We can’t continue this way – Asiedu Nketia warns police over Awutu Senya East Parliamentary Candidates arrest

Asiedu Nketia warns police

The National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has cautioned the Ghana Police Service to exercise restraint in its handling of political matters ahead of the 2024 elections. He warned that the NDC will not tolerate the use of coercive state powers against its members.

READ: RTU condemned to relegation after their loss to Asante Kotoko

Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s headquarters on Saturday, June 8, Mr. Asiedu Nketia emphasized that the law must be applied equally to all, without discrimination. “The laws of the country are meant for everyone. There should be no discrimination in applying them. We will not be victims of the peace that the country enjoys. Freedom is not free. We will fight for freedom. We will not allow the coercive powers of the state to be used against us,” he stressed.

His comments follow the release of Madam Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for Awutu Senya East, from police custody on Saturday. Madam Okunor was arrested and detained on Friday, June 7, after an initial arrest on Sunday, June 2, 2024, where she had been questioned. The arrest drew condemnation from the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, who demanded her immediate release to ensure national stability.

Sammy Gyamfi, the party’s National Communications Officer, urged party members to gather at the Cantonments Police station in protest. Demonstrators, dressed in the party’s colors and chanting slogans in support of Okunor, expressed their dissatisfaction with what they deemed an unjust and politically motivated detention. She was later released on Saturday. The police have yet to comment on why she was arrested.

Reacting to the development, Mr. Asiedu Nketia stressed that “We cannot go this way towards election 2024.” He warned that the NDC will not tolerate any attempts to use coercive state powers to silence its members or undermine its chances in the upcoming elections. The party chairman’s warning comes as tensions rise ahead of the 2024 elections, with concerns about police impartiality and the potential for political violence.

The NDC has accused the ruling party of using state institutions, including the police, to harass and intimidate its members. The party has vowed to resist any attempts to suppress its members’ rights and freedoms, and to ensure that the elections are free and fair. The police have yet to respond to the NDC’s allegations, but the incident has sparked widespread concern about the potential for political violence and the need for restraint ahead of the elections.

In a show of solidarity, NDC members and supporters gathered at the Cantonments Police station, demanding Madam Okunor’s release and chanting slogans against what they perceived as police brutality. The protest was peaceful, but it highlighted the tensions that are simmering ahead of the elections.

The incident has also raised questions about the police’s role in the upcoming elections. The NDC has accused the police of being biased in favor of the ruling party, and has called for greater impartiality in the enforcement of the law. The police have denied these allegations, but the incident has sparked widespread concern about the potential for political violence and the need for restraint ahead of the elections.

As the elections approach, there are fears that the tensions between the NDC and the ruling party could escalate into violence. The NDC has vowed to resist any attempts to suppress its members’ rights and freedoms, and to ensure that the elections are free and fair. The police have a critical role to play in maintaining peace and order during the elections, and it is hoped that they will exercise restraint and impartiality in their handling of political matters.

ALSO READ: Former EC Chair Charlotte Osei installed as Safohene

In conclusion, the warning issued by the NDC chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, highlights the tensions that are simmering ahead of the 2024 elections in Ghana. The incident involving Madam Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor’s arrest and detention has sparked widespread concern about the potential for political violence and the need for restraint ahead of the elections. It is hoped that the police will exercise impartiality and restraint in their handling of political matters, and that the elections will be free and fair.

FOR MORE; CLICK Here

About The Author

Prince Nti Adu

See author's posts