Kwahu Bepong attacks: Court remands 37 suspects

The Nkawkwa District Court has remanded 37 suspects arrested in connection with attacks on the Bepong Chief’s palace and some Police officers at Kwahu Bepong in the Eastern Region.

The suspects were put before the court presided over by His Worship Isaac Adjei and are to reappear on February 23, 2024.

The suspects attacked the Bepong Chiefs Palace on 4th February 4, 2024, and injured seven people, including five police officers.

Background

Two people were reported dead after allegedly being hit by stray bullets fired by the police during the melee to disperse the ruthless crowd.

Reportedly, the event took place inside the chief’s palace, where law enforcement had gone to free a suspected murderer who was suspected of killing two persons in Adwumasu, a farming hamlet in Kwahu South Municipality.

The 45-year-old Akua Kyerewaa was allegedly raped and killed by the suspect, Kwasi Tenkorang, a 23-year-old ex-convict, according to accounts.

Kwasi Antwi, the victim’s 65-year-old brother, died instantly after being struck in the head with a metal rod while attempting to save his sister.

After seeing the crime and being pursued by the culprit, an eyewitness who was only identified as Frederick who was headed to the property narrowly avoided death.

On Sunday, February 4th, the suspect—who had been evading capture since the incident—was apprehended and brought to the chief’s palace.

When word spread about the arrest, members of the community attacked the palace, demanding his immediate release in exchange for swift justice. However, the police intervened and stopped it from happening.

But rather than lynching the culprit as the Police forbade it, they attacked the Police, hurling stones and other weapons at them.