The Youth League of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) has sent its condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the Asawase Sallafest stampede.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 7 and signed by the Communications and Student Command Head, Commander Jason Tutu and the Secretary to the Youth League, Commander Hardi Yakubu, the group encouraged the families to put their trust in God over their lost.

“The Youth of the Party extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to all those who are still injured and/or in critical condition,” the statement said.

At least nine people lost their lives when a stampede occurred during a celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr at the Asawase Community Center in the Ashanti Regional capital of Kumasi, Thursday. 

Joynews gathered six of the dead were females and three males while dozens got injured and have since been rushed to the Manhyia hospital where they are receiving treatment.

Though the cause of the stampede has not been officially established, several reports point to false alarm triggered by one of the attendants. 

CPP youth, however, believe it is important government gets to the root of the incident, describing, the proliferation of “mixed reports” as unfortunate.

To ensure that the cause of the stampede is established, the group called on the “relevant authorities to expedite investigations into the disaster to establish the true cause of the stampede.”

“Government must work assiduously to ensure that the two causes that have been cited in this unfortunate event are given urgent attention to avert any recurrence,” it continued.

Read the full statement below:

CPP YOUTH LEAGUE

Fighters!
Press Release
7th July 2016

CPP YOUTH LEAGUE (FIGHTERS) COMMISERATES WITH VICTIMS OF ASAWAASE STAMPEDE

The Youth League of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) was struck with profound sadness upon hearing of the death of nine Ghanaians in Asawaase - Kumasi, following a stampede at an Eid-Celebration Concert. 

The Youth of the Party extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to all those who are still injured or in critical condition.  CPP Youth will keep you all in our prayers.                                                                                                

In light of the mixed reports following this tragic occurrence, we encourage the relevant authorities to expedite investigations into the disaster to establish its true cause.

Secondly, Government must work assiduously to ensure that the two causes that have been cited in this unfortunate event are given urgent attention to avert any recurrence.                                                                          

Regarding the causal factor of a fight that resulted in the stampede, the Youth League is encouraging our security agencies, especially the police, to dispatch their officers in mufti (or uniformed, as may be appropriate) to mingle with crowds during such events, instead of the usual practice of grouping at the entrance of venues or in their vehicles.

Based on their training in de-escalation of brawls of such nature, it is expected that they will be able to quickly recognise and bring fighting parties under control when they mix with crowds at events.

They can do this while alerting the crowd of their status and encourage them to stay calm while calling for backup whenever necessary. It will also be important to note if security was actually requested for the event in question at all.                                                                                 

The second possible cause fingered in this gruesome occurrence was Dumsor. It is important for Ghanaians to make clear demands on Government to bring a decisive end to this never ceasing challenge; which has not only claimed jobs, but also lives in hospital theatres and now ostensibly during a festive event. This is getting rapidly out of hand and Ghanaians must not rest from demanding a tangible and real solution to this power crisis.

Lastly, the relevant organization in Ghana that is tasked with civic response to disasters of this nature must immediately set to work on educating Ghanaians on how to conduct themselves under panic inducing occurrences in crowded arenas.

The lack of public understanding of what to do under such circumstances results in stampedes, of which the Asawaase one is not part of it

As Youth, we are concerned about each and every single Ghanaian life and its value for our dear nation. We therefore join all Ghanaians to mourn with the deceased families while encouraging the authorities to immediately put in the necessary measures to avert any such dastardly happenings in our country.

Commander Jason Tutu,
Communication and Students Command,
CPP Youth League.
0245261363

Commander Hardi Yakubu,
Secretary to the Youth League. 0243931165