The Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency in the Eastern Region, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has charged residents living in Ofoase-Ayirebi and its environs to put away their differences and ensure peace and harmony exist in the area.
He admitted that the people of Brenase and Ofoase have been living in oneness since time immemorial therefore they must continue to exhibit greater tolerance among themselves to maintain the co-existence of unity irrespective of ethnicity to ensure national cohesion and development.
It follows the recent violent clashes between the factions of Ofoase Zongo and Brenase Youth in the Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency which has left one person dead and four others sustaining varying degrees of injury.
Though the Police have restored law and order, tensions remain high with fears of reprisal attacks being planned.
However, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah over the weekend embarked on a visitation to his constituency where he engaged the traditional leaders of the two factions as well as other opinion leaders and the townsfolks.
While expressing his regret over the incident, the MP who doubles as the Minister of Information called for calm and peace.
“First of all, we are one people. Whether you are from Brenase or from Ofoase, we are one people living in harmony. That is why we shouldn’t allow things like this to divide us. Ofoasi-Ayirebi is noted for being one of the peaceful areas in the region.”
“Over the years, we have experienced significant developments which has made our constituency the envy of many. So we need to come together as one people and not engage in acts that further divides us,” the MP said.
He called on both factions to exercise restraint and maintain law and order in the area whilst the Police expedite investigations into the matter.
Mr Nkrumah has therefore asked the Police and the District security Council to step up patrols and intelligence-led operations to forestall further violence.
Traditional leaders and youth of both towns thanked the MP for his visit and committed to live in peace while asking for justice to be done by the state.
