No evidence found against 7 ‘murdered’ Asawase youth – Committee

7 residents of Asawasi in Ashanti region were shot and killed by the Police

The government committee that investigated the incident of the shooting of some seven people at Manso-Nkwanta in Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region has concluded that there is no basis to believe the victims were armed robbers as was claimed by the Police.

In a report signed by the Information Of Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Seven young men who were described by the police as ‘hardened criminals’ are innocent.

The Police had earlier insisted that the deceased were robbers who engaged them in a gun battle before they were overpowered and killed, position that has been challenged by residents and families of the victims.

The report showed that “there were no facts before the investigation committee to establish that the deceased persons were armed robbers who engaged in exchange of fire with the Police”.

Following the report by the five-member investigation committee, government has decided to interdict the 21 police personnel who were involved in the incident and subject them to formal police criminal investigations.

Also, government will in consultation with families and community leaders provide support for dependents of the deceased persons.

The committee completed its work and submitted its report to the Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia in September 2018.

Background

Seven young men, including five natives of Asawase, a Zongo community in Kumasi, were reportedly shot to death by armed policemen some months ago.

The police insisted that the men were on their way to rob a mining site near Manso-Nkwanta.

The police described the deceased as hardened armed robbers, which was vehemently refuted by the angry youth of Asawase.

The charged youth of Asawase, therefore, demonstrated and burnt car tyres in the streets until armed military personnel were sent to the place to ensure law and order at the place.

As part of efforts to ensure peace, the government quickly set up a committee to investigate the case in order to help unearth the whole truth about the matter.