New Winneba Clash: Assemblies to pay medical bills of 17 injured

The Effutu Municipal and Gomoa Central District Assemblies have agreed to cover the medical expenses of 17 people injured in the recent violent clash over the ownership of New Winneba.

The decision was announced on Wednesday, September 2, after officials from both assemblies visited the affected communities and inspected the hospitals where the injured are being treated.

The violence reportedly broke out after residents from Gomoa Pomadze, Ayensuadze and Oguaakrom entered New Winneba to press their claim to the community. The incident left three people dead and 17 others injured.

Following an assessment of the situation, Effutu Municipal Chief Executive Atta Mensah said the two assemblies would work together to ensure that the victims receive the necessary medical attention without having to worry about their hospital bills.

He noted that many of those injured sustained gunshot wounds, making it necessary for the assemblies to provide financial support for their treatment.

Mr Mensah also said additional security measures had been introduced in the area to protect residents and prevent further violence.

Meanwhile, Gomoa Central District Chief Executive Hackman Kwabena Adu has appealed to residents and community leaders to remain calm as authorities work to ease tensions.

He also called on politicians and other influential individuals to avoid comments or actions that could heighten tensions and provoke another confrontation.

The police have meanwhile arrested six people suspected to have taken part in the violence.

The suspects are 52-year-old Kweku Kakraba; 19-year-olds Arko Thomas and Samuel Tulasi; 22-year-olds Samuel Gyasi, Emmanuel Okyere and Seth Osei.

Security agencies have also stepped up surveillance and operations in the area, including the establishment of checkpoints, to prevent any further escalation of the conflict.