Three people have been confirmed dead and about 15 others injured following violent clashes at New Winneba in the Central Region.

The Ghana Police Service said one of those injured is a police officer.

The injured persons have been taken to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba for treatment.

In a statement, the police said the violence began at about 10:40 AM on Tuesday, September 1, when “about 300 irate mob wielding guns, stones, cutlasses and sticks from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze and Gomoa Pomadze stormed the New Winneba Township.”

According to the police, the group attacked residents and damaged properties in the community.

The statement said the group “attacked them and caused damage to properties,” including shops, stores and residences belonging to natives.

Police personnel from the Winneba Divisional Headquarters and Agona Swedru District Patrols were deployed to contain the violence.

The police said, “About 15 injured victims have been sent to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba, including an officer, and 3 have been confirmed dead.”

The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has also deployed a reinforcement team from the National Police Headquarters to strengthen security operations in the area.

The reinforcement includes two armoured vehicles.

The police said the deployment is intended to “beef up security” and prevent further escalation.

The service said the situation has been brought under control.

“The situation is currently under control,” the police stated.

Security personnel remain deployed in the area to maintain peace and prevent further disturbances.

The circumstances surrounding the clashes and the deaths remain under investigation.

The police said: “Full details will be communicated later.”

The statement was issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Central Regional Police Command and signed by Chief Inspector Isaac Evans Ettie.