Crime & Punishment of Wednesday, 2 October 2024

Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

Chief Priest of Ngleshie Alata shot dead

The late Nii Ayitey Konko V, Ngleshie Alata Jamestown Sei Wulomo The late Nii Ayitey Konko V, Ngleshie Alata Jamestown Sei Wulomo

The Chief Priest of Ngleshie Alata, Nii Ayitey Konko V, has been shot dead at Jamestown, Accra, in a chieftaincy dispute.

The incident occurred last Friday, September 27, 2024, at about 7:30 PM, when unknown assailants shot and killed the chief priest.

The Dzaatsese of Ngleshie Alata, Nii Okojaman, addressing a press conference on the incident in Accra on Monday, described the cold-blooded murder of Nii Ayitey Konko V as a devastating and unfortunate loss.

He paid tribute to the late chief priest for his decade-long service to the community, marked by dedication and integrity.

Nii Okojaman expressed deep sorrow over the circumstances leading to the murder, stating that Nii Ayitey Konko had been the target of escalating violence and intimidation since the death of Oblempong Kojo Ababio V.

The Dzaatsese revealed that despite numerous reports to the Ghana Police Service, no protective measures were taken, leaving the chief priest vulnerable.

“The threats against Nii Ayitey Konko began after the passing of Oblempong Kojo Ababio V, with the opposing faction allegedly employing thugs and land guards to terrorize him,” Nii Okojaman disclosed.

He further disclosed that the late chief priest had applied for a police extract on August 29, 2024, detailing the incidents and seeking protection, but no action was taken prior to his tragic demise.

Nii Okojaman further said that a meeting was convened by the Regional Coordinating Council, chaired by the Regional Minister, to address the escalating concerns surrounding the late chief priest’s safety.

The Dzaatsese said at the meeting, the Regional Minister instructed the Regional Police Commander, Arhin, to act on Nii Ayitey Konko’s formal complaint, which highlighted the threats to his life and detailed previous reports he had filed.

However, according to Nii Okojaman, Commander Arhin failed to take action, instead showing support for the opposing faction, which had allegedly taken illegal control of the Ngleshie Alata Palace.

On September 19, 2024, Nii Ayitey Konko formally petitioned the Ghana Police Commander regarding the lack of response to his earlier complaints.

In the petition, he warned, “My life has been in danger… if I lose my life today, I have no one to blame but the Ghana Police,” underscoring the urgency of his situation, which was ultimately ignored.

Nii Okojaman urged the President of Ghana to intervene immediately to ensure the arrest of those responsible for Nii Ayitey Konko’s murder and also called on the Regional Minister to investigate Commander Arhin’s inaction.

“We will not be intimidated by Commander Arhin or the oppressors who took Nii Ayitey Konko’s life,” the Dzaatsese stressed.