Minister Summoned Over Foase Shooting

The Kumasi Traditional Council has initiated steps to address the issue behind the bloody protest at Foase in the Ashanti Region that led to the death of at least two residents.

The Council has blamed the handling of the relocation of the Atwima Kwanwoma District capital from Foase to Twedie for the escalation of the violence.

In a bid to get to the heart of the issue, the traditional leaders have summoned Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of the area and Ashanti Regional Police Commander over the clashes.

The three will update the Council on steps taken to avert future protest over the matter, Nhyira FM's Ohemeng Tawiah told Evans Mensah on Joy FM's Top Story.

Related Article: 2 killed in protest over relocation of district capital at Foase

The dispute over the relocation of the capital of the Atwima Kwanwoma District dates back to 2012 when the Supreme Court ordered it to be moved from Foase to Twedie.

Foase had served as the capital of the district since 2008 when it was carved out of the then Bosomtwe Atwima Kwanwoma District by the government of ex-president John Kufuor in 2007.

But the apex court's ruling was not implemented until a new Legislative Instrument (L.I) was laid in Parliament in 2017 to properly site the capital at Twedie.

Deputy Local Government Minister O.B Amoah
Reacting to the development, Deputy Local Government Minister O.B Amoah absolved the government of any wrongdoing, saying it only took steps to implement the Court's ruling.

He has assured Ghanaians the Ministry will engage with opinion leaders in both towns to find amicable ways to settle the issue.

But Asante Akim North Member of Parliament (MP) Andy Appiah-Kubi has recommended the payment of compensation to persons who will be affected by the relocation.

The lawmaker supported the steps taken by the Local Government Ministry to relocate the district capital to Twedie, saying no one can ignore the ruling of the apex court.