The Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, has implored the inhabitants of Ejura in the Ashanti Region to play a key role in maintaining the peace they are currently experiencing in the area.
He says the memories of the June 2021 violent protest in the area that resulted in casualties remain fresh in the minds of residents, advising them to ensure such an incident is not repeated.
Some residents in Ejura took to the streets in June 2021 to protest the death of a social media activist, Ibrahim Mohammed, popularly called Kaaka.
A joint police and military team was deployed to respond to the protest, and while trying to disperse the protesters, fired gunshots that resulted in the killing of two protestors and injuring three others.
The government, through the Ministry of Interior, subsequently constituted a committee to probe the disturbances, which recommended, among other things, the payment of compensation to the victims and the bereaved families.
The committee also recommended the expansion of the police command and the retooling of the police service in the area to enhance security.
The establishment of the Divisional Police Command is part of efforts to strengthen security and provide more resources for the police in the discharge of their duties.
Interior Minister Ambrose Dery led a government delegation to officially commission the divisional police command, which was spearheaded by the Chief of Ejura.
Ambrose Dery emphasized the need for the residents to live in harmony.
“I’m glad to mention that in the aftermath of the unrest, the Ministry of Interior, under the direction of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, worked tirelessly with peace-loving individuals and institutions to restore peace in this beautiful and dear town.”
“We should be reminded that establishing a divisional police command in the municipality alone will not turn Ejura and other towns into a peaceful paradise. We have to work hard to achieve a safe and peaceful Ejura. The police, together with other security agencies, will be able to effectively combat crime in the communities only if we, the populace, contribute and support them to achieve peace. Security is a collective responsibility.”
The Chief of Ejura, Barima Osei Barima Hwedie II, who spearheaded the establishment of the police command, says the security situation in the area pushed the traditional council to pursue the initiative.
“Ejura town has in recent years witnessed a number of security challenges such as Fulani herdsmen issues, kidnapping, highway robberies, political vigilantism, and illicit drug deals. Meanwhile, the police capacity in Ejura has woefully been inadequate.”
