Tema Traditional Council condemns GAF Statement on killings

The Tema Traditional Council (TTC) has expressed strong disapproval of the press statement issued by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) regarding the recent altercation during the final procession of the Kplejoo festival.
Nii Armah Soumponu II, the Tema Shipi and Stool Secretary of the Tema Traditional Council, conveyed the community’s dismay during a press conference addressing the incident.
Nii Soumponu emphasized that the public information provided by the GAF was deemed false by the traditional council.
He highlighted their efforts in working tirelessly to manage the situation and urged the youth to exercise restraint, describing the incident as highly provocative.
The council reiterated the longstanding tradition of celebrating the Kplejoo festival peacefully for many decades, even after the relocation to their present location.
Nii Soumponu pointed out that they had duly informed all security agencies in Tema about the festival and its associated processions.
Regarding the claim of vandalism against a military vehicle, Nii Soumponu stressed the lack of evidence to support such allegations. He questioned the authenticity of the military’s presence and their response, emphasizing the community’s right to react if provoked.
Despite facing challenges such as land loss due to industrial development, the council affirmed its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage through festivals. Nii Soumponu emphasized that the celebration of their festivals was non-negotiable and vowed to continue despite external pressures.
The council expressed disappointment at the absence of communication from the Ghana Armed Forces since the incident, contrasting it with the engagement from other stakeholders, including the Police.
In response to the incident, community leaders, including Mr. Mohammed Elias and Mr. Henry Okoe Oninku, assured that the youth would not resort to violence and were cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.
They expressed reliance on legal processes and spiritual intervention to resolve the matter.
As tensions simmer following the Kplejoo festival incident, the TTC’s condemnation of the Ghana Armed Forces’ statement underscores the importance of transparent communication and constructive dialogue in resolving community disputes.