After pummeling journalists in Sunyani NDC CONGRESS TURNS BLOODY… One dies from bullet wounds, others injured… Assembly staff abandon post for fear of attack
Whilst supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were pummeling journalists in Sunyani for no justifiable reason, their counterparts atEffiduase-Asokore Constituency in the Ashanti Region, were also battling it out with the police.
The chaotic situation compelled the security agency to fire warning shots, one of which reportedly hit Muntrilka Mamuda, an ardent supporter, resulting in his untimely death.
The ugly incident, which occurred during the constituency congress of the party held at Effiduasi last Sunday, compelled the leadership of the party to suspend the congress, after electing the chairman and few other executives.
The whole gory incident was triggered by a group of youth who owe allegiance to one of the contestants.
The macho-built boys climbed trees overlooking the Nyarko Sefa Hotel where the congress was being held, and started throwing stones when they realised that their favourite candidate was losing.
The police, in their attempt to bring the situation under control, fired some warning shots after several pleadings with the angry mob to stop their behaviour yielded no results. Unfortunately, a stray bullet from one of these warning shots hit the deceased, resulting in his death. DSP George Ankamah, District Police Commander, confirmed the death of Muntrika Mamuda, 35, and said there would be a post mortem before the body is released to the family for burial.
He also urged the residents to remain calm, as his men were in full control of the situation, and asked everybody to go about their normal duties.
Following the disturbances, the election of persons for the positions of Vice Chairman, Constituency Organiser, Women's Organiser, Treasurer, Youth Organiser and Propaganda Secretary were suspended.
The congress had earlier elected Mr. William Brobbey, who beat Alhaji Adamu Issah alias Malala, to earn his 17 year rule as chairman of the party in the constituency, which reportedly triggered off disturbances.
Mr. Asrifi Adjei became the new secretary, when he won with 70 votes, as against 53 votes obtained by Mr. Asare Danso.
The position of Assistant Secretary went to Christiana Antwi, who obtained 71 votes to beat Matthew Asiedu. Rashidu Bawa won the position of the Deputy Youth Organiser, polling 40 votes to beat Oppong Agyare, who had 17 votes.
Assistant Propaganda Secretary went to Sampson Akuoko, who contested unopposed.
In related development, staff of the Sekyere East District Assembly deserted the assembly premises on Monday morning, upon information that three Kia trucks carrying some youth where heading towards the police station.
The workers feared the Assembly would be attacked again, as happened on October 29, this year, during which property estimated to cost GH¢30,000 were damaged.
Even though, the situation in the town is calm at the moment, a team of police personnel are patrolling the streets, with some stationed at the district assembly premises.
Meanwhile, Mr. William Brobbey, the newly-elected constituency chairman of the party, has called on party members to unite, in order to improve upon the party's performance in 2012 general elections.