By Ahmed Osumanu Halid, Nima 441
Tuesday 18th January, 2020 was a sad day in my twin communities of Nima and Mamobi.
Two known gangs within the two neighbourhoods engaged in a dreadful day light fight, where murderous gadgets were used to attack each other including guns (unlawful groups and unlawful act).
In the melee, three innocent individuals were hit by stray bullets. They are currently receiving medical attention at the 37 Military Hospital.
These goons are known in the communities for engaging in all unreported criminal activities.
The truth is that most of our opinion leaders, such as the Imams, chiefs, politicians and all who matter are aware of their existence and the wicked activities these guys do on a daily basis within the communities.
It has been alleged that when some of them are arrested by the security agencies, some of our opinion leaders effect their bail and at times act as sureties for them.(the law allows a suspect to be bailed by a bailor on all matters as decided in the matter between Martin Kpebu and the Republic. The consequences are grievous when the suspect absconds).
What happened on that day negatively tainted the name and image of Nima-Mamobi.
Yes, in every community, there are such deviants and miscreants, and our community is not an exception.
We call them law breakers or ‘breachers’ of the law.
Clearly, it was a needless show of madness.
I commend the police for their quick intervention and for restoring peace.
They are still around monitoring situations and carrying out their investigations.
Well done, Ghana Police.
Many people have condemned this sordid act by our perceived brothers describing it as shameful and bizarre.
All hands must be on deck to help the police apprehend these monsters and criminals.
I am also appealing or urging our chiefs, imams, politicians and all to halt the business of acting as sureties for these goons.
They should respect the laws of the country and allow them to bite on any ‘breacher’, especially criminal ones like what we witnessed last Tuesday.
Our legal system allows our opinion leaders to intervene in all civil matters but not criminal ones as stated.
Only the courts have the jurisdiction, power and authority to determine or settle them.ie criminal matters.
These twin communities are dominated by Muslims and have many mosques and Islamic educational centres dotted around.
The communities also boast of well qualified secular scholars who impart knowledge both at the mosques and at the various centres of learning regularly.
My concern is, do these troubled youth listen and practise what is being shared to them?
I believe the answer is no.
Islam teaches love, peace reverence, hard work, and all other legitimate principles or values. Why the irony?
Persons
There are also numerous graduates from our tertiary institutions and other institutions, who reside or once resided in the two communities.
Some of us are honoured, we had our foundational education and other excellent moral values from these communities. Proud and grateful to those who built us on gratis (free of charge).
At least most of us are today contributing to national development.
There are also many astute businessmen and women in the Nima-Mamobi communities contributing their quota in the local and national economy.
Excellent artisans and other productive persons all doing legitimate businesses to build themselves, families and the local economy.
Yes, bad media publicity, but it is not over. We shall work hard to erase this grievous tag about our communities (the Zongos).
My brothers in our communities, please never repeat this sordid behaviour and I pray that the innocent ones will not emulate them.
Remember, the laws of Ghana will punish you when you breach them.
Now, the breakers of the laws are hiding but the long arm of the state will surely grab them and the laws will be applied accordingly.
Where are the so-called men?
Men don’t display that madness.
What men do are legitimate work, build their families, participate in local and national growths not the madness we saw some few days.
Nima, still my happy home.
