The leadership of the Bepotenten Small-Scale Miners Association has condemned the violent clash between some youth and a Jacobu Police patrol team that left one person dead and several others injured.
The condemnation came during a press conference organised by the association in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, where members distanced themselves from the disturbances that occurred at Bepotenten Sukuumu in the Amansie Central District.
According to the association, the violence was allegedly instigated by youth from Denkyira Dominase in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region, who entered the Bepotenten area and caused the unrest.
Speaking to Adom News, the association’s spokesperson, Nhyira-Ba Osborne Tetteh, rejected claims that youth from Bepotenten confronted the police. He explained that residents had invited the police to patrol the area due to rising cases of theft and robbery.
“It is not true that the youth of Bepotenten attacked the police. We requested police patrols because of constant stealing and criminal activities. It doesn’t make sense that we would turn on the same officers protecting us,” he said.
Mr Tetteh added that the youth of Sukuumu are law-abiding and do not condone violent behaviour.
He stressed that the association is ready to collaborate with the police to identify and apprehend the real perpetrators behind the clash.
“We are prepared to join forces with the police to help trace those who caused the mayhem so they can face the law,” he stated.
The association called for calm in the area and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies to prevent further disturbances and ensure peace in the mining community.
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