Adoa News Adoa News
The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested three suspects and launched a manhunt for several others following a violent daylight machete clash at Akyem Oda New Station, an incident captured in a viral video that left one man with a severed finger.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, May 6, and signed by DSP David Fianko-Okyere of the Public Affairs Unit, police confirmed that calm had been restored after a group of young men were seen brandishing cutlasses and attacking one another in public.
According to the statement, officers were immediately deployed to the scene after the disturbing footage began circulating on social media. Two of the injured suspects were later found receiving treatment at separate health facilities.
“Suspect George Okyere, aged 30, with a deep cut on his forehead and his right finger chopped off, was met at the emergency ward of the Oda Jubilee Hospital, while suspect Paul Pascalele was met at the Akyem Oda Government Hospital emergency ward with a deep cut on the right hand receiving treatment,” the statement said.
A third suspect, Evans Adayele, was later traced to his hideout and arrested. Police say he is currently assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects for prosecution.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the clash. However, the viral footage, which sparked widespread reactions both locally and among Ghanaians abroad, appeared to show two men attacking another individual who fled the scene while bleeding heavily. Reports suggest the violence may have been triggered by a dispute over money.
Meanwhile, the Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive, Solomon Brako Kusi, linked the suspects to illegal mining activities, describing them as illegal miners. He also commended the Akyem Oda Divisional Police Command for its swift response.
The Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, strongly condemned the incident.
“I wish to condemn without ambiguity a viral video showing some young men brandishing machetes and engaging in open fights on the streets of Akyem Oda,” the MP stated.
He urged residents to remain calm and allow the police to conduct a full investigation, insisting that such violent behaviour does not reflect the values of the youth in the municipality.
The Eastern South Regional Police Command has assured the public that the situation is under control and that officers remain on the ground to maintain peace and security as the search for the remaining suspects continues.