NDC Candidate Arrested For Alleged Firearm Possession Amid Electoral Violence
Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunnor
The Ghana Police Service has detained Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunnor, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, along with two others, for alleged possession of a firearm without lawful authority. The incident occurred following an altercation that resulted in the stabbing of Ato Koomson, the son of Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East and Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Ato Koomson is currently receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital after being stabbed in the chest during the confrontation. According to the police report, the suspects, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunnor, Mustapha Mohammed, and Abdul Aziz Musah, were arrested near the Electoral Commission office at Ofaakor. A pump-action gun with four rounds of ammunition was retrieved from their vehicle, a Honda CRV with registration number GX-2044-19.
In response to the arrests, the NDC in the Awutu Senya East Constituency has called for a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the disturbances at the Electoral Commission’s office. The party issued a statement expressing concern over what it describes as selective police action and a history of alleged attacks on NDC supporters by elements associated with Hawa Koomson.
Full Statement from the NDC Communication Bureau
The NDC Communication Bureau of the Awutu Senya East Constituency has condemned the violent incident and demanded immediate intervention. According to the statement, an agreement had been reached the previous day between the police and the two main political parties to prevent the busing in of individuals for vote transfers. Despite this agreement, the NDC alleges that the NPP violated the accord by busing in approximately 50 individuals, leading to a confrontation with police and NDC members.
The situation reportedly escalated when Ato Koomson arrived with additional individuals who allegedly attacked NDC members, resulting in severe beatings and significant injuries to some members, including Asmah, who bled profusely.
The NDC has expressed concern over the police’s decision to transfer Daniel Techie Mensah, the NDC Constituency Organiser, to the Police Headquarters in Accra, suggesting that this action appears selective and questions the impartiality of the police’s response.
NDC’s Demands
The NDC has called for the following actions:
Immediate and Impartial Investigation: A thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the incident, ensuring accountability for all perpetrators regardless of political affiliation.
Protection of All Citizens: Assurance from the police to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, particularly NDC members who have allegedly been targeted repeatedly.
Adherence to Agreements: Enforcement of agreements made to maintain peace and order during electoral processes.
The statement emphasized the NDC’s commitment to justice and the protection of its members, reaffirming the party’s dedication to advocating for the rights and safety of all individuals in the Awutu Senya East Constituency.
The incident underscores the heightened tensions in the lead-up to elections, with calls for impartial law enforcement and adherence to pre-agreed measures to prevent further violence. The Ghana Police Service’s investigation and response to these allegations will be closely monitored by all parties involved.