Ghanaian police have confirmed the abduction of two Canadian nationals in Ghana’s second largest city of Kumasi, some 200 km (125 miles) northwest of the capital Accra,
The police on Thursday issued a statement assuring they are investigating the case involving two women aged 19 and 20, who are volunteers with an NGO known as Youth Challenge International based here in Ghana.
They were abducted Tuesday evening, police chief spokesperson ACP David Eklu said. They were believed to have been kidnapped at Ahodwo, Kumasi Royal Gulf Club at 8:25 pm on June 4.
“Investigation started immediately upon receipt of a complaint and the security agencies are working closely together to get them rescued and the perpetrators arrested,” the statement said asking the general public to assist the Police by volunteering information to complement the effort of the security agencies.
The statement also warned, “due to the nature of the case, the Police is entreating Journalists, media discussants and all persons to be highly circumspect in the discussion of this matter in the media without first cross-checking from official Police sources.”
Kidnappings and violent crime against foreigners are rare in Ghana.
But earlier this year, local media quoted President Nana Akufo-Addo as warning that action must be taken to make sure kidnapping “doesn’t become a feature of our society.”
In April, an Indian man was reportedly abducted, also in Kumasi, by an armed gang demanding a cash ransom. He was swiftly rescued by police.
Tourism is an important industry for Ghana, and Kumasi, the historic capital of the Ashanti kingdom, is favourite stop.
Ghana is a country of some 30 million people, where more than two-thirds of people follow Christianity and the rest Islam and other religions.
It has long been seen as a bulwark of stability in a region struggling to contain multiple groups of extremist fighters.
Akufo-Addo, speaking on Wednesday to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al Fitr, called on the Ghanaian people to protect religious tolerance.
“We are the envy of the world when it comes to the peaceful co-existence of different religious communities,” Akufo-Addo said in a prepared speech released by the presidency.
He also urged people to “report suspicious characters” to the police.
“We cannot surrender this beautiful way of life for anything, and, certainly, not to people who seek to pervert religious beliefs,” Akufo-Addo added.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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