The Chief of Gauso, a suburb in the Obuasi Municipality, Dramani Karim Gauso has emphasised that the people of Gauso are not violent contrary to the perception among a cross-section of the people of Obuasi.

He was speaking at a community durbar to brief members of the community about recent attacks on some residents.

The meeting also presented an opportunity for the chief and his elders to sensitize the people, especially the youth to stay out of trouble.

It would be recalled that last week a group of gun-wielding men allegedly from Estate also a suburb of Obuasi attacked some people at Gauso in what is suspected to be a reprisal attack.

In the process, one man was injured while properties were destroyed. The police acted swiftly by arresting three members of the group who are currently facing trial.

There has been reported a long-standing feud between some groups of young men in Gauso and their counterparts at Tutuka and other areas in Obuasi.  This has resulted in deaths while others have suffered various degrees of injuries.

This development has however compelled the chief to meet with his people to admonish them to stay clear of crime and other violent behaviour since he has resolved not to shield anybody involved in such acts.

Speaking with the media after the well-attended meeting, Nana Dramani Karim Gauso said “we will not sit aloof as Gauso’s name is dragged in the mud, which has the potential of scaring away people from visiting our community and even preventing our youth from getting jobs”.

He added that the community has formed a task force to complement the efforts of the Unit committee to fish out criminal elements in the community who have been fomenting trouble.

The chief said the elders of the community have resolved not to beg on behalf of recalcitrant individuals or groups who will be arrested by the Police.

Alhaji Yunusah Baba Iddrisu Ouro-ifa II Adansi Kotokoli Chief also added his voice to the issue of bad press which the community has been attracting.

He said the Gauso community is not a violent community and hence appealed to the people to demonstrate good behaviour to vindicate his claim.

He again advised residents of the community not to shield any criminal who finds refuge in the community.  “I urge you to go by this principle; if you see something, say something. Kindly report criminals to the Police and don’t shield them”.

The Assembly member for the area Dauda Tahiru was of the view that it was about time the youth realized the enormity of the bad name the community has been associated with. He charged the youth to acquire employable skills and stay out of trouble.

The youth in the area also pledged to abide by the advice of their elders and said most of the people who commit crimes in the area are not indigenes of Gauso but hide behind the name to perpetuate their criminal activities.