A memorial event for the late Akwatia MP, Ernest Kumi, nearly descended into chaos on Saturday when political tensions surfaced between supporters of Ghana’s two major parties.
The incident occurred as the National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and his entourage arrived at the Wenchi Durbar grounds to pay respects to the late legislator. Reports indicate that some women and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) attempted to physically confront the NDC leader and his security detail.
Security personnel and party aides resisted the attacks, maintaining order until Ghana Police Service officers intervened to provide additional reinforcement. Party leaders, including MP for New Juaben South Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, and former Eastern Regional NPP Chairman Kingston Akomeng Kissi, helped defuse the situation and escort Mr. Asiedu Nketiah safely to the memorial platform where former President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were seated.
In an interview with Channel One News, the NDC’s Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, described the disruption as “unfortunate” and said the party would reconsider its approach to interactions with the NPP in future engagements. “This is worrying, especially given the emphasis on avoiding violence. The incident at a funeral sends a message, and it will influence how we manage our political relations going into the elections,” he remarked.
Observers noted that the confrontation, though swiftly contained, highlights growing partisan sensitivities ahead of upcoming electoral contests and underscores the importance of strict security measures at high-profile public events.
