IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has urged residents of the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Constituency to remain calm as it intensifies investigations into a recent shooting incident that caused injuries and property damage in the area.
GPS provided these assurances in response to escalating tensions between supporters of Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, and Hilbert Amenorpe Fummey, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate.
The unrest in the constituency, attributed to a misunderstanding between the two factions, led to shootings by unidentified individuals, causing panic among residents.
One person sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment, the police said.
Meanwhile, calls have been made for the National Elections Security Taskforce, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to restore peace and order.
Blame Game
The clashes have resulted in casualties and heightened tensions, with both political parties blaming each other for the violence, yet neither has taken responsibility for calming the situation.
The National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, accused Annoh-Dompreh, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), of shooting an NDC supporter.
Speaking at a press conference, the NDC spokesperson alleged that Annoh-Dompreh shot a supporter in the leg, and hinted at plans to initiate criminal charges against him.
In response, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh, who is also the NPP Chief Whip in Parliament, denied the accusations.
“I have never wielded a firearm in my life, and I have no involvement in this unfortunate incident. I trust the police to conduct a fair and thorough investigation to uncover the truth,” he asserted.
He further criticised the NDC’s National Communications Officer for spreading false information, and called for a thorough investigation by the police.
Police Assurance
In a press statement, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Ghana Police Public Affairs, confirmed that investigations into the shooting at the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Constituency Collation Centre on December 8, 2024, were ongoing.
“We would like to inform the public that the police investigation into the shooting incident during disturbances at the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Constituency Collation Centre in the Eastern Region is still ongoing. The injured victim is receiving medical treatment and is assisting police with the investigation,” the statement read.
She said the police had intensified efforts to maintain law and order following a surge in post-election violence.
The police have arrested nine additional suspects, bringing the total to 132. Among them, 45 suspects have been remanded in custody, 71 granted police inquiry bail, and 16 released on court bail.
ACP Ansah-Akrofi reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring peace and security across the country.
She disclosed that a total of 35 electoral-related incidents were recorded in the third quarter of 2024, contributing to 33% of the 105 violence cases reported during that period.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke