Police arrest 9 in Kumawu chieftaincy riots
The Ashanti Regional Police command has arrested nine persons including one of the claimants to the Kumawu paramount seat, Barima Tweneboah Koduah V, for their alleged involvement in a riot and an attack on police and military personnel during the final burial rites of the late Akyeampemhene of Kumawu, Oheneba Krapa Yiadom last month.
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Arrest
The non-recognised chief, 59, was arrested together with Michael Akuoko, alias Candy, 39; Emmanuel Banfoh Datus, 32; Yaw Barimah, 76; Kofi Nyarko, 62; Asumadu Timothy Kessey, 30; Kyei Mensah, 65; Kwame Banor, 53; and Collins Asamoah, 38.
They have been placed in police custody charged with rioting with offensive weapons, abetment, causing harm, causing damage and attempted murder, and are being processed for court.
Their alleged attack on the combined team of police and military personnel detailed to keep the peace at the funeral at Bodomase in the Kumawu traditional area of the Ashanti region led to the injury of five police men, one of whom was operated on to remove pellets of a BB cartridge at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
A statement signed by the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer, ASP Mr Yaw Nketia-Yeboah said the other injured policemen were treated and discharged.
Conflict
The protracted conflict recurred on February 16, 2017, after Barima Tweneboah Koduah V and his supporters, were prevented from participating in the final burial rites of the late Akyeampemhene of Kumawu, Oheneba Krapa Yiadom.
The chief and his men insisted on making it to the funeral grounds, pelting the security personnel with all kinds of missiles. The security personnel responded with the firing of several canisters of tear gas and warning shots.
On seeing danger, the chief and his supporters took to their heels and escaped but the security men managed to destroy the umbrella of the chief which was a symbol of his authority.
Indeed, Barima Tweneboah Koduah V who resides at Bodomase and who was installed by four of the kingmakers two years ago, has been warned by Manhyia not to parade himself as chief of Kumawu.
His attempt last month to attend the funeral in his full regalia as the chief of Kumawu, therefore, amounted to flouting the orders of Manhyia, seat of the Ashanti kingdom.
Currently, Manhyia recognises Barima Sarfo Tweneboah, although he was installed by only one of the kingmakers as the legitimate king of Kumawu.
Subsequently, Barima Tweneboah Koduah V who insist to be the rightful heir to the throne is battling the case in the law court.
