Ellembelle Police rescue Chinese workers from hostage

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Esiama (W/R), July 24,GNA - Five Chinese construction workers were rescued by the police on Wednesday after being held hostage for hours by residents of EKpandue in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.

The angry mob attacked the Chinese workers constructing the transnational road from Lord Two to Elubo.

The Ellembelle District Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) John Vordzorgbe, told the Ghana News Agency at Esiama that the Ekpandue residents accused the Chinese contractors undertaking the road project for failing to pay them compensation after demolishing their property to pave way for the road construction.

He said it took re-enforcement from the Ellembelle District Police Command to rescue the Chinese from the rampaging mob who chanted war songs and wore red arm bands.

He said the police managed to calm tempers and explained to them that it was the Government that was supposed to pay them compensation for property destroyed and not the Chinese contractors.

ASP Vordorgbe said no arrest was made due to the large number of residents involved in the attack and said investigation was ongoing.

Meanwhile, Mr Daniel Kamatu Eshun, District Chief Executive, said the Land Valuation Board had taken records of persons whose property were affected and forwarded them through the Ghana Highways Authority to the Finance Ministry for the necessary payment.

He advised the residents to exercise restraint to avoid a brush with the law and commended the police for their quick intervention to save lives and property.

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