Chief Imam joins efforts to restore peace to Tafo

Kumasi, Feb.12, GNA - The National Chief Imam Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu has met the Tafohene, Nana Agyen Frimpong II, behind closed doors in a bid to restore peace and reset relations between the traditional council and the Muslim community.

Present at the meeting were the out-going Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Peter Anarfi Mensah, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr. Kojo Bonsu, and the regional security heads

Sheikh Sharabutu also held talks with followers of the Islamic religion and worshipped with them.

Irate Muslim youth, carrying guns, iron chains, machetes, axes and clubs on Wednesday went on the rampage in Tafo - vandalizing vehicles and smashing glass doors and windows of buildings and shops.

One person was killed and many others hurt during the mayhem.

So far about 45 people suspected to have been involved in the violent acts have been arrested by a combined team of soldiers and police officers deployed to the place.

A curfew imposed by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in the aftermath of the disturbances is still in force.

The action by the youth was a response to the leveling of a fence they were erecting around the Tafo public cemetery - a project that had drawn strong opposition from the chief and significant section of the population.

Nana Frimpong and the Tafo-Nhyiaeso Divisional Police Commander, were reportedly assaulted when they visited the site to persuade the youth to stop the construction, last Saturday.

The chief wants the controversy over the land delineated for the cemetery to be sorted first.

Sheikh Aremiyaw Shaibu, Spokesman for the Chief Imam told the press that the visit was to express his deep regret over the nasty incident and the misconduct of the youth.

Meanwhile, Mr. Anarfi Mensah has asked everybody to cooperate with the security agencies to maintain law and order.

GNA