NDC constituency election turns violent

Agona Asafo, (C/R), Nov. 7, GNA - Police reinforcement from Agona Swedru was dispatched to Agona Asafo, in the Central Region to quell the violence, which erupted after the election of Agona East Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The violence started when supporters of Alhaji Gyabiru Ibrahim, who lost the election to Mr Jonathan Kwame Abban, Managing Director of Pioneer Distillery Company Limited, started attacking people on sight at the AME Zion Church premises.

Five police personnel who were on duty found it difficult to maintain law and order, hence the reinforcement from the Swedru District Police Command.

The aggrieved supporters deflated the tyres of a car belonging to Mr Martin Luther Obeng, a leading member of the NDC at Agona East. Supporters of Mr Abban also sustained injuries.

Before the elections supporters of Alhaji Gyaburi chanted war songs and carried placards, some of which read: "No Alhaji no vote, "Gyabiru would never step down," "if Alhaji loses blood would flow and executives of the constituency do not speak the truth."

Mr Abban polled 116 of the 192 votes to beat Alhaji Gyaburi who attracted 76 votes.

Mr Abban was whisked into a Police vehicle to Agona Swedru after being taken hostage for about 50 minutes.

The violence delayed the declaration of the election results by Mr Kwame Amoah, Agona West Municipal Electoral Officer.

Mr Allottey Jacobs, NDC Regional Propaganda Secretary, who spoke to journalists after the incident, condemned the action, saying the perpetuators had refused to learn and understand the democratic process of the party.

He said it was unfortunate for some party members to take the law into their hands.

Mr Jacobs urged members of the NDC to follow the principles, rules and regulations of the party to ensure peace and stability. Mr John Oremus Arkoh, an NDC activist expressed concern about the growing indiscipline among some supporters, especially the youth and asked them to change for the better.

Mr Egyir Nkrumah, was elected unopposed as Vice Chairman, Mr Oscar Mensah, as Secretary and Mr Ebo Wilson as Assistant Secretary. Mr Francis Baidoo was elected Youth Organiser while Mr Isaac Ankomah was elected unopposed for the position of Assistant Organiser. Mr Ebenezer Afful was also elected unopposed as Propaganda Secretary and Mr Benjamin Owusu as Assistant propaganda Secretary.

The position of Treasurer went to Mr Salisu Mohammed who was elected unopposed and Mr Stephen Quaye Assistant Treasurer.

The rest are; Ms Adisa Adams, Women Organiser, Ms Mary Otwey, Assistant Women Organiser while the position of Youth organiser went to Mr Bashiru Gambo. Mr Mohammed Frauik was elected unopposed as Assistant Youth Organiser. 7 Nov. 09