Armed soldiers and police force in the Northern region have been deployed to calm inter-ethnic tensions between Bassares and Konkombas in Tatale following a demonstration against the paramount chief and threats to murder all Kokombas if its member is appointed a DCE for the area.
The chaotic demonstration was held Thursday by dozens of angry youth of the Bassare tribe over rumours that President Akufo-Addo had given the District Chief Executive position to a Kokomba tribesman.
They threatened to harm the paramount chief saying he succeeded in influencing the nomination in favour of the Kokombas.
They believe the chief was lobbying for a former NPP MP James Cecil Yenwube who went independent after losing a primary.
The acting NPP constituency chairman, a Kokomba kinsman, Mr. Bintim was attacked with gunshots by unknown suspected assailants the night of the protest.
Tension, therefore, escalated the next morning when the Kokombas after a long deliberation stormed various schools in the township to withdraw their wards.
Scores, mostly women were reportedly fleeing Tatale neighbouring Togo over fears that the Bassares may carry out their threats.
Efforts by the traditional ruler and the local police to calm tensions were unsuccessful as fears of tribal clash increased.
Police and military detachment from Yendi were hurriedly deployed to assist police in the area provide enough security to avert a disturbance.
A top security source confirmed the deployment in a telephone call but refused to elaborate.
A resident who spoke to this correspondent said people were staying indoors and armed security forces were over the impoverished district capital patrolling.
Political and tribal divisions have negatively affected relationships between the two tribes living in the infant district.
Political tensions have always escalated in political appointment seasons.
Source: GhanaWeb
