A joint Police and Military team deployed to Banda has arrested the key suspect in the stabbing and killing of 28-year-old teacher trainee graduate, Silas Wulochamey.
The suspect was picked up on thuesday night at Banda Kabrono, the community where the fatal attack occurred.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the suspect or provide details on the charges.
Silas Wulochamey died on July 14, 2020, at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital, a day after he was allegedly stabbed during violent clashes linked to the voter registration exercise in the Banda District.
The incident occurred on Monday, July 13, 2020, while Silas was returning from a visit to his pastor at Wenchi Methodist Church.
His vehicle, traveling from Wenchi to Banda Ahenkroh, was reportedly attacked at Kabrono, leading to the stabbing that claimed his life.
Traditional Council’s Ultimatum
Prior to the arrest, the Banda Traditional Council had issued an ultimatum to the government and security agencies, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks. The chiefs said swift action was necessary to serve as a deterrent and restore peace in the area.
In an 11-point statement signed by the Secretary to the Banda Traditional Council, Kwabena Badu, the Council detailed a series of violent incidents allegedly linked to political tensions between supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) since the commencement of the voter registration exercise.
The statement cited disturbances in Banda Ahenkroh, Bongase, Kabrono, Surogbo, and Nyire.
Allegations and Rising Political Tensions
According to the chiefs, longstanding tensions have centered on whether Ewe settlers in the Banda Traditional Area, many of whom are fisherfolk, are eligible to register in Banda rather than in their region of origin, the Volta Region.
The Council alleged that thugs associated with the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Banda, Joe Danquah, harassed some settlers, resulting in confrontations.
The chiefs further accused Mr. Danquah of complicity in recent attacks, including allegedly ordering the assault of Moro, the elder brother of Banda MP Ahmed Ibrahim, at Ahenkroh.
At the Nyire registration center, the Council claimed that guns and military accoutrements were retrieved from a vehicle driven by Afraine, identified as the junior brother of Mr. Danquah, but alleged that no arrests were made at the time.
The statement also described separate clashes at Banda Ahenkroh involving alleged gunshots, reckless driving that reportedly knocked down two individuals, and vandalism of a vehicle belonging to the NPP team near the Banda Traditional Council and the Banda Palace.
Call for Investigation
The chiefs described the situation as unacceptable and detrimental to development, warning that continued instability would discourage investment in the area.
They called on the government, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Military High Command to investigate the circumstances surrounding Silas’ death, as well as the actions and inactions of security personnel deployed to the registration centers.
“We are law-abiding citizens and if within the shortest possible time no action is taken against those in possession of guns and the killers of Silas, we will advise ourselves,” the statement said. The Council, however, emphasized that it is not against the government or the NPP in the Banda Constituency, but is seeking justice for the deceased and measures to prevent future political violence.
With the arrest of the key suspect, residents now await further investigations and possible prosecution as authorities work to restore calm in the district.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
