The quiet hum of Kumawu in the Ashanti region has been disrupted by a growing sense of unease.
Recent reports indicate that the alleged continuous use of an armed group by the paramount Chief, Nana Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua, for personal security is leading to a palpable rise in tensions within the community.
The practice, though not entirely new, has seen a significant uptick in recent months, with the men seen in social media videos parading the streets of Kumawu.
The “scary” looking men tagged on social media as “kumawuman warriors” are always seen in the community fully geared and armed to the teeth with sophisticated weapons, flaunting all sorts of talismans.
Concerns have also been expressed about the legality and oversight of these armed groups, as well as their potential to escalate conflicts. This creates an avenue for a direct violation of Ghana’s Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999).
Act 999, strictly prohibits the establishment and operation of vigilante groups, including land guards.
Only state security agencies are authorized to maintain law and order.
However, the lack of transparency surrounding the employment of these groups has fueled suspicion and is creating uneasy tension in Kumawu.
Community members express concerns over the presence of these armed individuals, citing intimidation, fear and panic.
Rumours are rife among community members regarding the background of this armed group with some linking them to conflicts in parts of the country.
The presence of these armed guards has been perceived as a show of force and influence on local power dynamics.
Community members are therefore calling for an investigation into the establishment and employment of this armed group while urging Nana Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua to as a matter of urgency discontinue the use of these armed men for his personal security.
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