The New Force movement has issued a formal apology following a disturbing video that surfaced showing a member of the security team assigned to its presidential candidate physically assaulting a civilian supporter.
The incident, which has drawn widespread criticism from the public and civil society actors, has raised concerns about the conduct of political security personnel during campaign engagements.
“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by a recent incident captured on video in which a member of the security team assigned to our presidential candidate was seen physically assaulting a supporter who was merely attempting to speak with the candidate”
The New Force
The party’s General Secretary, Charles Yomekpe, in a statement released to the press, acknowledged that the individual was unarmed and deserved to be treated with dignity.
The footage, which circulated widely across social media platforms, has sparked intense public reaction, with many calling for immediate accountability. The video showed a man, later identified as a supporter of the New Force, being forcefully restrained and struck by a security officer in close proximity to the presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako.
According to the party, the conduct of the security operative does not reflect the principles or values of the movement, which prides itself on being a people-centered alternative to mainstream politics. “Let it be made unequivocally clear that our movement strongly condemns this behavior,” Yomekpe stated.
In response to the backlash, the New Force announced that it had launched an immediate investigation into the incident. The party said that disciplinary procedures would follow swiftly, both through internal mechanisms and through the appropriate legal channels. “We assure the public that the perpetrator will be held fully accountable,” the statement said.
Political observers have noted that the incident underlines a growing concern over the conduct of political entourages in Ghana’s increasingly tense political climate. With the country still charged from the December 7th elections, civil liberties and the democratic space remain central topics in national discourse.
This latest controversy has reinvigorated calls for all political movements – especially emerging ones – to uphold the constitutional rights of citizens at all times.
The New Force acknowledged the disappointments of the people and admitted that the violent conduct was a violation of those expectations. “We extend our sincerest apologies to the victim and their family, and to all Ghanaians who rightly expect better conduct from those associated with our movement,” said Yomekpe.
The party also expressed appreciation to the public for drawing attention to the matter and affirmed its commitment to ensuring such actions do not recur. The leadership emphasized the need to restore “public trust” and announced its intent to implement corrective measures beyond the immediate investigation.
“No individual, supporter or otherwise should ever be subjected to violence, especially in a democratic environment where engagement and expression are to be protected”
The New Force
The apology comes at a critical juncture for the New Force as it seeks to position itself as a credible alternative in the country’s political landscape. Analysts suggest that how the party handles this crisis may influence its broader public perception heading into the next electoral season.
With growing scrutiny on political actors’ behavior, the demand for civility, transparency, and accountability is likely to remain front and center throughout the campaign period.
