8 Arrested over disturbances at Buru-Navio
Eight people were yesterday put before court for their alleged involvement in the burning down of the palace of Pe Adam Kwarasei II, the Chief of Buru-Navio, a community in Paga in the Kasena-Nankana West District in the Upper East Region.
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They were provisionally charged with causing damage and rioting with weapons.
According to the Kassena Nankana West District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Isaac Kojo Forson, last Thursday, a group of young people, numbering about 50 and wielding bows, arrows, machetes and guns, attacked the Buru-Navio at his palace.
He said the youth set fire to two rooms, burning personal belongings.
A Toyota Rav4 vehicle belonging to a resident of the community was also burnt.
The chief had to run for safety.
"As we speak, the chief is safe and alive but he is not in the town," DSP Forson indicated.
Remote cause
He explained that the remote cause of the disturbances might be the long-standing conflict between the Chief of Navio and the Paramount Chief of Paga, Pe Charles Awiah Awampaga II.
"Otherwise, I do not really know why a group of young people would go and attack a palace," he said.
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Allegation
DSP Forson refuted allegations by some youth of the Paga Traditional Area that he was fuelling tension in the area.
"Let me state here categorically that I do not belong to any of the factions because as a police officer, I have it as my duty to restore law and order, as well as protect life and property," he stressed.
The commander observed that the allegations were being levelled against him because of the arrest the police had made, as well as taking the suspects through legal procedures.
He stated that currently the situation was under control, adding that security had been beefed up in the area, while police reinforcement from Navrongo and Bolgatanga was on the ground.