By Akushey OTOO
Tensions in James Town escalated dramatically yesterday evening, culminating in a violent attack on Asafoatse Bediako, who was viciously slashed with a cutlass.
The bloody clash is believed to stem from the protracted chieftaincy dispute in the area.
Eyewitnesses report that supporters of Prince Asharku launched the attack while police officers were present but allegedly failed to intervene. Video evidence in possession of this paper shows a police vehicle parked at the scene, while the assailants reportedly fled without any arrests being made.
One police officer, identified only as Ana’s, is being accused by residents of siding with Prince Asharku and failing to uphold the law.
According to one of the Asafoatsemei who witnessed the incident, they were sitting at Mantse We, where they always sit, when the policeman identified as Ana’s approached them and asked them to vacate the spot.
“We asked him why and insisted we won’t leave, because that is where we always sit. All of a sudden, Ana’s started firing warning shots and this emboldened the Asharku guys to attack us,” the Asafoatse recounted.
The warning shots, according to him, triggered the attack which left Asafoatse Bediako with severe cutlass wounds.
Asafoatse Bediako was rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital where he is currently on admission receiving treatment. Sources indicate that his condition is stable but critical.
Residents and traditional leaders are expressing outrage over the incident and are calling for immediate action from the police hierarchy, demanding that officer Ana’s be questioned over his conduct. According to sources Ana’s and one Crime officer at the James Town Police Station must be questioned because they feed the Commander with false information and then uses that to arrest those who have been attacked while the attackers go scott free because they have sided with Prince Asharku and they rather take instructions from him. This behaviour is the major reason why the latest clash happened, they must therefore be questioned and transferred if need be.
“The police were there. They just stood and watched while they slashed Asafoatse Bediako with cutlasses. It was terrifying,” recounted an eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous.
Residents are also calling on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene as a matter of urgency before the situation gets out of hand.
As of last night, the Accra Regional Police Command had not released an official statement regarding the incident or the alleged failure of its officers to act.
More updates soon.