NDC Demands Impartial Probe Into Awutu Senya East Violence

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is calling for an enhanced and unbiased investigation into the near-fatal incident that took place at the Ofaakor Electoral Commission Office in the Central Region on June 2, 2024.

The disturbance which led to two sustaining knife injuries saw Daniel Techie Mensah, the NDC Constituency Organiser and one other getting arrested in the aftermath.

According to a statement issued by NDC Awutu Senya East Constituency Communication Officer, Stephen Delali Sowoekpor, Daniel was taken to the Police Headquarters in Accra following his arrest.

This, according to him, is a clear case of partiality on the part of the police.

“This action appears selective and raises questions about the impartiality of the police’s response.”

Incident
Per a recount by the NDC, the confrontation which occurred between the NDC and NPP members was caused by the violation of an agreement against the busing in of people to queue for vote transfer.

“On the previous day, an agreement was reached between the police and the two main political parties in the Awutu Senya East Constituency to prevent the busing in of people to queue for vote transfers. Despite this agreement, at approximately 2:00 AM today, the NPP blatantly violated this accord by busing about 50 thugs to the centre. This unlawful act led to an immediate confrontation with both the police and members of the NDC present at the scene.

“The situation escalated further when Ato Koomson, son of Hawa Koomson, arrived with additional individuals who violently attacked the NDC members. The NDC members, outnumbered and outmatched, faced severe beatings. As a result, two of our members fainted, and one, identified as Asmah, suffered significant injuries, bleeding profusely. This tragic turn of events underscores the need for immediate intervention and justice,” he recounted their side of the story in a statement.

However, the police and New Patriotic Party (NPP) executives in the constituency say the incident emanated from queuing concerns.

Demands
The NDC is demanding a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the incident, ensuring that all perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of political affiliation.

It also wants the safety of the members of the NDC “who have been repeatedly targeted and victimized” ensured.

Additionally, it wants “all parties including law enforcement, to respect and adhere to agreements made to maintain peace and order during electoral processes”.