The Bono Regional Police Command has engaged Muslim worshippers at the Sampa Mosque in the Jaman North District of the Bono Region to strengthen peace building, sustenance and social cohesion.

The Sampa Township has been characterised by recurring violent clashes between the two traditional feuding factions over a protracted chieftaincy dispute.

However, a statement issued by the command and signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the Bono Regional Police Public Relations Officer, explained that the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Andrews George Kumah, the Deputy Bono Regional Police Commander Regional Commander led his operational team to engage Muslim worshippers.

A copy of the statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, reminded the residents that it was an offence for anybody to possess a firearm or weapon in the Sampa township.

It asked the residents “not to see Police officers as enemies, but rather as friends and peacekeepers,” urging them to provide the police credible information that could help maintain law and order in the town.

“There is a need to ensure that schools, banks, businesses, and marketplaces operate without disruption and also to ensure that everyone can go about his or her daily activities without fear”, the statement added.

It cautioned the youth, particularly those at the Sampa Muslim community, against possessing any weapon, warning that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

“The worshipers were also encouraged to relay this message to those who couldn’t attend the Jummah Prayers,” the statement advised.

Alhaji Adams Gado, a representative of the Sampa Chief Imam, expressed gratitude to the Police for the engagement and called on the officers to visit them periodically.