Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), paid a visit to the relatives of the victims of a shooting incident in Nkoranza, Nkoranza South Municipality, Bono East Region, on Wednesday.
The IGP's visit was prompted by a conflict between Nkoranza's youth and the police on Tuesday, following the arrest, disappearance, and suspected murder by gunshot wounds of Albert Donkor, aged 27, who was in police custody aiding in an investigation into alleged armed robbery cases in the region.
The youth staged a protest and attacked the Nkoranza Municipal Police Station and Divisional Headquarters buildings, demanding an explanation from the police over Donkor's disappearance and suspected murder.
When a result, Master Victor Owusu, a 19-year-old Nkoranza Technical Institute student, was shot and killed by the police as they sought to disperse the protestors.
Dr. Dampare, speaking to the leaders of the lost families, called the episodes as "unfortunate," emphasizing the need of allowing peace, a priceless commodity that requires ongoing preservation for the protecting and projecting of society's interests, to prevail.
The IGP then recognized that, while both parties could not handle the situation at the desired speed, it was critical for the police and community members to reconcile and go forward in unison in the public interest.
He emphasized the importance of grieving families being calm as parties work to resolve difficulties that arise. Dr. Dampare expressed hope that the police will conduct thorough and honest inquiries into the circumstances behind their loved ones' deaths.
He reaffirmed the Police Department's resolve to continue to offer loyal services, particularly in the areas of life and property protection and law and order enforcement, in order to maintain relative tranquility in the region.
The IGP urged police officers on the ground to conduct themselves properly in the line of duty in order to portray the Police Service as a trustworthy security organization that can continue to earn public trust and improve security in the Municipality and beyond.
Dr. Dampare emphasized that if the police continue to create public confidence, the work will get simpler since public engagement in crime-fighting would increase, assisting cops in their efforts. Dr. Dampare met with traditional and religious leaders in Nkoranza as part of his tour to discuss how they might help maintain peace and social harmony.
Later, the IGP paid a visit to the injured victims at Nkoranza's St. Theresa Catholic Hospital to console them and wish them a swift recovery.