By Daniel Bampoe
The Eastern South Regional Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in efforts to clamp down on recent violence in Adoagyiri, with the arrest of a suspect for unlawful possession of weapons.
The suspect, identified as Abdul Rauf Salami, a resident of Adoagyiri Zongo, was apprehended on the night of Friday, May 23, during an intensified police operation aimed at restoring peace and order in the community.
This latest development comes in the wake of violent clashes that erupted earlier in the week between rival youth groups in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality of the Region.
The confrontation, which peaked on Tuesday, May 20, claimed the life of 28-year-old Isaah Masawudu and left four others injured.
According to a press release issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Eastern South Regional Command, Salami was arrested at approximately 9:30 p.m. at a police checkpoint during a targeted security sweep.
Authorities recovered two pump-action shotguns, 64 rounds of AA ammunition, a cutlass, a knife, and a tactical ammunition vest in his possession.
Police say the arrest is part of a broader crackdown in response to the violent disturbances, which have rattled residents and disrupted daily life in the once-quiet township.
More arrests are expected as investigations intensify.
The violence was triggered by an initial altercation that led to Masawudu’s fatal shooting.
The attack sparked anger and reprisals from youth believed to be affiliated with the Zongo community, who staged a counter-assault that further injured three individuals.
By Thursday, May 22, over 300 angry youths had taken to the streets, blocking roads, setting tyres on fire, and vandalizing property, bringing economic activity to a halt.
Frightened residents were forced to stay indoors as chaos unfolded. Eyewitnesses recounted hearing gunshots and witnessing widespread destruction, with some fearing that the unrest could spiral into sustained conflict.
To avert further escalation, a special unit from the National Police Headquarters, supported by the Formed Police Unit (FPU), was deployed to Adoagyiri.
Their swift intervention helped restore calm by Thursday evening. The heavy police presence remains in place as a precaution.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the Adoagyiri Township,” said ASP Foster Owusu, spokesperson for the Eastern South Regional Police.
“The arrest of this suspect sends a clear message that no one will be allowed to endanger the peace with impunity.”
Salami remains in custody and is assisting with investigations. He is expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days.
Authorities are calling on the public to cooperate with the ongoing investigation by providing credible information and reporting any suspicious activity.
