Dr Anthony Akoto Osei addressing the media at Tafo on Thursday
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tafo/Pankrono in Kumasi, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, has appealed to his constituents, especially feuding parties, to bury the hatchet and allow total peace to reign in the area so as to expedite development.
He stated that violent and divisive acts by the people would stall the effective development of the constituency and impoverish the people in the process, stressing the need for his people, especially the Tafo natives and Zongo youth, to unite as one people.
The Tafo lawmaker mentioned that the general elections was fast approaching, therefore, any acts of fighting or chaos among the Tafo natives and the Zongo youth could result in dire consequences for the constituency and the country at large, underscoring the need for his people to remain united.
“We are about four months to holding general elections and I am pleading with all of you to let cool heads prevail and exercise restraint and patience whist amicable settlement is sought to end the impasse and bring unity of purpose to the community,” he added.
Addressing a mammoth press conference at Tafo on Thursday, Dr Akoto Osei lamented the huge economic losses that the people of Tafo suffered when a curfew was imposed in the area following violent clashes in February this year which led to the destruction of properties.
Another violent clash that took place at Tafo some weeks ago which also resulted in injuries to about four people and created fear and anxiety among the people also influenced the Tafo/Pankrono MP’s decision to organise the press conference, which was used to preach peace among his people.
“The curfew that was imposed at Tafo during the clashes, brought all local business and enterprise activities to a halt and caused huge economic loss, especially, trading activities and church activities,” he recounted, saying that he is happy that the curfew had been lifted following the return of peace at Tafo.
Dr Akoto Osei, however, cautioned the Tafo residents not to start any attacks that could compel the security agencies to impose curfew in the area again, stressing that Tafo people had lived together peacefully for several years “so you should not allow anything to divide us now.”
From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi