Tension is mounting in Akwatia, Eastern Region, after police intercepted two men, including a Chinese national, with live ammunition during a late-nig
Tension is mounting in Akwatia, Eastern Region, after police intercepted two men, including a Chinese national, with live ammunition during a late-night patrol.
The incident, which occurred over the weekend has raised fresh concerns about security in the constituency ahead of a highly anticipated by-election.
Police sources confirmed that the suspects, 32-year-old Ghanaian Enoch Asiedu and 58-year-old Chinese national Lu Youyan, were stopped around 9:00 p.m. at the Boadua Livingstone snap checkpoint.
They were travelling in a Toyota Hilux pickup truck when officers conducting routine checks discovered four live BB cartridges concealed inside the vehicle.
The two men were immediately taken into custody and transferred to the Akwatia District Police Command for interrogation.
During preliminary questioning, Asiedu allegedly admitted that the ammunition did not belong to them but to their employer, identified only as Mohammed, who is also the owner of the Toyota Hilux.
Police say efforts are currently underway to locate Mohammed for questioning.
Security On Edge In Akwatia
The discovery comes at a sensitive time for Akwatia.
The constituency is preparing for a by-election following the sudden vacancy of its parliamentary seat, a contest expected to be fiercely competitive between the governing party and the opposition.
The Security agencies have been on high alert, with intelligence reports warning of potential infiltration of arms into the area.
This latest arrest has intensified fears among residents and political stakeholders about possible violence or the involvement of foreign nationals in local political activities.
The presence of a Chinese national among the suspects has sparked questions about the extent of foreign involvement in security-related matters in the mining-rich communities like Akwatia.
Background on Security Concerns
Akwatia, a community known for its diamond deposits, has a long history of security challenges linked to illegal mining, political tensions, and land disputes.
In past elections, the town has recorded violent clashes and instances of voter intimidation. Authorities are therefore treating the latest discovery with seriousness to prevent a repeat of past unrest.
The Eastern Regional Police Command has assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that additional security measures will be rolled out in the coming days to safeguard lives and property.
Meanwhile, the suspects, Asiedu and Youyan, remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned before court once investigations are complete.
The Ghana Police Service is also urging the public to volunteer information that could assist in tracking down Mohammed, who has emerged as a key figure in the case.
COMMENTS