Central Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah has expressed profound sympathy to the families of those killed in the violent disturbances at New Winneba, describing the incident as a deeply unfortunate development that has inflicted considerable pain on the affected community.
The Minister, who also chairs the Central Regional Security Council, visited the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital on Wednesday, September 2, to sympathise with injured victims and their relatives while assessing the condition of those still receiving medical attention.
The violence, which erupted on Tuesday, September 1, resulted in three deaths and left several others injured after a group of about 300 people reportedly stormed New Winneba and attacked residents, shops and private residences. The Police Service said the group was armed with guns, stones, cutlasses and sticks, while security personnel were subsequently deployed to restore order.
Speaking to journalists after his visit to the hospital, Mr Eduamoah said the government and the Regional Security Council shared in the grief of the bereaved families and were committed to taking the necessary measures to prevent further violence and restore durable peace to the area.
He said the tragedy demanded restraint from all sides, particularly as the security agencies continued their investigations into the circumstances that precipitated the confrontation.
The Minister further disclosed that the number of injured persons receiving treatment had begun to decline, with 12 patients discharged from the hospital while eight remained under medical observation and further assessment. His account placed the total number of seriously wounded persons at about 20, although earlier police reports had cited approximately 15 injured victims.
Mr Eduamoah urged residents and the various groups connected to the dispute to refrain from retaliatory actions and allow the police to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
He emphasised that grievances arising from the dispute would be addressed through lawful channels and appealed to residents to prioritise peaceful coexistence rather than resorting to violence.
The authorities have so far arrested six suspects in connection with the disturbances, with the individuals being held to assist investigators as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
The violence is believed to have originated from a longstanding land dispute involving communities in the Effutu and Gomoa areas, although the authorities have cautioned against assigning responsibility to any particular faction before investigations are concluded.
The Police Service has since reinforced security in New Winneba, deploying personnel from several divisions together with specialised teams and two armoured vehicles. Six snap checkpoints have also been established, while day and night patrols have been intensified to prevent a recurrence of the violence.
The Central Regional Police Command has described the situation as calm and under control, even as security personnel remain stationed in the area and investigators work to determine the precise circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
For the Regional Minister, the immediate priority is to prevent further escalation, protect residents and create the conditions for the affected communities to resolve their grievances through established legal and institutional processes rather than through confrontation.
The latest intervention by the Regional Security Council comes as authorities seek to stabilise New Winneba, support those affected by the violence and ensure that those found to have participated in criminal acts are dealt with in accordance with the law.
