The recent directive from the Cape Coast Magistrate’s Court regarding the fatal shooting incident at Mankessim over chieftaincy disputes has brought the need for expedited investigations to the forefront. The court has urged the prosecutors to swiftly conclude their investigations in order to facilitate an immediate full trial.
During the court proceedings, led by DSP Daniel Gadzo, it was revealed that investigators are still in the process of gathering additional evidence and retrieving the murder weapon. As a result, more time was requested to complete these crucial tasks.
In response to this request, the presiding judge, Madam Anita Sheila Crabbe, granted an extension and ordered that the investigations be concluded as quickly as possible to ensure that a full trial can commence before the end of the year. In light of this decision, Eric Ato Appiah Mends, the 45-year-old accused, has been remanded into prison custody and is set to reappear in court on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
The incident in question involves the alleged shooting and killing of Mr. Alfred Yamson, also known as Kwesi Mitchell, during rituals to commence the Odambea Festival, which is celebrated across the Nkusukum Traditional Area. The altercation occurred when two conflicting factions clashed during a procession through the Mankessim township with a cow to initiate the festival rituals.
While details surrounding the alleged shooting remain unclear, Ebusuapanyin Solomon Ato Budu-Hagan, Head of Family, Twidan Ebusua, Nkusumkum Amanse of Mankessim, expressed his side's perspective after the court hearing. He stated that their faction had attempted to halt the rituals due to perceived breaches of customs. According to him, there was no active kingmaker (Obaatan) available to perform the customary rites with the cow as required by tradition, as the Obaatan had been suspended.
Furthermore, he alleged that an outsider had been imposed upon them as Obaatan to conduct the rites, a decision that they vehemently opposed and subsequently petitioned relevant authorities, including the Regional House of Chiefs.
In recounting the tragic event, he emphasized that the accused person had fatally shot one of their kinsmen without any provocation during the ensuing misunderstanding.
In light of these developments, he expressed hope that both the police and the court would diligently work towards ensuring justice for the affected family.
The call for expedited investigations and a swift commencement of a full trial underscores the gravity of this situation. It is imperative that all parties involved work diligently to bring closure and justice to those affected by this unfortunate incident.
