Two scrap dealers have been beaten to death by an angry mob at Ntensere in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region over allegations that they attempted to steal a child.
The incident, which highlights the persistent menace of mob justice in parts of the region, occurred when the victims visited the community to purchase scrap materials.
According to eyewitness accounts and local authorities, the two men, identified as Alhasan and Nagolo, were accused by residents of trying to abduct a three-year-old child. The suspicion rapidly escalated into violence, with the mob assaulting the pair before they could explain themselves. The victims were beaten to death, and their motorcycle was subsequently set ablaze.
Saramatu Zackaria, the Unit Committee Vice Chairperson for the area, confirmed the tragic event to Adom News. She explained that she was attending a wedding when she received news of the mob action in her electoral area.
“I rushed to the scene, but before I arrived, the victims had already been killed, leaving their lifeless bodies behind,” she said.
Madam Zackaria strongly condemned the act and appealed for calm, urging residents to allow the police to handle such matters through proper legal channels. She emphasised the importance of restraint and adherence to the rule of law to prevent such senseless killings.
The Ashanti Regional Scrap Dealers Association has expressed deep outrage over the incident, describing it as part of a disturbing and recurring pattern of attacks on its members based on unfounded accusations.
“This is becoming too frequent in the Ashanti Region. Our members are often attacked based on false accusations. We are not thieves; people should stop killing us,” said Alhaji Abdulai Gagala, President of the Association.
He called on security agencies to act decisively to protect scrap dealers and bring the perpetrators to justice, warning that mob justice could victimise anyone falsely accused.