Let’s not take the law into our own hands – Central Regional Minister appeals after New Winneba attack

Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has appealed to residents of New Winneba and surrounding communities to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands following a violent attack that left three people dead and about 15 others seriously injured. The Minister made the appeal when he visited the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital to check on victims of the attack and assess the security situation in the area. Speaking with the media, Mr Eduamoah said the authorities had not yet identified any specific faction as being responsible for the violence, urging all groups and individuals affected by the incident to allow the police to complete their investigations.

“Let’s not take the law into our own hands. We ask the various groups to calm down as the police go ahead with their investigation. Their grievances will be heard, and we will ensure that we have coexistence in the community,” he said.

He also confirmed that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tettey has deployed additional personnel from the National Police Headquarters, including two armoured vehicles, to reinforce security and prevent further violence. The Minister, who is also Chairman of the Regional Security Council, expressed concern over the loss of lives and injuries sustained during the incident. “Unfortunately, we lost three people and about 20 people were seriously wounded.

But the good news is that as of this morning, 12 of them have been discharged, and eight of them are still here for further medical investigations,” he said. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured residents that the authorities would take the necessary steps to restore and maintain peace in the community. The New Winneba violence is believed to be linked to a land dispute, with residents reporting heightened tensions and attacks in parts of the community.

The police have since arrested six suspects in connection with the incident and deployed additional personnel to the area as investigations continue. The Central Regional Disaster Management Committee, led by Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, has activated security, humanitarian and disaster responses, while police, including specialised national reinforcements and two armoured vehicles, have been deployed to secure the New Winneba township following a communal clash in the community located along the Winneba-Swedru highway. Accordingly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has deployed local field teams to assess displacement, structural damage and urgent relief needs.

According to a statement by the Regional Director of NADMO, Emmanuel Kwesi Dawood, it has deployed teams who are registering displaced persons, mapping damaged homes and public facilities and coordinating with health and security agencies to prioritise emergency shelter, food, water and medical support. “NADMO is providing psychological support to affected families and to victims undergoing treatment at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba. “The agency is also working with regional security councils, district leaders, and local assembly members to arrange temporary shelters and safe havens, coordinate relief distribution, and uphold community safety protocols.