Ashanti Police declare zero-tolerance for 'macho' violence

The Ashanti Region Police says it will not entertain any form of violence before or during the elections especially from muscled men popularly referred to as macho-men.

The Regional Command has since declared a zero-tolerance for violence perpetrated by these muscled men.

"To build your body is not a crime in Ghana but it becomes a problem when you use that physique to perpetrate acts that are criminal," ASP Mohammed Tanko Ashanti Region Police spokesperson said in an interview with Joy News Editor Dzifa Bampoh.

The declaration was made in reaction to a stabbing incident involving a machoman, Sani Mohammed who was accused of stabbing two Rev Fathers in Adugyama in the Ahafo Ano North District of the Ashanti Region.

Rev Father Daniel Affum and Rev Father Anthony Awuah were said to have been attacked without provocation.

"I can see that we are not safe here. For somebody to come from nowhere to pounce on us and nobody was there to rescue us. That has put me in fear," Rev Father Affum said in an interview with Ohemeng Tawiah.

The incident which happened Saturday left the two priests injured and Rev Awuah hospitalised.

Sani Mohammed has since been arrested and sent to the Regional Police Command where investigation is said to begin.

According to ASP Tanko, the suspect has apologised profusely to the victims and to the police for his actions but they will have none of that.

He said they will prosecute the suspect once investigation is concluded. He said the suspect is currently facing three counts of assault, unlawful harm and unlawful damage.

ASP Tanko believes the prosecution of the suspect will send a strong signal to all machomen that the police can entertain the muscle building phenomenon but will countenance any form of violence or intimidation by the macho men.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah