Talensi Violence; No Arrest Made? This Is Shameful & Scary�We're Licensing People To Misbehave! � Kweku Baako

The Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Kweku Baako Jr is incensed that no arrests have been after deadly weapons were intercepted by the police and violence broke out in some areas in Talensi during Tuesday's by-election.

There was a major incident of gun shots in front of the NPP office and close to the Community Center polling station in Tongo, resulting in destruction to a Nissan Patrol vehicle. Also, there were reported incidents of reprisal attacks at Winkogo Primary B in the Winkogo Electoral Area, leading to destruction of vehicles.

The Police intercepted a number of dangerous weapons including an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, dagger, axe and other dangerous weapons in the area when voting was underway in the Talensi by-election. The weapons were intercepted at police check points at Tongo, the capital of Talensi following a random search on vehicles which were entering the town.

The AK-47 was retrieved from a Toyota Tundra vehicle with registration number UE 16-13 while the pistol, axe and seven machetes were retrieved from a Ford vehicle. 

Inspite of the gravity of the incident and the seizure of the weapons, the police remained tight lipped except to say investigations were underway and allowed occupants of both vehicles to go scot-free.

“It is a shame…I am worried because things like that sows the seed of impunity. It will seem like by-election gives license to people to misbehave. This is not the first time…I think we have got to a stage regardless of who is involved, we must arrest, prosecute and jail; that will serve as a deterrent…” Kweku Baako said.

The Senior Journalist, who had earlier predicted that the NPP will lose the seat, also added that the timing of the NPP MP's exit was wrong because he had not been able to build the strength of the party.

I don’t think the exit helped the party in anyway and they had no choice than to go and compete…I feel if you have passion to be an MP go for the long haul instead of going for other positions; making your party lose,” he said.

Koku Anyidoho’s allegation

Contributing to a panel discussion on PEACE FM's morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, Kweku Baako described the allegation that Afoko boys were behind the violence that occurred at the NPP's office in Talensi as baseless.

According to him, the idea of drawing Paul Afoko, NPP National Chairman and Kwabena Agyepong, NPP General Secretary into this issue was diabolical; “it is aimed at drawing attention to the fact they were not present at the by-election”.

Kweku Baako says it makes sense that both were not present at the election because the party has not yet solved the brouhaha surrounding duo's alleged involvement in the death of Adams Mahama.

It is diabolical…it is an attack on Afoko’s integrity. It makes sense and it is in the party’s own interest because the issue has not been resolved,” he stated.