The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has warned that all individuals involved in the violent confrontation between youth of Jacobu and police officers will be arrested and prosecuted.
One person was shot dead during the confrontation.
The incident, which has since gone viral on social media showed some youth fleeing the scene like “Usain Bolt”, occurred after a group mobilised to forcibly retrieve a pump-action gun earlier seized by police from a minor at an illegal mining site in the community.
According to police accounts, the deceased forcefully seized the firearm from an officer and attempted to escape, prompting the officers to open fire.
Speaking in an interview with Luv News, Dr. Amoakohene commended the two police officers involved for what he described as “standing their ground,” stressing that the state will not tolerate attacks on security personnel.
“The moment we support communities to mobilise and attack men in uniform, that will be the end of our society. If anyone disagrees with the lawful mandate of an officer, the courts are there. But to mobilise youth and attack security personnel is something we are strongly against,” he stated.
The Regional Minister disclosed that an emergency Regional Security Council (REGSEC) meeting has been convened to assess the incident and address other emerging security concerns in the region.
“Those who took part in the unlawful assembly and disobeyed lawful police orders will have to answer to the law. When we interrogate them, we will identify the root cause and whoever instigated the attack,” he added.
Dr. Amoakohene further revealed that the family of the deceased has expressed remorse and is cooperating fully with the police.
“The family is remorseful and acknowledges the sequence of events. Their appeal, through the Municipal Chief Executive, is for investigations to be conducted quickly so they can have access to the body for burial,” he said.
He, however, stressed that investigations will not be rushed, noting that all due processes must be followed before the body is released.
