The Amenfi East Municipality in Ghana was plunged into turmoil on Wednesday following a violent clash purportedly connected to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Raymond Nana Ebbah. The incident resulted in injuries to several prominent political figures, including constituency executives of the ruling party. The confrontation stemmed from a dispute over the appointment of a District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) Coordinator. The MCE, according to allegations, had championed his own candidate for the position but resorted to violence when the Assembly leadership and the Western Regional DRIP Team endorsed another individual, Kwabena Amo Fosu.
The ensuing violence, which reportedly occurred in the presence of the Municipal Police Commander and his officers, left the Constituency Secretary and Zongo Caucus Coordinator with serious injuries, allegedly inflicted by cutlasses. Nana Kofi Atokyi, the Constituency Chairman, issued a strongly worded statement denouncing the incident as a “barbaric attack” targeting Member of Parliament Nicholas Amankwah and other party officials. The statement characterized the violence as an affront to democracy, a perilous threat to the safety of elected officials, and a calculated attempt to stifle dissenting voices and undermine democratic processes.
The party executives demanded swift action, calling for the immediate suspension of the MCE pending a thorough investigation. They further urged the Western Regional Police Command and national security agencies to apprehend and prosecute all individuals implicated in the violent altercation. The executives expressed their unwavering support for the MP, the injured officials, and the newly appointed DRIP Coordinator, emphasizing their resolve not to be intimidated by such acts of violence.
In a subsequent interview on Accra 100.5 FM’s Ghana Yensom Morning Show, the MCE, Raymond Nana Ebbah, vehemently denied the accusations leveled against him. He categorically refuted any involvement in the Wednesday disturbances, asserting that he played no role in the incident. This denial sets the stage for further investigation and potential legal proceedings to determine the truth behind the violent clash and the individuals responsible.
The incident highlights the fragility of democratic processes and the potential for violence to erupt when disagreements escalate unchecked. The call for accountability and justice from the affected party executives underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring the safety of elected officials and citizens alike. The contrasting narratives presented by the accusing party members and the MCE necessitate a comprehensive and impartial investigation to ascertain the facts of the case and bring those responsible to justice.
The situation in Amenfi East remains tense as the community awaits the outcome of the investigations. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms and the importance of respecting democratic processes. The call for unity and condemnation of violence from the party executives echoes the broader societal need for peaceful coexistence and respect for differing opinions. The future stability of Amenfi East hinges on the ability of its leaders and citizens to address the underlying tensions and work towards a peaceful resolution.
