Anger Over NPP Chairman's Murder

The late Adams Mahama
Aggrieved supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) yesterday besieged the Asylum Down national headquarters of the party in Accra when news about the murder of the Upper East Regional Chairman of the party, Adams Mahama, became public.

Thankfully, the police hurriedly moved to the place with a team of men and anti-riot vehicles to forestall any ugly incident.

Commissioner of Police (COP) in-charge of Operations, John Kudalor, who led the team, including Deputy Greater Accra Regional Commander, ACP Yosa Bonga and his colleague Nima Divisional Commander, ACP Nuhu Jango, said they were there to protect lives and property and promised to get to the bottom of the case.

COP Kudalor said the police were making progress in their investigations into the murder.

Headquarters Closed Down
Later, a group of party youth led by the NPP's internal security – the Invisible Forces – seized the headquarters, declaring the place a 'no go' area for the national executives.

At a mini press conference, leader of the group, one Dennis Ahmed, said: 'We want the party to know that the youth have taken over the party office pending an outcome of the cause of death of our dear brother, Chairman Adams Mahama.

'We are asking the Chairman and the General Secretary to stay away from the party office until justice is done to our brother.'

Fallout
The acid attack on Adams, which resulted in his sudden death, is believed to have something to do with the seeming disunity in the leadership of the NPP, which has led to apparent tension in the party.

The most recent of this was a visit to the Upper East Region by NPP Chairman, Paul Afoko, and the General Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong, for a programme without informing Adams, apart from the regional organiser and some selected executives.

On the day of the event, Afoko and Agyepong were chased out of town by party supporters who thought they were not only disregarding the structures, but were also sowing seeds of discord in the NPP.

Mr Adams Mahama subsequently issued a statement expressing concern over the attitude of the two party leaders and called for an end to such conduct since it could ruin the party's chances in the 2016 general elections.

'I am appealing to the National Chairman and the General Secretary to stop this habit of sidelining elected officers they do not like. They must respect the structures of the party and work with the structures and hierarchy of the party, including their colleagues at the headquarters and the regional chairmen across the country,' he said.

Afoko's Denial
But party Chairman Paul Afoko, whose name has since been on the lips of the youth in  Bolga, has denied any complicity in the murder case.

Even though he confirmed on Accra-based Adom FM that he had some level of misunderstanding with the late Adams, he said he was a nonviolent person, adding, 'I ask the police to investigate this matter to the end. This is a criminal matter and they should investigate it without fear or favour.'

He has also denied his brother's involvement in the murder of the late Upper East Regional Chairman.

‎Akufo-Addo Suspends Trip
Party flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo, who was on a 16-day working tour of Europe, was alarmed when news of Adams death – a close ally – reached him in Amsterdam, Holland.

The man has since suspended his trip and decided to return home today.

Excerpts of Nana Akufo-Addo's statement indicated, 'I am cutting short my stay in Europe to return home immediately to be with the party and his family.

'My heart, thoughts and condolences, and that of the entire NPP family, go out to his family. The party will stand strongly with them in this time of our great loss,' he said, whilst calling on 'every party member and supporter to be calm at this time of great loss and stress.'

'We must stand together at this time, not against each other,' he added.

NPP Mourns
Another statement issued by the NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong, said: 'The NPP is shocked and saddened by the acid attack against our Upper East Regional Chairman, Mr Adams Mahama, which took place yesternight in Bolgatanga and has led to his sudden demise.

'We mourn and stand together with the family of our departed patriot in this moment of shock and grief.'

While condemning what he termed a criminal act, he expressed hope that 'The Police Service will act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to face the full wrath of the law' and called on party faithful to remain calm.

Tears Flow
It was a sorrowful sight to behold when some children of the late Adams Mahama arrived at the private residence of NPP vice presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, at Kanda in Accra yesterday.

Some party bigwigs, including Treasurer Kwabena Abankwa Yeboah and National Youth Organiser Sammi Awuku could not hold back their tears as the children sobbed while Dr Bawumia and others consoled them.

He has since called for calm among the rank and file of the party. He is due to join the family today for the burial of his compatriot.

Moments after news of the late NPP Upper East Regional Chairman's death went round, leading members of the party, including former Mayor of Accra, Stanley Adjiri Blankson, former Greater Accra Minister, Sheikh IC Quaye and former Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, trooped to Dr Bawumia's house to join in the mourning.

Also present were the First Vice Chairman of the party, Freddie Blay, the National Organiser, John Boadu and several others.

Many other Ghanaians were also there to express sympathy.

Addressing the media, Dr Bawumia, who was holding the fort in the absence of the NPP flagbearer, called for cool heads to prevail in the party to enable the police conduct thorough and proper investigations into the murder.

He assured that the party would see to it that the late party chief was given a fitting burial.

Solidarity Messages
The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) issued a statement describing the killing of Adams as a dastardly act.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this barbaric and cowardly murder which represents a major setback for our democracy,” it stated.

The Progressive People's Party (PPP) also expressed shock at the terror attack.

Even though they have scheduled a press conference over the matter this morning, the PPP statement, which was signed by the party's National Secretary, Kofi Asamoah-Siaw, called for calm while the police take steps to identify, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu