Central North Regional Police Command, MUSEC Hold Emergency Community Engagement After Akoti Health Centre Closure
The Assin Fosu Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), in collaboration with the Central North Regional Police Command, has held an emergency engagement with residents of Assin Wurakese and Akropong following a violent incident at the Akoti Health Centre that led to the temporary suspension of health services by the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
The meeting brought together chiefs, elders, youth leaders, health officials, and security agencies from the two communities served by the facility.
The decision followed an incident in which an individual armed with a gun and a knife entered the facility and threatened health officials and clash involving a patient attack, an incident that raised serious safety and security concerns for health personnel.
In response to the incident, the Ghana Health Service temporarily shut down operations at the Akoti Health Centre to safeguard both staff and patients, citing heightened fear, anxiety, and threats to the safety of health workers.
Addressing the gathering, the Central North Regional Police Commander, DCOP Abraham Acquaye, assured residents that maximum security measures have been put in place to protect health personnel and the facility.
He disclosed that enhanced police patrols, rapid response mechanisms, and intelligence-led operations have been activated to prevent any recurrence of violence.
DCOP Acquaye emphasized that the police will deal decisively with any individual or group attempting to disrupt peace or intimidate health workers, stressing that the health centre must remain a safe and secure environment for both staff and patients.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Bab Gariba Adams, urged the youth of Assin Wurakese and Akropong to desist from violence and lawlessness, warning that such actions only deny the communities access to essential healthcare services.
He appealed for calm, cooperation, and dialogue, noting that development and quality healthcare can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Health Director, Mr. Benjamin Amoakoh, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the engagement, expressing hope that it would foster lasting peace and a healthy working relationship between health workers and the communities.
He further appealed for the construction of a perimeter fence wall around the facility to enhance the safety and security of staff and patients.
Story by Asante Shadrack
