IGP Prevented a Possible Shoot Out in Kumasi

THE ASHANTI Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu for preventing a possible shoot out by the police in Kumasi last Friday.

Mr Osei Mensah said the IGP and his team which included him (the Regional Minister) were on their way to the Central Mosque in Kumasi on last Friday when some irate Zongo youth decided to block parts of the road that leads to the Central Mosque.

The angry youth openly burned car tyres and other items to express their displeasure about the killings of some 7 Zongo people by the police.

Mr Osei Mensah said the IGP upon seeing the actions of the youth discontinued the journey to the Central Mosque to ensure calm.

He said the IGP explained it was possible the Zongo youth would clash with the armed policemen, hence his decision to cancel the meeting at the eleventh-hour.

The Ashanti Regional Minister said Mr Asante-Apeatu’s professional suggestion helped to prevent a standoff between the police and the angry youth and a possible shoot out which many would have injured and others died.

“He is indeed an accomplished police officer, who is clearly on top of his profession,” he stated.

The Ashanti Regional Minister also rejected rumours that the IGP and his team were chased away by the angry  Zongo youth in Kumasi on Friday afternoon.

“Is it possible for the youth to use stones  to chase the police, who were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons such as AK47 assault rifles?” he asked.

Simon Osei Mensah said the IGP, who was in Kumasi for a peace mission, later on met and interacted with the leadership of the Zongo community at the RCC.

He said the IGP assured the Zongo community that the police would ensure that the truth surrounding the killing of seven suspected robbers is exposed.

By: Kwadwo Essel