Ato Koomson, the son of the MP for Awutu Senya East and the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has been allegedly stabbed following a confusion near the Electoral Commission’s office at Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of the Central Region.
According to available information, Mr. Koomson was in critical condition when he was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital for treatment.
Sources say another person was also injured during the altercation.
An eyewitness said the confusion started when supporters of the governing NPP and opposition NDC disagreed on the position of some residents in the queue in the ongoing voter ID card transfer and replacement exercise.
The source explained that both parties usually join the queue for members by booking a spot with a chair, however, a disagreement on who should sit on a particular chair started around 4:00am.
Mr. Koomson is said to have arrived at the registration center about 45 minutes after the altercation started.
He is then alleged to have approached the NDC organizer at the registration center to help resolve the issue.
However, another alleged member of the NDC started to verbally abuse him.
According to King Adawu, a member of the NPP who also sustained a minor cut, the alleged NDC member pulled out a knife during the exchange between the two gentlemen, stabbing the Minister’s son in the chest.
King Adawu told Kasapa news Yaw Boagyan that he had tried to block the knife, which resulted in his injury.
Subsequently, the two were rushed to the hospital where he was treated and discharged while Ato Koomson was admitted.
Meanwhile, the Police have arrested the main suspect amidst an ongoing investigation into the matter.
However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Awutu Senya East Constituency of the Central region has condemned the violence at the Electoral Commission’s office at Kasoa on Sunday morning.
This follows the stabbing of Ato Koomson, son of NPP MP for Awutu Senya East and Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson during an altercation between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Though the suspect is in Police custody, NDC’s Constituency Organiser, Daniel Techie Mensah, and Parliamentary Candidate have also been picked up.
Reacting to this in a statement, the party’s Constituency Communication Officer, Comrade Stephen Delali Sowoekpor blamed the son of the MP for the violence.
“The NDC members, outnumbered and outmatched, faced severe beatings. As a result, two of our members fainted, and one, identified as Asmah, suffered significant injuries, bleeding profusely. This tragic turn of events underscores the need for immediate intervention and justice,” the statement read in part.
He said the arrest of its members appears selective and raises questions about the impartiality of the police’s response.
Mr. Sowekpor added that the NDC stands firm in its commitment to justice and the protection of its members.
Find the full statement from the NDC below:
The NDC Communication Bureau of the Awutu Senya East Constituency expresses its profound concern and condemnation over the violent incident that occurred in the early hours of this morning. This unfortunate event stands as yet another instance of aggression and lawlessness perpetuated by elements associated with the NPP, under the apparent sponsorship and direction of Hawa Koomson.
On the previous day, an agreement was reached between the police and the two main political parties in the Awutu Senya East Constituency to prevent the busing in of people queueing for vote transfers. Despite this agreement, at approximately 2:00 AM today, the NPP blatantly violated this accord by busing in about 50 thugs to the center. This unlawful act led to an immediate confrontation with both the police and members of the NDC present at the scene.
The situation escalated further when Ato Koomson, son of Hawa Koomson, arrived with additional individuals who violently attacked the NDC members. The NDC members, outnumbered and outmatched, faced severe beatings.
As a result, two of our members fainted, and one, identified as Asmah, suffered significant injuries, bleeding profusely. This tragic turn of events underscores the need for immediate intervention and justice.
We are closely monitoring the police’s actions regarding this incident, especially considering the historical context of attacks on NDC supporters allegedly orchestrated by Hawa Koomson.
We have noted with concern the police’s decision to take Daniel Techie Mensah, the NDC Constituency Organiser, to the Police Headquarters in Accra. This action appears selective and raises questions about the impartiality of the police’s response.
In light of these events, we call for the following:
An Immediate and Impartial Investigation: The police must conduct a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the incident, ensuring that all perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of political affiliation.
Protection of All Citizens: The police must ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, particularly members of the NDC, who have been repeatedly targeted and victimized.
Adherence to Agreements: We urge all parties, including law enforcement, to respect and adhere to agreements made to maintain peace and order during electoral processes.
We stand firm in our commitment to justice and the protection of our members. The NDC will continue to advocate for the rights and safety of all individuals in the Awutu Senya East Constituency.
Signed,
Comrade Stephen Delali Sowoekpor
Constituency Communication Officer
NDC Communication Bureau, Awutu Senya East Constituency
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Yaw Boagyan
