The Dickens: November 2009

We have had some things happen here in Nalerigu. We thought we would kind of keep quiet so as not to alarm anyone as we have felt completely safe during the events. However, enough folks seem to be finding out about them during this internet age so we'll share some of the details as we know them.

Last Thursday night, Alando, a very well respected man in the community and the one in charge of the business end of the pharmacy was murdered near his home in Nalerigu. It seems he was shot by a AK47 type rifle which are usually not found here in Nalerigu. He was brought to the hospital where Matt our visiting surgery resident and a visiting Cardiovascular surgeon tried valiantly to resuscitate him, but were unable to do so.

Alando had recently been to Accra to buy medicine and supplies for the pharmacy, we saw him there with the hospital truck as it was being loaded with hospital supplies for the return trip here. The prime suspect in the murder, falsely and maliciously spread rumors that Alando was buying guns to supply fighters in Bawku. There has been fighting in Bawku, about a 2hr drive from here, but the fighting has never spread from that area. The fighting has been between the Mamprusi, main tribe in this area, and Kusasi, main tribe in Bawku area. Alando had been born in Nalerigu and lived here his entire life. His parents were of the Kusasi tribe but he had remained completely out of the conflict. It seems the prime suspect, the one who spread the rumors, was able to hire someone to kill Alando. We mourn for his family.

Some of the hospital workers are concerned that the violence could spread but we pray that is not the case. We feel safe and want to reassure everyone that things are under control. The Ghana police and military have had a large presence here since the incident and have things under control. The prime suspect has been caught and we pray that any others involved will be caught as well.

Because people are mourning the loss of Alando, we have suspended clinic and elective surgical cases and are only taking care of emergency cases until the funeral occurs.

We appreciate your prayers for continued Peace in the area, that folks will not try and take justice in their own hands but will let the authorities do their jobs, and that the love of Christ will somehow shine forth in the midst of this.

Blessings, joel