§ 87. Mr. Alportasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement with regard to the rioting at Anloga in the Gold Coast.
119W
§ Mr. LytteltonA deep-seated opposition has developed in the State of Anlo in the Gold Coast Colony east of the Volta River to the payment of the rate imposed by the newly-elected Local Council. A headman who supported payment has disappeared and on 17th January the local Government Agent was stabbed while enquiring into the rate question in the area. He is making a good recovery from his wound.
General disturbances in the area then broke out. A local councillor who supported payment of the rate was murdered, 55 houses in Anloga and neighbouring villages were burned down and some pilfering took place.
Prompt and firm action by the Gold Coast Government through the regional organisation quickly restored order. Many arrests were made, 33 persons have so far been convicted of various offences connected with the riots and the trials of 99 others are proceeding. No arrests have yet been made in connection with the disappearance of the headman or the murder of the local councillor.
The action taken has the full support of the local members of the Gold Coast Legislative Assembly, of the Anlo District Council, and of the traditional authorities in the neighbourhood who have co-operated in restoring order.