The town of Adoagyiri in the Eastern Region remains tense but under control following violent disturbances that erupted last week, leading to the death of a young resident and the arrest of a heavily armed suspect.
The latest incident adds to a troubling history of communal tensions in the area.
The violence was sparked by the fatal assault of 28-year-old Masawudu Issaka, a commercial motorbike rider from the Zongo community, who sustained severe head injuries during a confrontation with an unidentified youth on May 20.
He was rushed to the Ridge Hospital in Accra but sadly passed away on Thursday, May 22. His death triggered widespread unrest as angry youth poured onto the streets in protest.
In response to the escalating crisis, Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, visited the affected community on Friday, May 23, to express solidarity and offer condolences.
Meeting with community leaders, residents, and the bereaved family, Annoh-Dompreh assured them of his commitment to justice and long-term peace.
The MP, accompanied by local executives and party members, personally visited the widow and children of the deceased, pledging support during their period of grief.
Addressing residents, he called for calm, urging the youth to avoid further retaliation and trust the security services to carry out a full investigation.
“The pain is deep, but violence is not the answer,” Annoh-Dompreh told the gathering. “I will raise this matter in Parliament and ensure it is given the national attention it deserves.”
The community has a history of ethnic and political tensions, and this incident has rekindled fears of renewed conflict.
However, Annoh-Dompreh stressed the importance of peace-building and community cohesion, noting that development cannot thrive amid instability.
Meanwhile, the Eastern South Regional Police Command has intensified operations in the area.
On the night of May 23, police arrested Abdul Rauf Salami, a resident of Adoagyiri Zongo, during a checkpoint operation. He was found in possession of two pump-action shotguns, 64 rounds of ammunition, a cutlass, a knife, and a tactical vest.
According to the police, Salami’s arrest is a significant step in the ongoing crackdown aimed at restoring order.
The suspect is currently assisting police with investigations and is expected to face prosecution in the coming days.
The police have also deployed additional personnel from the Formed Police Unit (FPU) and the National Headquarters to maintain order and prevent further disturbances.
The increased visibility of security forces has helped restore a sense of calm, although many residents remain cautious.
Over 300 youth had earlier blocked roads, burnt tyres, and vandalized properties in protest of Issaka’s death. Businesses shut down temporarily, and frightened residents stayed indoors, fearing a descent into prolonged violence.
Local leaders and religious figures have joined the call for peace, urging the youth to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
As investigations continue, Annoh-Dompreh’s intervention is being praised by many residents who hope that his political influence will bring both justice and meaningful solutions to the area’s deep-rooted challenges.
“I just want peace and justice for my husband,” said the widow of the deceased. “We are grateful for the MP’s visit. It means a lot in these difficult times.”