A protest organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) turned chaotic after demonstrators clashed with police near the Ashanti Regional Electoral Commission (EC) office today. The protest, which began peacefully, escalated when the group approached the EC office.
With about 50 meters to the office, police blocked the path of the protesters. However, the crowd overpowered the police barricade, forcing officers to respond by firing two warning shots and releasing tear gas. The gunshots, meant to disperse the crowd, instead provoked anger among the protesters.
Some NDC supporters, incensed by the police’s actions, retaliated by attacking officers. The situation quickly spiraled into violence, disrupting what had initially been a peaceful demonstration. During the confrontation, one NDC supporter was arrested by the police.
One two people sustaining minor injuries on their head. As of now, calm has been restored at the scene, with the police maintaining control over the area.
The man arrested according to the police has been released. Without provocation a police officer slapped the NDC regional chairman Augustus Andrews Nana Akwasi. Official complaint with the identity of the police officer has been given to the reginal command to push the officer who acted on professional at the event.
In a passionate address to the media and the officials of the electoral commission, the Ashanti regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress accused the police of detouring them into a bushy area, far from the EC office.
He said “This march is for our freedom and independence,” the protest leader declared. He added “Everything was peaceful until the police diverted us into a bush, which was not our intended destination”.
According to him, confusion broke out when officers resorted to force, including firing two warning shots and using tear gas to disperse the crowd after protesters overpowered a police barricade.
The NDC further alleged that a police officer, identified by his badge as “Baki,” assaulted the regional chairman of the party Augustus Andrew Nana Akwasi during the confusion.
He called for the police officer to be held accountable, stating that the party would provide all necessary assistance to ensure justice is served.
“The law must take its course. We stand not intimidated,” he said, adding that the party will not back down in its quest for transparency in the upcoming elections.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
