The small farming and mining community of Mpasaaso No. 1 and No. 2 in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region has been plunged into fear and uncertainty following a violent gang clash that claimed one life and left three others critically injured, including a pregnant woman. The incident, which occurred at approximately 3:00 PM on Wednesday, marks the latest in a series of violent confrontations that have rocked the community in recent years.
Residents have been left shaken by the severity of the attack, which not only resulted in tragic loss of life but has also disrupted daily activities in the area. Farmers are reportedly staying away from their fields, and students are too frightened to attend school. The community, which relies heavily on agriculture and mining for its livelihood, now faces heightened insecurity and economic uncertainty.
A History of Violence
The cause of this latest clash remains unclear, but locals say it is one of the most severe incidents to date. Mpasaaso has long struggled with recurring violence, and Wednesday’s events have further deepened frustrations among residents over the apparent inability of authorities to address the issue effectively.
In a particularly alarming development, the assailants allegedly targeted the residence of the Queen Mother of Mpasaaso No. 2, ransacking her room and destroying property in what many believe was an act of intimidation. The attack has raised concerns over the safety of community leaders and the potential for further escalation.
Calls for Action
Community leaders and residents have expressed their dismay at the lack of intervention by authorities. Mr. Dwamena Mensah, the Abusuapanin (family head) of Mpasaaso No. 2, voiced his frustration during an interaction with the media.
“This is not the first time such an incident has happened here. We’ve made countless complaints, but no arrests have ever been made. The situation keeps getting worse,” he lamented.
Eyewitnesses have also criticized local law enforcement for its perceived inaction. Collins Appiah Afrifa, who witnessed the incident, shared his disappointment with the police response.
“We’ve reported everything to the Police Commander at Mankranso, but still nothing has been done. We don’t trust the police anymore. If authorities in the region don’t act swiftly, we will be forced to protect ourselves,” he warned.
Allegations Against Local Authorities
The community’s frustrations have extended to local government officials, with some accusing them of complicity in the ongoing violence. Kwadwo Asare, a youth leader in Mpasaaso, pointed fingers at the District Chief Executive (DCE), Abubakar Saddick, alleging that the assailants claim to have his support.
“The thugs themselves say they have the support of the DCE. We are giving him up to Friday to provide us protection or we’ll defend ourselves,” Asare stated firmly.
These allegations have added another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation, with residents demanding immediate intervention from higher authorities to ensure their safety.
Plea for Intervention
The people of Mpasaaso are now appealing to the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Inspector General of Police to step in and restore peace to their troubled community. They are seeking urgent measures to protect lives and property while calling for accountability from those responsible for the violence.
As tensions continue to rise, there is growing concern that failure to act decisively could lead to further unrest. The residents’ resolve to protect themselves if authorities remain inactive underscores the urgency of addressing their grievances before the situation spirals out of control.
The tragic events in Mpasaaso highlight the pressing need for effective security measures and responsive governance in conflict-prone communities. Without swift intervention, this once-thriving farming and mining hub risks being consumed by instability and fear. It is now up to regional and national authorities to heed the calls for action and restore hope to a community under siege.
-Adomonline
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
