Update Kumasi Tafo clashes: Chief of Army Staff orders arrest of local Imam

The Chief of Army Staff Major General Poku-Adusei has reportedly ordered the arrest of the Imam of Tafo in Kumasi. He has also directed security personnel manning the volatile situation in the area to shoot anyone who tries to vandalize any property, The directive comes on the back of a renewed attack on the security officials by some Zongo youth as they tried to enter the Zongo community Thursday afternoon. A scheduled meeting between the two factions in the confusion and security officials at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi is currently ongoing.

The Tafo community has been placed under a curfew following clashes between some youth perceived to be Muslims and the traditional authorities in the area. The locals and traditional authorities are reportedly fighting off attempts by the Muslims to fence off the cemetery in the area. Meanwhile, some churches and a mosque have reportedly been attacked in the clashes. It is unclear the name of the churches involved. Reports have it that so far six church buildings and a Mosque have been burnt by the irate youth. The Mayor of Kumasi Kojo Bonsu has announced that the dusk- to-dawn curfew imposed on the area has been extended to Monday.