General News of Friday, 1 October 2010

Source: peacefmonline

Two gates clash over Odwira festival

Information reaching peacefmonline indicates that, violence has emerged again at Akuapem Mampong where they are preparing for the celebration of the 2010 edition of the Odwira festival in Akuapim tomorrow Friday, October 1.

Peace FM reporter at the scene, Michael Akumfi, who is in the town said the Bemuhene of the area did not support Nana Twumwaa Oforiwaa Amanfo I, as the new Bemuhemaa of the Akwapim-Akropong Traditional Area, and tried to stop the installation on Tuesday, September 28 but could not succeed.

The new Bemuhemaa was said to be going to swear the oath of allegiance to the Omanhene of Akuapem Mampong today and also pay homage to him, but the Bemuhene and his supporters rose again to stop them which led to another fight and exchange of gun-shots.

Even though nobody is reported dead, seven people are said to be seriously injured including a 10 year old child.

It will be recalled that a group of people believed to be against the installation of Madam Florence Darko, as the Bemuhemaa of the Akuapem Mampong traditional area took the law into their own hands and went on the rampage destroying lots of properties in the process.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Owusu of the Akropong Police who spoke to Peace FM News, say the police have restored calm in the town. He assured all visitors who are planning to come for the Odwira celebration not to be apprehensive because everything will go on as planned since there is a heavy police presence in the town to prevent any disturbances that will arise.

He said the police have not made any arrests yet.