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Tensions are mounting in the Okaikwei North constituency of Accra as supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) accuse the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating a wave of vandalism targeting campaign materials of the NPP’s parliamentary candidate, Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei.
In a dramatic escalation of pre-election hostilities, youth suspected to be aligned with the NDC were caught on camera rampaging through the constituency, tearing down billboards and posters of Nana Ama Dokua. The footage, which has since gone viral, shows the young men methodically destroying the promotional materials in broad daylight, prompting a swift outcry from NPP supporters.
The NPP faction in Okaikwei North has pointed fingers at Theresa Awuni, the incumbent MP and NDC parliamentary candidate, along with the NDC’s youth organiser, popularly known as Libya, accusing them of being the architects behind the vandalism. They claim this is not the first time the NPP candidate has been targeted, citing previous incidents of destruction that have gone unpunished.
Shortly after the incident, the matter was reported to the Tesano police station, leading to an attempted arrest of the culprits. However, the situation took a volatile turn when Libya reportedly mobilised a group of thugs to confront the police. Witnesses describe a tense standoff as the mob surrounded the officers, blocking their attempts to apprehend the suspected vandals. In the chaos that ensued, Libya and his men managed to whisk the youths away, leaving the police empty-handed and the suspects now in hiding.
As the December elections draw closer, the political temperature in Okaikwei North is rising dangerously. Residents and opinion leaders in the constituency are voicing their concerns over the escalating violence and the potential for further clashes. Despite repeated efforts to obtain a statement from the Tesano police, authorities have remained tight-lipped, fueling further frustration among the NPP camp.
The incident has sparked widespread debate about the conduct of political actors in the lead-up to the elections, with many calling for calm and urging the security agencies to take swift and decisive action to prevent further disturbances.
If the situation is not defused, there are fears that the constituency could become a flashpoint in what is already shaping up to be a highly contentious election season.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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