The New Patriotic Party Campaign Committee for Election 2008 has blamed its main challengers, the National Democratic Congress, for Sunday's alleged attacks on the NPP and its followers in Tamale.
A statement signed by Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, Chairman of the Communication Committee of the NPP campaign, said NDC thugs were responsible for starting the clash around the Gulkpe-Naa's palace by throwing stones and firing shots into the air to cause confusion.
Read the NPP's statement below:
STATEMENT BY NPP CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE ON NDC ATTACK IN TAMALE
1st September, 2008
Yesterday, NPP members attending a peaceful rally to welcome the party's running mate, Dr Bawumia, accompanied by the Campaign Director and other leaders were attacked by NDC thugs.
The NPP members, clad in party colours and singing party songs had met Dr Bawumia and the NPP team at Savelugu and later moved to Jubilee park, in Tamale. It was a welcome for the ages. While Dr Bawumia was addressing the crowd, NDC members located around the Gulkpe-Naa palace started throwing stones and firing shots into the air to cause confusion. In response, a few NPP members also threw stones. In the ensuing melee, three motor-cycles and a taxi were reportedly destroyed while about three people sustained injuries not considered to be life-threatening.
The action by the NDC thugs who interrupted the Muslim holy month of fasting, must be condemned by all.
Unfortunately, this incident fits into a larger context. It appears to be part of a carefully planned and ruthlessly executed campaign of violence and intimidation aimed at disturbing the peace and destroying the credibility of the December 7th vote. From the pronouncements of former President Rawlings, NDC Presidential candidate and former Vice-President Mills and other NDC leaders, with fervent references to Kenya and Zimbabwe, coupled with the recent violence during the registration and the NDC,s violent antecedents, the NDC appears bent on settling this elections in ways not related to the peaceful casting of ballots.
Their behaviour puts at risk the progress we have made since 1992.
First, we urge the security forces to maintain law and order firmly but fairly so that we can have a peaceful elections.
Second, we urge the Electoral Commission to do everything possible to maintain the high standards of credibility and integrity that they have established for our elections in the past.
Third, we urge all our supporters to exercise restraint in the face of NDC provocations. However, we caution the nation that if such provocations continue, we cannot guarantee that our supporters will keep turning the other cheek when provoked.
Finally, we urge the NDC leadership to wean themselves and their supporters from violence and commit to helping Ghana have free, fair and PEACEFUL elections.
God bless Ghana and May Allah grant us peace.
Arthur Kobina Kennedy
(Chair, Communication Committee)
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