The Assemblyman for Kraboa-Coaltar in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, Ebenezer Ofori, has expressed concern over the current state of fear among residents following a violent invasion by suspected landguards on Thursday, which resulted in one death and multiple injuries.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem program, Mr. Ofori revealed that this was not the first incident of violence in the area, and residents are worried about the ongoing clashes, which threaten their safety.
“We are predominantly farmers, but everyone is locked up in their homes. Some have fled, and even as the leader, I am not safe,” he said.
Mr. Ofori confirmed that one person was shot dead while six others suffered gunshot wounds, with injuries to their legs and other parts of their bodies.
No arrests have been made yet. However, Mr. Ofori pledged to engage the District Police Commander for more details on the situation, as he was not present at the time of the attack.
Although residents have accused the Coaltar chief, Barima Okekrebesi Asiedu II, of bringing in the landguards, Mr. Ofori stated that he would leave the matter to the police for investigation.
He added that it was too early to assign blame, though he noted that such incidents were not new to the area.
“This is not the first time residents have been terrorized, and farmlands are being destroyed for sand winning activities,” he said. “I have been a victim myself and have faced numerous threats, particularly from the Dabrihene of Coaltar.”
Mr. Ofori expressed his resistance to these illegal activities since he assumed office in 2019, emphasizing that people’s livelihoods are being destroyed and the situation cannot continue.
In light of the ongoing violence, the Assemblyman has appealed to the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin, to intervene swiftly to restore calm and address the growing concerns, urging that people are perpetuating these illegal activities in his name.
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