Shooting in Nkwanta very worrying; let’s protect our peace – National Peace Council

The National Peace Council has issued a statement on the violent clashes in Nkwanta in the Oti Region.

The incident characterised by shooting has resulted in the death of some eight people.

In its statement, the National Peace Council described the violent clashes as worrying, adding that Ghanaians must do everything possible to protect the peace in the country.

“The Council expresses grave concern that the lives of Ghanaians, mostly in their youth, have been lost in these violent incidents which could have been avoided if the parties had exercised some restraint.

“The Council is worried about these unfortunate incidents and appeals to the Inspector General of Police and the security agencies to strengthen investigations already underway with the required resources to assure the affected families and the Ghanaian public of speedy justice,” parts of the release from the National Peace Council signed by its Chairman Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi said.

The Council wants Ghanaians to protect the peace and security of the country by creating and using avenues of tolerance, cooperation, and coexistence to sustain the country’s identity as an oasis of peace in Africa.

PRESS RELEASE BY THE NATIONAL PEACE COUNCIL ON THE RECENT VIOLENT INCIDENT IN SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTRY

The National Peace Council has followed with deep sorrow the unfortunate violent clashes in some parts of the country resulting in the deaths of some citizens of the country. Reports from Kintampo, in the Bono East Region, Nkwanta in the Oti Region, Wenchiki in the North-East Region indicate that violence has led to the destruction of lives and property in these affected communities.

The Council expresses grave concern that the lives of Ghanaians, mostly in their youth, have been lost in these violent incidents which could have been avoided if the parties had exercised some restraint. The Council is worried about these unfortunate incidents and appeals to the Inspector General of Police and the security agencies to strengthen investigations already underway with the required resources to assure the affected families and the Ghanaian public of speedy justice.

Meanwhile, the Council expresses its deepest condolences to the families in the three affected communities and encourages them and all concerned Ghanaians not to yield to any provocation and restrain themselves from taking the law into their own hands. The Council appeals for calm in these difficult times to enable the investigations to take their full course without hindrance while allowing the Regional Peace Councils and REGSEC to continue to facilitate the resolution of these conflicts.

The Council takes the opportunity to remind Ghanaians of paragraphs (c), (d) and (i) of article 41 of the 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana which states thus:

“41. The exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from the performance of duties and obligations, and accordingly, it shall be the duty of every citizen.

3. to foster national unity and live in harmony with others.

4. to respect the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of others, and generally to refrain from doing acts detrimental to the welfare of other persons.

(i) to co-operate with lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order;”.

Finally, the Council calls on all peoples of Ghana to protect the peace and security of the country by creating and using avenues of tolerance, cooperation, and coexistence to sustain the country’s identity as an oasis of peace in Africa.

Thank you.
SIGNED
REV DR ERNEST ADU GYAMFI
CHAIRMAN