaints to the Sunyani District Police but had not received any response. When contacted Superintendent of Police Charles Botwe, Sunyani District Police Commander, said the police were yet to receive a report on the situation.