3 shot, including 7-year-old as residents clash with police

A confrontation between an agitated crowd and the police in Akyem Asuom turned violent, resulting in the shooting of three residents, including a seven-year-old boy.

The police were called to intervene following disturbances between the local chief, Osabarima Ofosuhene Apenteng II, and the youth over the control of an old palace.

The situation degenerated into chaos as the police tried to prevent the crowd from attacking the chief.

The situation quickly spiralled out of control, leading to the shootings.

Two of the victims, a seven-year-old boy, Nana Kwasi, and 50-year-old Alex Twum were rushed to the St. Dominic Catholic Hospital in Akwatia for medical attention.

The third victim, Ofori Dominic, was treated and discharged at the Asuom Health Center.

In response to the unrest, Nana Boadi Amponim Obodade III, the Krontihene of Akyem Asuom, urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene and restore calm, emphasizing the need to protect children, the vulnerable, and properties in the area.

The youth in the community also expressed concerns about ongoing tensions in the area, sharing their accounts of the events leading to the violent confrontation.

To prevent further unrest, a joint military and police team has been deployed to Akyem Asuom.