RESIDENTS OF AKYEM HEMANG DEMONSTRATE TO DEMAND JUSTICE OVER SHOOTING INCIDENT

Story by Aikins Agyei

Residents of Akyem Hemang in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region have staged a demonstration to demand justice over the shooting to death of one Douglas Acheampong, who was allegedly shot by military men in broad daylight.

The demonstration was aimed at petitioning appropriate authorities including the District Chief Executive (DCE), the Ghana Armed Forces, the Member of Parliament (MP), Regional and District Police Commanders and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased and to demand that those responsible are held accountable.

Speaking to the media after presenting a petition, the Assemblyman for the Akyem Hemang Electoral Area, Hon. Darko Richmond, said the shooting has sparked concern and left residents devastated as they seek answers and justice.

He pleaded with President John Dramani Mahama to set up a committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and called on the Ghana Armed Forces to release the soldiers involved for investigation. He further appealed to appropriate authorities to add their voices to the call for justice for the late Douglas Acheampong.

Adding his voice, Mr. Abdul Kareem, Operations Manager of Narawa Mining Company, also called on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Douglas’s death to ensure justice is served.

Receiving the petition, the Fanteakwa South District Chief Executive, Madam Mercy Kwarng who received it on behalf of the President, assured residents that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for action. She acknowledged their frustration over the delay and assured them that due process would be followed to ensure justice.

As part of their efforts to seek redress, the residents also submitted a petition to the Fanteakwa South Member of Parliament, Hon. Duke Ofori Atta, for parliamentary intervention. Receiving the petition on behalf of the MP, Mr. Collins Agyekum (a.k.a. Colman),

Fanteakwa South Constituency NPP Chairman, pleaded with residents to remain calm and patient as the matter is being addressed through the appropriate channels and promised to deliver their message to the MP to ensure anyone found culpable is held accountable.