Minority Leader and Effutu Member of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the police and other security agencies to swiftly investigate the deadly violence in New Winneba and arrest persons found culpable.
Three people were killed and 15 others injured after individuals from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze and Gomoa Pomadze allegedly invaded New Winneba and attacked residents.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned how a group of youths from three neighbouring communities, allegedly armed with guns, machetes and clubs, could mobilise and enter New Winneba in broad daylight without attracting the attention of security personnel.
“My word to the Police, and I speak directly to the divisional commander. ACP, divisional commander, please. I have always told you to be firm. Please be firm and keep the peace,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said the police must demonstrate their authority by identifying those behind the violence and ensuring that they are brought to justice.
“This was not done in the night. It’s broad daylight, morning, walking, and chanting one song to another community,” he said.
He also questioned the level of security intelligence available ahead of the incident, particularly given the presence of a police station in the area.
“What did they do? What were their early warnings? These are quite disturbing,” he said.
The Minority Leader urged the Central Regional Police Command to work closely with Police Headquarters to identify both the organisers and participants in the attack.
“If indeed the Regional Command, assisted by the headquarters of Ghana Police, join forces and they get into the community day and night, within a week, I am very positive that they will get to know all those behind,” he said.
He further called for investigations into the source of the weapons allegedly used during the attack, including guns, machetes and clubs.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also cautioned residents against retaliatory attacks, warning that failure to deal decisively with the perpetrators could trigger further violence in the area.
“Nobody should take the law into his own hands or hers and plan any revenge,” he said.
He stressed that the immediate priority should be to identify and prosecute those responsible while restoring peace and security in New Winneba and the surrounding communities.