In a press conference held on Monday, 16th September 2024, the Ahafo Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Frimpong Andrews, raised concerns over recent developments involving the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The address, centered on the security and safety of Ahafo residents, comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the two major political parties in the region.
Mr. Andrews opened by thanking the attendees for responding to the NPP’s urgent invitation, despite the short notice. The essence of the briefing, he explained, was to highlight the disturbing rhetoric from the NDC’s regional leadership, particularly in relation to law enforcement.
Dangerous Claims by NDC
The catalyst for the conference was a statement made by Mr. Apraku Larty, the NDC’s Ahafo Regional Communications Director, during a press event last Friday. According to Mr. Andrews, Mr. Larty claimed that the NDC would no longer allow any of its youth members to face legal consequences if they broke the law. This assertion was deeply troubling to the NPP, who view it as an attempt to undermine law enforcement and create unrest during the critical election period.
“We find this as very unfortunate and disturbing coming from people who ought to know better,” Mr. Andrews remarked. He expressed concern that the NDC’s stance could lead to violence and destabilize the region, especially with elections approaching.
Recounting the Kwapong Incident
A significant portion of the press conference was devoted to recounting an incident that took place in Kwapong on Saturday, 7th September 2024. According to the NPP, the clash started when NDC members, led by a figure named Akilibobo, disrupted a rally held by the NPP. The group allegedly rode recklessly through the rally grounds on motorbikes and a Sprinter van, attempting to cause chaos. The situation escalated when stones were thrown, injuring an NPP supporter named Nana Yaw.
In a further twist, Mr. Andrews recounted how the violence intensified after a gun was fired by Mr. Gyau, a former NDC chairman. This reckless act, he claimed, led to further injuries and property damage.
Conflicting Narratives from the NDC
The NDC’s version of the Kwapong events, as described by their Asunafo South Constituency Secretary Mr. Yinka Benjamin and Mr. Apraku Larty, diverged significantly from the NPP’s account. Mr. Benjamin suggested on a local television show that the violence began when an NPP faction chased down an unnamed defector who had joined the NDC. On another platform, Mr. Larty claimed that NDC youth were returning from a fitness event when they were attacked by NPP supporters without provocation.
“These two contradicting statements coming from the leadership of the NDC only go to confirm the lies of the NDC and their desperate attempts to justify their violence behavior with impunity,” Mr. Andrews stated, accusing the NDC of trying to mislead the public and shield their members from the consequences of their actions.
Historical Context of Violence
Mr. Andrews also provided a brief history of violence in the Ahafo Region, citing past instances of conflict involving the NDC. He referenced an incident earlier in the year where NDC members allegedly fired 90 rounds of gunfire during a voter registration exercise in Kukuom, and a separate event where a misunderstanding at a meeting hosted by NDC stalwart Collins Dauda led to the fatal shooting of an individual named Soldier.
Call for Action
In conclusion, the NPP’s Ahafo Regional Communications Director urged the police to act swiftly and impartially, fulfilling their constitutional duty to maintain law and order. He emphasized that the NPP remains committed to peace and will continue to support efforts to ensure stability in the region.
“However, the dangerous path the NDC has now decided to tread is only dangerous, regrettable, and affront to the safety of the people in the region,” Mr. Andrews warned. He made it clear that if the police fail to act, the NPP would not hesitate to assist in maintaining order through lawful means, such as citizens’ arrests.
Conclusion
The NPP has strongly condemned the NDC’s stance on shielding their members from legal accountability and called on all stakeholders to join in promoting peace. With elections drawing near, the political climate in the Ahafo Region remains tense, and the NPP’s message of law and order will likely resonate with residents concerned about security.
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Story by: Boakye-Sarfo Clement, Genesis Radio – Goaso
