Police investigate assault of eight over voter registration

Eight people were reportedly assaulted at Krofroum in Kumasi during the weekend as tension mounts between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), over the on-going Limited Voter Registration Exercise.

The victims were allegedly held and beaten up on suspicion that they had been transported from outside the Ashanti Region to register in the Manhyia South Constituency.

They are Ayorka Akumpi, Samson Abane, James Akurugu, Salisi Aperiyeta, Atia Baba, Ali Sansai, Patrick Atia and Nubisubila Apaliya.

They have vehemently denied the accusation.

The victims insisted that they had visited a friend and were not anywhere near a registration centre, when they were besieged by people they believe to be supporters of the NPP.

The case is being investigated by the Police at the Moro Market, who declined to speak to reporters.

This incident happened barely 24 hours after the Regional Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kofi Boakye, had met the leadership of the political parties to discuss ways to de-escalate the nervy situation.

The NDC Zongo Caucus strongly condemned the attack and urged the police to act decisively to stop the lawlessness and impunity.

Alhaji Alhassan Ibn Ibrahim, its Secretary, said everything must be done to arrest and to bring to justice the offenders, to send a powerful message to all politicians.

He warned against attempts to use intimidation and violence to achieve political outcomes, saying: “That would simply not work”.

He said it was important for political actors to accept to play by the rules of the game to stave off needless friction and any nasty confrontation.

Meanwhile, the NDC Regional Chairman, Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, has also urged responsible conduct to ensure smooth conduct of the registration exercise in the region.

The 10-day exercise, which started on Monday August 4, is open to Ghanaians who have attained 18 years since the main registration exercise in 2012, and eligible Ghanaians who were above 18 years during the main registration but could not register.