The installation of a new chief and Queen mother at Akyem Anamase, a farming community in the Achiase District of the Eastern Region turned violent.
Scores of residents, including Akua Effah, who was slated to be installed as Queen mother with the stool name – Nana Abena Anin-Agyaa II – sustained various degrees of injuries last Thursday, due to the violence that ensued.
The installation of the two most important persons in the farming community, which arguably marks a significant moment for the area, as it ushers in a new chapter in its traditional and cultural governance,rather left gruesome memories.
Traditionally, the installation of a new chief is an occasion of great cultural and social importance, as the chief is viewed as a figure of authority, unity and a steward for the community’s development.
However, the ceremony, which should have been a celebratory one, was marred by an unexpected violent attack, when some unidentified assailants opened fire on individuals attending the event.
Madam Akua Effah (Nana Abena Anin-Agyaa II) and 10 others were severely injured in the process after unidentified assailants, dressed in black T-shirts, allegedly opened fire on them, prior to their arrival at the durbar grounds.
The other victims are;Opanin Kwame Amo, Abusuabaatan of the Anamase Oyoko Royal Family, Nana Atta Debrah and the Abusuapanin of the Akyem Bosome Traditional Area, Nimako Richard, Kwabena Ahenkorah, Akwasi Owusu, Alfred Boamah, DJ Paste, Kofi Boadi, Teacher Azuku and Elvis Amportey.
Apart from Madam Akua Effah who was still at the Oda Government Hospital and responding to treatment, as at the time of filing this report, the rest were treated and discharged on the same day.
The unidentified thugs further vandalised the chairs and tables, canopies, Public Address (PA) systems mounted for the programme at both Ohenemaa Nana Abena Anin-Agyaa’s house and Opanin John Botwe’s house respectively.
The windscreen and body of a Mitsubishi L 250 Pickup, with registration number GC 846-22 were damaged by the unscrupulous individuals after they fired many bullets at it.
The attack has left the local community in shock, as many were caught off guard by the unexpected violence.
The resilient community members, however, went on with the installation of the new chief, who is known in private life as Odehyie Yaw Badu-Mensah, a Law student at the University of Ghana and a seasoned Maritime Consultant at the Tema Port.
His stool name is Nana Akwasi Awuah III and he’s poised to lead Akyem Anamase into the future with focus on unity, development and prosperity.
Nana Akwasi Awuah III, the newly installed chief of Akyem Anamase has, however, called for unity within the community.
In his address, he urged his people to focus on development rather than internal conflicts, as he emphasised the importance of collaboration for the advancement of Akyem Anamase and the broader Akyem Bosome Traditional Area.
“This incident is a setback, but it should not define us. We must stand together and work towards the betterment of our community. Fighting amongst ourselves will only hinder progress. It is time for us to put our differences aside and unite for the growth and prosperity of Akyem Anamase,” Nana Akwasi Awuah III stated.
Nana Akwasi Awuah III emphasised that fighting among themselves will not lead to any positive result and his call for unity is not just about avoiding conflict, but also about redirecting the community’s energy towards development.
He continued that with cooperation, the people of Akyem Anamase could focus on improving infrastructure, education, healthcare and other essential aspects of their lives, leading to a long-term growth.
In an interview with some of the victims, who are currently receiving treatment, they hinted that they were sent from the traditional capital of the Akyem Bosome Traditional Area to Akyem Anamase to assist with the installation of the new chief, Nana Akwasi Awuah III.
“As soon as we realised that the gunshots were being fired by individuals sent by an unknown person to harm us.
“We immediately fled the area. Those who sustained injuries were quickly rushed to the Akyem Oda Government Hospital for medical treatment,” one of the victims explained.
Abusuapanin Nana Atta Debrah condemned the attack and urged the community, especially the youth, to refrain from acts of retaliation, emphasising on the need to allow the law to take its course in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“It is unfortunate that such a peaceful occasion turned into violence, but I urge our youth not to seek revenge. Instead, let us allow the law enforcement authorities to investigate and deal with those responsible for this unlawful act,” Nana Debrah advised.
The local police have launched an investigation into the attack, but as of now, no arrests have been made. The authorities are reportedly following several leads to uncover the identity of those behind the shooting.
The motive behind the assault remains unclear, though some suspect that it could be linked to internal disputes within the community regarding the installation of the new chief as local leaders and residents call for peace and security to be restored in the area.
Some residents, who spoke to this paper on condition of anonymity praised Nana Akwasi Awuah III’s call for unity, adding that it is central to restoring harmony and ensuring the future prosperity of Akyem Anamase.
According to them, the call for unity by Nana Akwasi Awuah III, the newly installed chief of Akyem Anamase, holds significant importance for the community, especially in the wake of the violent incident that disrupted the installation ceremony.
To them, the chief’s plea is a crucial step toward healing and rebuilding the social fabric of the community.
They further believed that his leadership during this turbulent time has the potential to not only heal the community’s wounds, but also chart a course for a more cohesive and development-focused future.
“With the call for unity from the newly installed chief, Nana Akwasi Awuah III, there is the potential for the community to come together in the face of adversity.
The violence, while traumatic, could serve as a turning point where old divisions are set aside in favour of collective healing”, they disclosed.
