Schools in Kwahu-Abene in the Eastern Region have been closed down following violent chieftaincy clashes in the area Monday, Joy News has gathered.

This comes after the enskinment of former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Agyemang Badu Akosa as the new Kwahu-Abene chief, degenerated into clashes.

One of the factions led by the Abetifi chief, Nana Acheamfuor Asiedu Agyemang opposed the enstoolment of the politician, saying it was done illegally.

Related Article: Prof Akosa's installation as Kwahu-Abene chief illegal – Abetifi chief

Former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Badu Akosa

The Abetifi chief who also doubles as the acting Kwahumanhene said at a news conference, the kingmakers in the area had no knowledge about the installation process.

He said custom requires anyone who wants to become a chief to do so using the right process but Professor Akosa didn’t use the right process.

The ceremony degenerated into clashes as the youth supporting the Abetifi chief stormed the installation ground to protest. They fought with the youth supporting Professor Akosa.

[M] Abetifi chief, Nana Acheamfuor Asiedu Agyemang

Scores of residents were injured in the process and properties worth thousands of cedis were destroyed in the clashes. No death was recorded.

Joy News’ Eastern Regional Correspondent, Edwin Kofi Siaw reports more residents of Abene have fled the town for fear of reprisal attacks.

The reporter said the residents who have been left behind have refused to let their children out because of a group that is terrorising residents.

Eastern Regional Police PRO, ASP Ebenezer Tetteh

But Eastern Regional Police PRO, ASP Ebenezer Tetteh refuted claims there is a group fomenting mayhem in the community.

He told Israel Laryea on Joy FM’s Midday News Thursday, the police command has dispatched more personnel into the area to arrest anyone terrorising residents.

As a result, he said, the “Kwahu-Abene township is very calm.”