Violence begets violence – Interior Minister

"Violence begets violence", that is how Ghana's Interior Minister, Mark Woyongo chose to describe the clashes that characterized the Talensi by-election in the Upper East Region.

Speaking on Kumasi-based Ultimate FM on Tuesday, Mark Woyongo indicated that violence from one political faction fuelled the reprisal attacks and further suggested that such violent party security detail be licensed to operate legally.

"Violence begets violence. Azoka boys will not act violent if they are not provoked. The other side also brought in some people...the Invincible Forces, the Bolga Boys, so violence begets violence. What I mean is that if you are a peace lover and someone comes to attack you, definitely you have to protect yourself", Mark Woyongo remarked.

Tension mounted in Talensi following a clash between the ruling NDC's "Azorka Boys" and the opposition NPP's "Bolga Bull Dogs" who were both monitoring the by-election in the constituency.

Reports of sporadic shooting were witnessed around the NPP constituency office in the area.

The clashes reportedly resulted in the injury of some individuals from both sides of the political divide.