The Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Zongo Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Sheikh Muhammad Ridwan, has condemned the recent killing of Chief Abdul-Malik Azenbe, a community chief, describing it as a major setback to peace efforts in the region.
He said the incident undermined recent attempts by the committee to encourage dialogue and calm tensions in the Zongo communities.
Chief Azenbe was shot and killed at his residence in Asawasi F-Line, near the community centre.
Call for calm
The committee cautioned against speculation, especially attempts to link the incident to ethnic tensions, saying no evidence supports that claim.
It urged the public to support the investigative process and avoid inflaming passions.
“We urge the general public to remain calm and allow the police and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation,” he said.
The committee also extended its condolences to the bereaved family, the Kusasi fraternity and the entire Zongo community.
It also called on the Ghana Police Service to act swiftly and professionally to arrest those responsible.
“This act of violence is not only regrettable but also a threat to the peace and security we all strive to maintain and we leave it to the police to do a thorough investigation into the murder case,” he said.
Poor logistics
Sheikh Ridwan stated that the committee’s work has been hampered by inadequate resources and logistical challenges.
He added that proper support could have enabled earlier intervention to prevent the tragedy.
“We must also state that our efforts have been greatly hampered by the lack of adequate logistics and resources,” he said.
The Peace Committee said it had met with the two feuding factions some weeks ago as part of preventive steps.
The engagement was initiated under the directive of the Ashanti Regional Imam and held at the regional level.
The discussions were aimed at resolving tensions and promoting lasting peace in the community.
The committee is calling on government, civil society groups and the general public to invest more in peacebuilding structures.
“Peace is a shared responsibility. Let us all work together to preserve it,” he said.
Background
Chief Abdul-Malik Azenbe, the Kusasi Chief in the Ashanti Region and also the Kaadi Divisional Area Chief in Binduri, Upper East Region, was tragically shot and killed by unknown assailants in Asawase, Kumasi.
The incident occurred when two men on a motorbike attacked him outside his residence.
He was pronounced dead at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital after being initially taken to the Manhyia District Hospital. Police are investigating, and the Ashanti Regional Police Command has given an assurance that efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
