A nationwide demonstration organized by Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) against the Electoral Commission (EC) turned violent in Kumasi on Tuesday, as protesters clashed with police at the EC’s regional office.
The confrontation occurred when demonstrators attempted to access the Ashanti Regional Electoral Commission office. Video footage showed protesters breaching barricades, leading to a physical altercation with police. Law enforcement intervened to control the situation, resulting in chaos and reports of gunshots.
The NDC, Ghana’s main opposition party, had organized the “Enough Is Enough” protest to demand an audit of the voters register, citing concerns about discrepancies that could undermine the integrity of the upcoming December 7 general elections.
According to local reports, the situation escalated when agitated protesters were prevented from joining NDC executives entering the regional office to present their petition. The confrontation led to the shattering of the office’s glass doors.
A police officer was reportedly injured in the clash, and three protesters were arrested. Tensions remained high as NDC executives met with the commissioner inside the building while supporters outside continued to demand access.
The Ghana Police Service denied reports of any shooting incidents at the Kumasi EC office, stating that no demonstrators were injured by police. However, they confirmed that some protesters who forced their way into the EC office compound were restrained.
The nationwide demonstration, led by NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and party Members of Parliament, took place across all 16 regions of Ghana. Protesters, dressed in party colors, carried placards with slogans such as “Audit the Voters Register Now” and “EC Must Serve the People Not the Corrupt NPP.”
Source: myjoyonline.com