Agona abodom: Three suspected land guards were killed, whilst more than 20 people sustained injuries at Agona Abodom during a violent clash between residents and land guards allegedly from Greater Kasoa.
According to Ghana News Agency, eyewitness accounts indicated that the three deceased were not citizens of Agona Abodom. The police have yet to identify those killed during the clash, which occurred during the town's annual festival on Saturday. The witness noted that 11 of those injured were rushed to Agona Bobikuma Health Centre, while others were admitted to Gomoa Obuasi Health Centre and Swedru Municipal Government Hospital.
The incident also saw damage to property, including the NADMO Zonal office located at the Abodom chief's palace, as well as canopies and plastic chairs arranged for the Akwambo Festival durbar. The source further reported that two of the land guards who were admitted to Bobikuma Health Centre informed police that they were allegedly brought to Abodom by a citizen of the town residing in Kasoa.
The Tufuhene of the town, Nana Kusi Obrempong II, had previously sought an injunction at the Swedru High Court to restrain Mr. Kwesi Gyan, who claimed to be the town's chief, and others from celebrating the festival, but the court refused to grant it. The Omanhen of Agonanman, Okofo Ktakayi Nyakoh Eku X, had also expressed concerns during a Nyakrom Traditional Council meeting, urging the Agona West Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) to stop the celebration to prevent a clash.
Chieftaincy disputes in Abodom have been ongoing, and the Omanhene had advised the Agona West Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Eric Gyamfi Odoom, to take action as chairman of MUSEC to halt the festival led by the purported chief, Mr. Kwesi Gyan.
