Akyem Akooko violence: Queen Mother, 21 others in prison custody
The Queen Mother of Akim-Akooko, Nana Afia Korantemaa, and 21 other people who allegedly incited the youth of the town to attack a fetish priest, Nana Saka have been remanded into two weeks prison custody by the Koforidua Magistrate Court.
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Nana Korantemaa, and two other women are being kept at the female cells of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVSU) in Koforidua.
The remaining 19, which also includes the Abusua Panyin (family head), Yaw Okyere, the Dwantoahene, Kwesi Botwe, and the newly elected assembly member for the area, Yaw Bekoe are in the Koforidua Prison.
They are to reappear before the court on October 15, 2015.
The court was presided over by His Worship, Abdul Razak.
Presenting the facts of the matter, a State Prosecutor, Mr Cyril Boateng said on September 29, 2015, Nana Afia Korantemaa, the Abusua Panyin, Mr Yaw Okyere and the rest who were arrested instigated the youth of Akim-Akooko to attack the fetish priest, Nana Saka which resulted in a bloody clash, and loss of lives and properties.
The lawyer for the accused persons, Lawyer Nyarko Adu pleaded the court to grant the Queen Mother, and the Abusua Panyin bail since they were old, but his request was denied.
Background
Two persons were shot dead at Akim-Akooko, located in the East-Akim District of the Eastern Region following a violent clash between members of the community and supporters of a fetish priest, Nana Saka.
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Nine other people, including three policemen, were also injured from the gunshots fired during the clash.
Police report however, indicated that the three policemen who were injured in the clash have since been treated and discharged from the Suhum Government Hospital.
Assurances
Earlier, the Deputy Regional Police Commander, ACP James Abass Abaah assured the members of the community of police protection.
Currently, there is heavy police presence in the community to ward off any attempt to rekindle the conflict.
He had accompanied the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Antwi Boasiako Sekyere to the town to see the level of damage caused and to commensurate with bereaved families.
He assured the members of the community that the heavy police presence in the town was not to victimise or favour anybody but to ensure adequate peace and security.