The Member of Parliament for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai is seeking major relief from Asante Gold Bibiani Limited for the victims of Sunday’s clash between armed military men and civilians of the Bibiani Zongo community. This came to light after a stakeholder meeting with the chief and the people of Zongo.
On Monday, 6th February 2023, the legislator for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai met with the chief and people of Bibiani Zongo after he had received signals from the community of alleged military brutalities of innocent citizens. In a short address, the MP consoled the casualties and their relatives and promised to use the appropriate channels to seek compensation for the victims and also find an amicable solution to the impasse.
In his welcome address, Nana Sulemani Minasara lll the chief of Zongo reiterated that he was not at the scene when the incident happened so he appointed a leader of the Youth Mr. Abdul Rahaman Mohammed to narrate the incident to the MP and his entourage.
According to Rahaman, On Sunday afternoon, some men from the Bibiani Zongo community encroached the gated site of Asante Gold, Bibiani Limited for a waste dump to be used for galamsey activities. Upon a tip-off, the military came to open gunshots on the civilians resulting in three casualties. The other three members of the community were also beaten mercilessly. The victims of the gunshot were hospitalized at Bibiani Government Hospital and Divine Love hospital for treatment.
In his reaction to the report, Hon Alfred Obeng-Boateng indicated that this should not have resulted in that brutality. He however pleaded with the people to exercise restraint as justice is being sought for the community. He stated categorically that he would do everything under his power to seek adequate compensation for the victims. He reminded them that plans are far advanced for the resettlement of Bibiani Old Town and Zongo Communities.
Again the MP urged the youth, the chief, and the Assembly member to cooperate with him to accelerate the development of the area. He also craved their indulgence to be tactful and law-abiding in the issue at hand. He was optimistic that a round table discussion would result in a lasting solution to the problem.
In his closing remarks, the chief of Zongo was emphatic on the resettlement of his citizens. The Member of Parliament was then taken to scenes of gunshots for first-hand information.
Finally, the MP visited the victims at the hospitals and donated an undisclosed amount of money to them for their upkeep. He also seized the opportunity to visit patients at the municipal hospital.
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