Violence erupted at the Electoral Commission’s office in Kasoa on June 2, 2024, resulting in injuries to four individuals amidst a clash between members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
What triggered the incident
According to reports, the conflict began around 5 a.m. and was reportedly sparked by a disagreement over the queuing process for voters intending to transfer their votes to the Awutu Senya East constituency.
Some reports suggested that the violence ensued when supporters of the NPP and NDC disputed the seating arrangements at the center.
Hawa Koomson’s son stabbed
Ato Koomson, the son of the incumbent Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, was seriously injured in the altercation.
Koomson was stabbed in the chest and is currently in critical condition at the 37 Military Hospital.
According to eyewitness reports, he was attempting to mediate the situation when an NDC supporter attacked him with a knife.
Other victims of incident
Additionally, three NDC members sustained injuries and were admitted to the Kasoa Polyclinic. King Adawu, a member of the NPP who is reported to have tried to block the knife, also suffered a minor cut but has since been discharged from the hospital.
Eyewitness speaks to media
Mike Addy, the constituency secretary for the NPP in Awutu Senya East, provided an account of the events leading up to the violence.
“At around 4:30 a.m., we received information about a dispute concerning the seating arrangement at the center. Upon arrival, we observed the situation deteriorating.
“Ato Koomson attempted to restore peace, but a gentleman from the NDC resisted and chose to attack Mr. Koomson,” Addy reported to the media.
Police action
The police have detained the individual responsible for the stabbing, and further investigations are ongoing.
The main suspect, an alleged NDC member, was arrested at the scene. The police have also invited the NDC constituency organizer, Daniel Techie Mensah, and the NDC youth organizer, who were present during the incident, for further questioning.
NDC formally reacts
In response to the violence, the NDC released a statement condemning the actions and accusing the NPP of instigating the incident.
Delali Seworkpor, the constituency communication officer for the NDC, expressed concern over what he described as selective police action.
“We are closely monitoring the police’s response to the incident. We are particularly concerned about the police’s decision to detain Daniel Techie Mensah, the NDC constituency organizer, which seems selective and casts doubt on the police’s impartiality,” the statement read in part.
