Two people were reported dead following a violent clash yesterday at Akomadan in the Offinso North Constituency of the Ashanti Region.
The incident is linked to an attempted looting of some fertilisers owned by Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, the parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the constituency.
The Incident
According to reports, a group of youth believed to be supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) stormed a warehouse at the cocoa station in Akomadan, allegedly claiming they were now in charge and intended to take the fertilisers.
The fertilisers had been purchased by Dr. Asamoah for distribution to farmers, particularly NPP members.
Tensions escalated when NPP supporters intervened to prevent the looting. In the ensuing chaos, one person was reportedly beaten to death.
DAILY GUIDE gathered that in retaliation, the younger brother of the deceased, identified only as David, stabbed two individuals—one in the head and the other in the abdomen.
Both were rushed to the A.M.E. Zion Hospital at Akomadan Afrancho, but one of the victims later succumbed to his injuries.
Police Response
Following the violence, police arrived on the scene but were met with resistance from the youth, who protested against the arrest of David.
Reinforcements from Offinso were called in, and after firing warning shots and deploying tear gas, the officers managed to arrest David.
During the confrontation, another individual was injured, sparking further outrage.
The injured youth attempted to attack the officer believed to have fired the shot, forcing the officer to take refuge in a nearby house, which was subsequently surrounded by the crowd.
National Implications
The incident in Akomadan occurred alongside reports of invasions at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) head office at Kanda and the Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly NADMO office, all in Accra.
Unidentified thugs, believed to be NDC supporters, reportedly removed pictures of President Nana Akufo-Addo, looted state-owned laptops, and vandalised office equipment.
Rising Political Tensions
The events have added to the rising tensions surrounding the political landscape aftermath of the 2024 elections.
Already, violence and clashes have already resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to several others.
The Ghana Police Service has expressed concern over the growing unrest, urging political leaders to call their supporters to order and ensure peace.
The police have intensified security in hotspots like Akomadan to prevent further violence.
Investigation into the incidents is ongoing, with the police assuring the public of impartial action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
By Ernest Kofi Adu