A police officer has sustained serious injuries during a violent clash at the New Juaben North constituency in the Eastern Region.
The incident occurred in the midst of an attempt to halt an alleged spiritual incantation at a voting center, reportedly orchestrated by supporters of Nana Agyei, also known as Djoe, a contender in the parliamentary primary.
Reports indicate that a small group of the contender’s supporters gathered at the voting center during the night for the purported incantation. When attempts were made to intervene and stop the ritual, the situation escalated into violence, resulting in a near-fatal attack on the police officer.
The injured officer is currently undergoing treatment at the Koforidua Central Hospital, highlighting the severity of the clash. This incident has cast a shadow over the NPP primaries, adding to the already heightened tension in the lead-up to the crucial electoral process.
In the New Juaben North constituency, where the violent altercation occurred, the competition among candidates is intense. Notable contenders include Seth Kwame Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister, as well as Nana Osei Adjei, Joseph Osei Djaba, Philip Twum Yeboah, and Sampson Kwesi Annor.
The altercation underscores the charged atmosphere surrounding the upcoming NPP polls in the region. Seth Acheampong’s bid to return to Parliament is deemed crucial for the NPP, particularly with the exit of key members from the Majority Caucus. Prominent figures leaving Parliament include Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, First Deputy Speaker Joe Osei Owusu, Atta Akyea, Joe Ghartey, Ken Agyapong, and others.
Seth Acheampong, having previously served as a Member of Parliament for the Mpraeso constituency, is now seeking to represent New Juaben North, succeeding the incumbent Nana Adjei Boateng. His extensive parliamentary experience is viewed as invaluable in addressing the gaps left by the voluntary exit of numerous Members of the Majority Caucus of the NPP.
The voluntary exit of these experienced MPs has raised serious concerns about the future trajectory of the NPP, leaving a void in the party’s leadership and parliamentary representation. Seth Kwame Acheampong’s return to Parliament is seen as pivotal, and he is receiving substantial support from delegates and key figures within the NPP to bolster the party’s standing in the next Parliament.
At the constituency level, former New Juaben North NPP chairman Kwadwo Boateng Agyemang has officially declared support for Acheampong, emphasizing his competence, hard work, humility, and vision for the youth.