What was meant to be a solemn 40-day observance for the late former Akwatia Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi, nearly descended into chaos when National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and his entourage arrived at the Wenchi Durbar grounds.
Some visibly enraged New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters, including a group of women, attempted to physically assault Mr. Asiedu Nketiah and his security detail.
The situation escalated until the NDC chairman’s team, together with party members, resisted the assault. Personnel from the Ghana Police Service quickly moved in to reinforce security and prevent the clash from spiraling out of control.
It eventually took the intervention of New Juaben South MP, Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, and former Eastern Regional NPP Chairman Kingston Akomeng Kissi to calm the agitated supporters. They cleared the way for Mr. Asiedu Nketiah and his team to proceed to where former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were seated, to pay their respects.
Speaking after the incident, NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande described the scene as “unfortunate” and expressed concern about the implications for political tolerance.
“This is worrying, especially because in the midst of calls to eschew violence, look at what they have done at a funeral,” he told Channel One News. “We have taken a cue from this and it will redefine our relationship with the NPP going into the elections.”
