Isaac Ashai Odamtten, the Member of Parliament for Tema East, has strongly condemned the recent outbreak of violence during the Kpelejoo festival.
According to Hon. Odamtten, the clash was poorly handled by the navy.
It all unfolded on the evening of Friday, April 12, 2024, when a conflict erupted between the youth of Tema New Town and naval personnel, tragically resulting in the loss of two lives.
The incident took place during a street procession organized by the youth as part of the annual Kplejoo festival. As they reached the street adjacent to the Eastern Naval Command, tensions escalated, leading to a confrontation between the youth and the naval officers on duty.
In the midst of the chaos, a group reportedly targeted a vehicle belonging to the Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy, causing significant damage.
During an appearance on Ahotor 92.3 FM‘s Saturday political show, Yepe Ahunu, Hon. Ashai Odamtten called for a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible face legal consequences.
LISTEN TO ISAAC ASHAI ODAMTTEN IN THIS AUDIO:
However, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in a statement issued on Saturday, April 13, sternly warned that any further acts of aggression would be met with appropriate measures.
The GAF stated that three navy personnel aboard the vehicle sustained serious injuries and were promptly taken to the Tema Naval Base Medical Centre for treatment.
Additionally, the GAF reported that a mob attacked both the Tema Naval Base and the Naval Barracks at Tema New Town (Biekro Barracks) on the same day, causing damage to property.
In response to the GAF’s statement, Hon. Ashai Odamtten expressed his belief that such measures would not contribute to peace in the area. Instead, he advocated for a roundtable discussion to seek a lasting solution to the underlying issues.
LISTEN TO ISAAC ASHAI ODAMTTEN AGAIN IN THIS AUDIO:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites) / Ahotoronline.com