Calm is gradually returning to Tafo after a violent confrontation between some Muslim youth and agents of the Tafo traditional authority over the construction of a wall around the Muslim cemetery at Tafo in Kumasi.
A 29-year-old man, Suleman Hamisu, died in the process. Properties were also destroyed.
The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Tafo as part of measures to contain the situation and restore peace and stability to the area.
Following an improvement in the security situation, the curfew has been revised from 6 a.m.-6 to p.m, to 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The place has remained calm since last Friday after the Chief Imam and the National Peace Council (NPC) had intervened to resolve the differences between the two factions.
The peace makers also brokered a deal with the Ashanti Regional Security Council to release all the suspects who were arrested by the security agencies in connection with the violence.
The Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Police Service, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Yussif Tanko, confirmed to the Daily Graphic that 48 suspects who were arrested by the security agencies had all been released unconditionally.
However, he said the security services were still maintaining their presence in the area and would only suspend the curfew and withdraw the men “if the situation totally improves”.
Intervention
Last Friday, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, and the NPC met separately with the Tafohene, Nana Agyin Frimpong, at his palace where the Muslim cleric apologised to the traditional authorities for the action of the youth and pleaded that the issue be settled amicably.
The Chief Imam later met the youth at the Tafo Central Mosque where he called on them to always seek guidance and advice from their leaders before taking any action. He also asked the youth to refrain from acts of violence.
Background
Last Wednesday, the Zongo youth, who are predominantly Muslim, clashed with the traditional authorities at Old Tafo over the decision of the youth to construct a wall around the Muslim section of the Tafo Cemetery.
The traditional authorities opposed the Muslim youth’s decision to build the wall.
Some agents of the traditional authorities who were offended by the action of the Muslim youth pulled down part of the wall that had already been erected.
This resulted in the confrontation that led to one death and the destruction of property.
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