Police have picked up more than 40 people suspected to be involved in clashes that claimed one life in Old Tafo, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The weapon-wielding youth had been threatening to launch a reprisal attack.  

They were spotted by security forces when the Ashanti Regional Security Council called on the Chief of the area as part of efforts to restore peace, Luv FM’s Erastus Asare Donkor said Friday.

He said a team of police and military personnel chased after them and arrested them.

Roads were closed and business activities came to a standstill during the operation to arrest of the suspects.

They will be processed for court Friday, according to Police.

Churches and a mosque have been torched in the violent clashes, destroying their contents according to Joy News’ Mohammed Nurudeen.

The Regional Security Council has already extended to Monday February 15 a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the community Wednesday. 

Meanwhile the Old Tafo Zongo Chief, Alhaji Seidu Chibsah, has condemned the clashes.

Alhaji Chibsah said on Adom FM’s Morning Show ‘Dwaso Nsem’ that the action of the youth groups was unacceptable and unjustifiable.

Clashes between the youth and some supporters of traditional leaders of the area over a piece of land on Wednesday caused an imposition of a 6:00pm to 6:00am curfew.

The man killed in the clashes was buried Thursday amid a heavy security presence.