The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has issued a stern press statement condemning what they describe as deliberate acts of harassment against their members by officials of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The statement, signed by Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, highlighted a series of incidents that the party views as a direct threat to the democratic rights of its supporters and the stability of the region.
“These reprehensible actions are not only a blatant disregard for the democratic rights of our members but also a direct threat to the peace and stability of our region.”
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC
Dr. Amoakohene cited incidents in the Tafo and Ejisu constituencies, where NPP officials were allegedly involved in acts of coercion and intimidation.
One of the incidents that have sparked outrage among NDC supporters involved the Member of Parliament for the Tafo Constituency. According to the press statement, the MP was captured in a disturbing video forcibly removing an NDC-branded T-shirt from a supporter and replacing it with an NPP-branded shirt.
The NDC contended that this act of coercion is not only an infringement on the individual’s personal rights but also an indication of the NPP’s desperation to impose their ideology on the people of Ashanti Region.
The NDC emphasized that such actions undermine the democratic principles of freedom of association and expression, which are enshrined in the Ghanaian Constitution.
A second incident highlighted in the press release occurred in the Ejisu Constituency, involving the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The NDC claimed that Chairman Wontumi was filmed forcibly removing a T-shirt from an NDC supporter, despite her protestations. The woman, in an act of defiance, reportedly discarded the NPP shirt and publicly renounced the party’s “unscrupulous methods of intimidation.”
Following this incident, the NDC alleged that the woman has received anonymous threats aimed at silencing her for standing up against the NPP’s tactics. The NDC’s statement strongly condemned these threats and warned Chairman Wontumi that he would be held personally responsible for any harm that befalls NDC supporters.
In response to these incidents, the NDC noted that it has lodged a formal complaint with the Ashanti Regional Police Command. Dr. Amoakohene urged the police to enforce the laws of Ghana impartially and to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.
He also called on the National Peace Council and other civil society organizations to take note of these alleged illegal actions by the NPP and intervene to prevent further escalation.
“We hereby call on Chairman Wontumi to immediately bring his ‘boys’ to order. Let it be known that he will be held personally responsible for any harm that befalls our supporters who are being threatened and harassed.”
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC
The NDC’s statement further reaffirmed the party’s commitment to protecting its members and defending the rule of law in Ghana. Dr. Amoakohene urged the NPP to focus on addressing the challenges facing the country under their governance, rather than resorting to what he described as “oppressive tactics” against political opponents.
Call for Vigilance and Unity
In concluding the statement, the NDC called on all peace-loving Ghanaians to remain vigilant in the face of these alleged acts of intimidation. The party urged citizens to report any further incidents to the appropriate authorities to ensure that justice is served and the rights of all individuals are upheld.
“The NDC will not be intimidated, and we will continue to stand firm in defense of democracy and the rights of our members,” Dr. Amoakohene asserted.
The Ashanti Region has long been a stronghold of the NPP, but recent developments suggest increasing tensions between the two major political parties as the country approaches its next general election.
The NDC’s press statement underscored the party’s concerns about maintaining peace and security in the region amid what they perceive as escalating political aggression.
The involvement of high-profile NPP figures in these incidents has raised questions about the party’s tactics and the potential impact on the upcoming elections.
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