Chaos nearly marred Ernest Kumi’s one-week observance as NPP supporters blocks Asiedu Nketiah

What was meant to be a solemn remembrance of the late Akwatia MP, Ernest Kumi, nearly descended into violence when National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, arrived at the Wenchi Durbar grounds with his entourage to commiserate with the bereaved family.

The atmosphere, already tense, quickly turned chaotic as groups of angry women and New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters attempted to physically confront the NDC chairman and his security team. Shouting and surging toward him, they accused the NDC of disrespecting the memory of the late lawmaker.

Mr. Nketiah’s security detail, backed by loyalists who accompanied him, resisted fiercely until Ghana Police personnel stepped in to reinforce order.

The situation calmed only after New Juaben South MP Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, and former Eastern Regional Chairman Kingston Akomeng Kissi intervened. They pleaded with the agitated supporters to allow Mr. Nketiah and his delegation to proceed. The NDC leader was eventually escorted to where former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were seated, where he paid homage.

Reacting to the incident, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, described the confrontation as regrettable and a threat to peaceful political engagement.

“This is worrying also because in the back of the conversation to eschew violence, look at what they have done at a funeral. We have taken a cue out of it and it will redefine our relationship going into the election,” he stated.

The chaotic scenes underscore the heightened political tension ahead of the September 2 Akwatia by-election, which was triggered by Ernest Kumi’s sudden death just six months after winning the seat.