The man who was stabbed in the chest on Sunday dawn at the Ofaakor Electoral Commission Office near Kasoa in the Central Region has been identified as Ako Kwamena Koomson, the first son of Mavis Hawa Koomson, Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East Constituency and Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
On same day in the same, near the Electoral Commission office in Kasoa, the Parliamentary Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the area, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunnor, was arrested with two others for carrying a pump-action gun with four rounds of ammunition without lawful authority.
The stabbed and bleeding Ato Koomson was initially sent to a nearby clinic but was later rushed in an ambulance to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after medical officers declared his condition as critical.
Early reports suggest Ato was stabbed by a man believed to be a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during a misunderstanding over queuing arrangements at a voter registration center.
The Ghana Police Service, in an official statement, said two people in connection with a disturbance were arrested and were in custody assisting with investigations.
“The disturbance which ensued this dawn over queuing before the commencement of the day’s activities at the EC office led to the injury of two people. Calm has since been restored at the registration centre”, the Police statement noted.
Pump-Action Carriers
The Police, on Sunday, confirmed the arrest of three individuals: Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunnor, Mustapha Mohammed, and Abdul Aziz Musah for possession of firearm without lawful authority.
Naa Koryoo Okunnor has been identified as the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, the strongest contender of Mavis Hawa Koomson.
The NDC candidate and the two others were apprehended while traveling in a Honda CRV saloon car with registration number GX-2044-19.
The Police statement said their vehicle was intercepted near the Electoral Commission (EC) Office at Ofaakor,
Upon searching the vehicle, Police officers discovered a pump-action gun along with four rounds of ammunition.
The statement said the three suspects were being held to help in investigations.
The statement gave an assurance to the public that the Ghana Police Service remain committed to thoroughly investigating the case to uncover any additional information or accomplices that may be involved.
NPP Blames NDC
The Awutu Senya East New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Constituency Secretary, Michael Addo, explained that he received a call in the early hours of Sunday, regarding a disagreement about seating arrangements at a centre where the EC’s process to transfer votes and replace missing ID cards was taking place.
“My good friend and brother, Ato Koomson, got here even before I did. He called me to the effect that the misunderstanding is escalating so we should hurry up and get here.”
According to him, Ato Koomson explained that he had received a hint that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) intended to disrupt the process.
He claimed that despite efforts to maintain peace, Mr Koomson was stabbed by a man believed to be a member of the NDC during the altercation.
“We are going to follow this case to its full conclusion and ensure that what is right is done irrespective of who is involved. So, we are appealing to the police, that they must expedite action in ensuring that justice is duly served.”
NDC Blames NPP
The NDC communication Bureau in the area issued statement which basically blamed the NPP for the disturbances and called for a probe.
Below is the full statement:
The NDC Communication Bureau of the Awutu Senya East Constituency expresses its profound concern and condemnation over the violent incident that occurred in the early hours of this morning. This unfortunate event stands as yet another instance of aggression and lawlessness perpetuated by elements associated with the NPP, under the apparent sponsorship and direction of Hawa Koomson.
On the previous day, an agreement was reached between the police and the two main political parties in the Awutu Senya East Constituency to prevent the busing in of people to queue for vote transfers. Despite this agreement, at approximately 2:00 AM today, the NPP blatantly violated this accord by busing in about 50 thugs to the center. This unlawful act led to an immediate confrontation with both the police and members of the NDC present at the scene.
The situation escalated further when Ato Koomson, son of Hawa Koomson, arrived with additional individuals who violently attacked the NDC members. The NDC members, outnumbered and outmatched, faced severe beatings. As a result, two of our members fainted, and one, identified as Asmah, suffered significant injuries, bleeding profusely. This tragic turn of events underscores the need for immediate intervention and justice.
We are closely monitoring the police’s actions regarding this incident, especially considering the historical context of attacks on NDC supporters allegedly orchestrated by Hawa Koomson. We have noted with concern the police’s decision to take Daniel Techie Mensah, the NDC Constituency Organiser, to the Police Headquarters in Accra. This action appears selective and raises questions about the impartiality of the police’s response.
In light of these events, we call for the following:
- An Immediate and Impartial Investigation: The police must conduct a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the incident, ensuring that all perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of political affiliation.
- Protection of All Citizens: The police must ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, particularly members of the NDC, who have been repeatedly targeted and victimized.
- Adherence to Agreements: We urge all parties, including law enforcement, to respect and adhere to agreements made to maintain peace and order during electoral processes.
We stand firm in our commitment to justice and the protection of our members. The NDC will continue to advocate for the rights and safety of all individuals in the Awutu Senya East Constituency.
Signed,
Comrade Stephen Delali Sowoekpor
Constituency Communication Officer
NDC Communication Bureau, Awutu Senya East Constituency
