Regional News of Saturday, 15 August 2009

Source: GNA

Homowo in dispute areas to be restricted to family homes

Accra, Aug. 15, GNA - The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) on Friday directed all people in Osu and Teshie to celebrate this year's Homowo festival peacefully, except in areas where disputes existed.

As a result, the Council, on Friday directed the police to ensure that places where disputes have been reported, the celebrations were restricted to only the family homes.

A statement signed by Mr .F .T. Nartey, Chief Director of REGSEC on behalf of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, said the sprinkling of "Kpokpoi" (the traditional festival meal), therefore, should be restricted to the family homes and not to be extended unto the streets at these trouble spots.

"The due process of law should be made to take its course to ensure that peace and harmony prevail during the celebration and any person who flouts the law should be dealt with in accordance with dictates of the law," the statement warned.

It said government would not sit down for anybody to take the law into their own hands adding "Security services have been put on full alert to deal with any malcontents according to law".

The statement said the directive followed a meeting held with representatives of the Osu and Teshie traditional areas.

It noted that there existed disputes in some parts of the two traditional areas and REGSEC particular concern was the installation of rival chief in some divisional areas in Osu and Teshie.