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Tension Mounts In Nsawam-Adoagyiri Over Death of Zongo Youth Sparks Violence]

Tensions have reached a boiling point in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality in the Eastern Region following the death of a 35-year-old commercial motorbike rider, Masawudu Issaka, who was reportedly assaulted by a group of youth in Adoagyiri under murky circumstances.

Issaka, a native of the Zongo community and former resident of the area, is believed to have been attacked last week during a scuffle with some unidentified youth.

The attackers allegedly beat him and inflicted severe injuries to his head. He was rushed to the Ridge Hospital in Accra but succumbed to his injuries late Thursday night.

The confirmation of Issaka’s death sparked immediate outrage in the Zongo community, where he was known as a peaceful and hardworking man.

On Thursday evening, angered youth took to the streets of Adoagyiri in what quickly turned into retaliatory attacks.

Shops were torched, vehicles vandalized, and several residents reportedly assaulted in what many described as a wave of reprisal violence.

The violence has since rendered parts of Adoagyiri a ghost town, with many residents fleeing their homes amid fears of further attacks.

Local businesses remain shut, and the atmosphere remains tense despite a heavy police presence.

The deceased was laid to rest on Friday afternoon after Jummah prayers, with hundreds accompanying the funeral procession through Adoagyiri to the cemetery.

The sight of the body intensified the community’s grief and anger.

In a bid to restore calm, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, visited the community later that day.

He expressed condolences to the bereaved family, pledging to support the widow and two sons left behind.

Addressing community leaders and residents, the MP appealed for restraint and promised to raise the matter on the floor of Parliament when it reconvenes.

He assure to seek justice through lawful means and do everything within his power to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book, and also support victims of the destruction.

The Eastern - South Regional Police Commander, DCOP Ohene Boadi Bossman also stormed the community and held meetings with local chiefs and community leaders, calling for calm and cooperation with ongoing investigations.

He said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants responsible for Issaka’s death.

Currently Security has been intensified in the area to prevent further clashes between the Zongo youth and other residents.

This is not the first time tensions have flared between the two communities. Historical grievances over chieftaincy and political representation have previously led to unrest.