Tabloid News of Tuesday, 22 July 2003

Source: GNA

Man stabbed to death over Miaso land dispute

Miaso (E/R), July 22, GNA- One person was stabbed to death and another seriously wounded, on June 24, following a violent clash between Krobo settler farmers and the Kwahu settlers over land dispute at Miaso No.1 near Begoro in the Eastern Region. The deceased was identified as Joe Dagomba, 30, a farmer and the injured, Kwaku Paddy, also a farmer, both from Miaso in the Fanteakwa District. Paddy is on admission at the Akim Tafo Government Hospital.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Miaso on Monday, Nana Bamfo Ampadu II, Chief of Miaso No. 2, said on June 21, Koforidua High Court gave a ruling over land dispute in favour of a group of farmers led by one Madam Gyamea of Akuapem Mampong and the other group led by one Major (rtd) Kilson. He said immediately after the court ruling, some farmers belonging to Madam Gyamea group allegedly attacked the Kwahu settlers and other Akan tribes including Northern settlers who they claimed were supporters of Major Kilson.

Nana Ampadu said the attackers destroyed farm produce and took away unspecified cash. He said a large number of Kwahu settlers and other tribes have taken refuge at Miaso No. 2 and were putting up with friends, relatives and in chapels.

When the Akyem Tafo Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Samuel Buabeng was contacted, he said, 17 persons who were arrested in connection with the case were granted bail when they appeared before a Koforidua Circuit Court to re-appear on July 28. He said one Foli Lartey who was suspected to have stabbed Dagomba had been arrested from his hideout at Bepong near Mpraeso in the Eastern Region and remanded in prison custody by the Begoro Magistrate's Court to appear on August 11. ASP Buabeng commended the Fanteakwa District Security Committee (DISEC) for their efforts to ensure peace in the area.