A second-year student of the Christian Service University College has sustained a head injury following an alleged assault by supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) during a public lecture marking the institution’s 50th anniversary. The event, held on campus, featured former President John Mahama, the 2024 flagbearer of the NDC, as the keynote speaker.
The incident occurred after the victim, Nana Boakye, who is an organizer for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) student wing, TESCON, reportedly reacted to Mr. Mahama’s critique of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign. During his address, Mr. Mahama referred to Dr. Bawumia’s campaign as a “concert party,” suggesting that Ghanaians were in a difficult situation that did not warrant comedic relief.
Many attendees applauded Mr. Mahama’s remarks. However, Nana Boakye was displeased and allegedly retorted with a comment directed at the former president. “I also responded and said, ‘Mahama wo boa’ na wo b3 wi,’ [meaning ‘Mahama, you’re lying, you will lose’],” Boakye recounted.
Following his comment, Boakye was approached by an individual described as a “macho man,” who warned him to be cautious. When Boakye questioned the warning, the individual allegedly slapped him in front of the former President. Boakye described subsequent attacks as he was leaving the auditorium, leading to severe beatings that left him with head and arm injuries.
Boakye, a communications student, now has his head wrapped in a bandage and his arm supported by a splint. Efforts to rescue him were thwarted when some agitated party supporters reportedly broke into an office where he was being kept.
The NPP in the Ashanti Region has expressed outrage over the incident. Spokesperson Paul Yandoh voiced the party’s disappointment and concern over the violent encounter.
As of now, Nana Boakye has not filed an official complaint with the police regarding the assault. The situation has stirred significant reactions, with calls for a thorough investigation to ensure justice and uphold the safety of students on campus.