Resolve Ejura violence: Mahama tells Akufo-Addo
Former President John Dramani Mahama has entreated the government to immediately initiate measures to halt further agitation, injury and killing of people in Ejura in the Ashanti Region.
He has also asked the government to investigate the murder of social media activist Ibrahim Muhammed (Kaaka) and the consequent killing of two others by security forces in Ejura on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
He also called for calm following the tension in the area
In his statement on the situation, he said, “I have just seen a video of the firing of live ammunition into a crowd by persons wearing military attire, after the burial of the murdered youth activist. I urgently call on President Nana Akufo-Addo to initiate an immediate de-escalation of the situation in Ejura.”
“There must be a very thorough investigation of both the murder of the youth activist and the security rules of engagement, which resulted in the shooting to death of the two others,” former President Mahama added.
He also used the opportunity to express his thoughts and prayers with the families of the victims and the Ejura community.
Relative calm
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Police Command said it has restored calm and order and beefed up security at Ejura.
The Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Godwin Ahianyo, in a media briefing, said that the authorities were not taking chances despite the relative calm.
“The Ghana Police Command and representatives of the National Security Council, as well as traditional authorities, have met the leadership of Dagomba-Line to impress on the aggrieved youth to remain calm,” he noted.
The community witnessed an incident of violence as security officers fired gunshots to disperse demonstrating residents.
This incident followed the burial of Kaaka, 45, who was reportedly assaulted brutally while returning home on a motorbike on Saturday night.
Kaaka died on Monday at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Two suspects arrested
Ibrahim Issaka, alias Anyaas, and Fuseini Alhassan have been arrested for the alleged murder.
Both suspects were arrested at about 10:45 pm on Monday, June 28, 2021, following police intelligence.
Witness accounts showed that the deceased was ambushed in front of his house when he was returning home on his motorbike at about 1:30 am on Sunday, June 27, 2021.
Ibrahim was rushed to the Ejura Government Hospital to receive medical treatment after the attack, where he died.
Kaaka’s social media activism
Identified as an NPP sympathiser by some social media users, Kaaka, before his death, took to social media where he posts critiques in the Ejura Municipality and other issues of national importance.
A cursory look through his posts shows that the deceased was interested in social issues significantly.
His last activity on Facebook was to share a post criticising the arrest of 15 members of the #TheFixCountry at the High Court Complex on June 25.