Tensions flared in Kumasi during the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) ongoing ‘Enough is Enough’ nationwide demonstration, leading to the arrest of a protestor following a violent clash between demonstrators and the police.
The incident occurred after protestors reportedly broke into the Electoral Commission’s office in Kumasi, damaging several doors in the process.
According to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NDC, he was physically assaulted by a police officer amid the chaos. This confrontation is part of wider unrest across parts of the country as the NDC protests intensify.
The Ghana Police Service had earlier issued specific guidelines for the protest, cautioning demonstrators to adhere to the designated routes and timelines provided. In response to the escalating tension, the police have taken strategic positions in key locations nationwide to prevent further disruption, with a particular focus on Accra’s Kwame Nkrumah Circle, where a human barricade has been set up to maintain order.
The Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, reiterated the party’s call for peaceful protests, warning participants that any disruptive behaviour would not be tolerated. His statement was intended to prevent the violence that has erupted in some areas.
The nationwide demonstration, organized by the NDC, aims to pressure the Electoral Commission to conduct a forensic audit of the 2024 voters’ register, a demand the opposition party believes is critical for ensuring a free and fair election.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, addressing the demonstrators in Accra, emphasized the importance of the audit, stating that it is necessary to address irregularities in the voters’ register to uphold the credibility of the upcoming elections. He also revealed that the NDC is considering recalling Parliament to push for this demand.
As the protests continue, the situation in Kumasi remains tense, with security forces on high alert to prevent further escalations.