Kokomba clashes: Interior Minister dismisses minority leader's allegations

Interior Minister Cletus Avoka Interior Minister Cletus Avoka has described as unfortunate accusations of inaction by the Minority Leader, Osei-Kyei-Mensah Bonsu in the Kokomba clashes that claimed three lives. The minority leader at a press conference on Thursday said the Interior Minister and the Police have done little to bring the perpetrators of similar clashes in January to order creating the atmosphere for the recent clashes. He named seven suspects he alleged were behind Tuesday’s killings and charged the Interior Minister and the Police to pursue these perpetrators and bring them to book. This, he said, will curb impunity which was rearing its ugly head. Subsequently the minority chief whip, Fred Opare Ansah said the Kokomba community is so small that it would be unfortunate for the Police and Interior Ministry to claim not to have any idea who the perpetrators of those crimes are. But the Interior Minister Cletus Avoka told Joy News’ Evans Mensah that the accusations “were far from the truth.” Whilst regretting the clashes and their death tolls, Mr. Avoka said he cannot be held responsible for the earlier clashes because he was not in office. He said the Police were still investigating the matter, only for renewed clashes to be recorded on Tuesday. He gave the assurance that his outfit will bring perpetrators of the crime to order, no matter how long it takes. He advised all politicians to desist from treating every conflict as political one. “Instead of apportioning blame to the Police and the Ministry of Interior, they should find out from the people on the ground who are involved in the barbaric acts, why they are doing so and why they do not allow law and order to prevail,” he said Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana