General News

Somanya rioters used petrol bomb – Police

A total of seven people were on Monday arrested by the police in relation to the disturbances at Somanya in the Eastern region.

Aside that, three people were injured during the clash.

Four others, who had earlier been arrested by the police were freed by the residents who were demonstrating against what they termed high electricity tariffs.

The demonstration was started on Friday spearheaded by the Assemblyman of the area.

They clashed with staff of the ECG over billing disagreements and caused damages to a pickup truck belonging to the ECG.

The police later arrested the assemblyman for initiating the unauthorized demonstration against the public order act.

On Monday morning, the residents went on rampage at the Somanya police station where they demanded the release of the assemblyman

The irate youth allegedly used a  petrol bomb to torch a police vehicle.

The residents attacked the police following the arrest of an assemblyman who organised a demonstration against the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)

According to the Eastern Regional Police Public Relation Officer, ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, the ringleader who had been sent to Koforidua was charged with organising unlawful demonstration and causing damage to the properties to the ECG.

“The demonstration was illegal and the demonstration turned riotous and they vandalised the office of the ECG,” he said

He added that some policemen were also injured during the demonstration.

In a radio interview with Accra based, Joy FM, ASP Tetteh said the six others will be charged with rioting and vandalizing police property.

He warned, “we are going to ensure that those who have planned ton react are stopped, anybody who will break the law or do anything at Somanya, that will lead to a chaotic situation, our men [police] are going to come on them and in accordance with the law we will arrest them and allow the law to take cause.”

For his part, the Member of Parliament for Yilo Krobo, Mr Magnus Kofi Amoateng condemned the police for the manner it handle the situation with regard to the clash between the residents of Somanya.

According to him, he had a meeting with the police after the demonstration last Friday and advised that the police should not move to effect an arrest for the time being since the situation was volatile and people were agitated.

He said although he did not support the actions of the residents, the move by the police was not right.

 

 

 

 

Source: graphic.com.gh

Show More

Related Articles

Leave Your Comment

Back to top button