The Kongwura Palace has called for an independent investigation into the deaths of teacher Abu Seidu and Police Officer Redeemer Owusu and the destruction of private property during the violent events at Gindabour in the Savannah Region.
The Palace says residents still have unanswered questions about the circumstances leading to the death of Abu Seidu, popularly known as Afonja, despite the Ghana Police Service’s account of the incident.
In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Kongwura Palace, Jeduah Adamu Mahama, the Palace said a thorough and transparent investigation was necessary to establish the full facts and restore public confidence.
Both Abu Seidu and Constable Owusu died during the escalating violence at Gindabour on September 16.
While the killing of the police officer has already triggered arrests and court proceedings, the Palace said the circumstances surrounding Abu Seidu’s death and the events that followed must also be properly examined.
It expressed particular concern over reports of extensive damage to homes, shops, vehicles and other private establishments in Gindabour and surrounding communities.
The Palace said property associated with the Paramount Chief’s Palace was also reportedly damaged.
“The people of Gindabour and surrounding communities deserve answers regarding how such destruction occurred and whether adequate measures were taken to protect innocent citizens and their property,” the statement said.
The Palace said the security response should have balanced law enforcement with the protection of lives, livelihoods and community assets.
“Justice for one victim should never come at the expense of the rights and safety of other innocent citizens,” it said.
It also called on the Savannah Regional Security Council and other authorities to examine whether earlier intervention could have prevented the escalation and subsequent destruction.
According to the Palace, public officials entrusted with managing crises have a responsibility to act promptly and effectively when tensions begin to rise.
The statement further argued that the presence and intervention of traditional authorities at the earliest stages of the crisis could have helped calm tensions and prevent further escalation.
The Palace did not, however, call for the withdrawal of security personnel from the area.
Instead, it urged residents to remain calm, avoid further violence and allow lawful investigations to proceed.
It also called on the government, Ghana Police Service and other relevant institutions to ensure accountability and transparency, while providing appropriate compensation or support to innocent residents who suffered losses.
The statement comes amid heightened attention to the Gindabour crisis, with investigations continuing into the deaths of the teacher and police officer and dozens of suspects facing court proceedings over the killing of Constable Owusu.
The Kongwura Palace said it remained committed to peace, law and order and urged all parties to support efforts towards justice and reconciliation.
It expressed condolences to the families and communities of both deceased men, saying their deaths represented a painful loss to their families, the community and the nation.
“May the souls of Mr. Abu Seidu and Police Officer Redeemer Owusu rest in peace, and may justice, truth, and reconciliation prevail,” the Palace said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
