W/R: Ghana’s opposition NDC chairman shot as chieftaincy dispute erupts in violence

At least two persons, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) chairman of Amanfi Central Constituency, were shot after violence broke out on Sunday at Ankwaso in the Western Region.

He is responding to treatment at the Bibiani Government Hospital, where he was referred.

The constituency chairman, Daniel Akwasi Appiah, was reportedly shot during a ceremony to install a new chief named as Oseadeeye Kwabena Damptey II.

Witnesses say chaos broke out at the event after some factions he supports attempted to stop the ceremony.

They reportedly fired gunshots to disrupt the program —a situation which called for police response.

Sefwi-Bekwai District Police Commander Superintendent Isaac Baah, who confirmed the incident to DailymailGh said the armed gang engaged the police in a fierce gun battle.

Supt Baah said a 45-year-old man identified as Kofi Abebrese who also sustained gunshot wounds has also been referred from the Diaso Hospital to the Bibiani Government Hospital — where he is receiving treatment.

“No-one has been shot dead. As we speak he [Kofi Abebrese] is responding to treatment. He defied police orders and attempted to open fire so police also fired to disarm him. In fact the armed gang shot indiscriminately putting lives in jeopardy. Many properties were destroyed including the chairman’s vehicle. The matter has been reported to us”, Superintendent Baah stated.

Though calm has returned to the area, the police chief said it has begun investigations to arrest any culprits.

A pump action gun was, however, retrieved at the scene as exhibits.

It is gathered that the NDC Chairman would be invited to assist police in their investigations.

DailymailGh.com also understands that a number of schools around the area has been shutdown.

A circuit supervisor told our correspondent that the Western Regional Education Directorate has been informed over the development.

“Right now we don’t know when the pupils would return to school. We have reported the matter to the GES. Even we have requested for Police protection because we need to complete registration of the final year students”, the circuit supervisor told our correspondent.

By J. Ofori, Daily Mail GH

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