Assin Central NDC polls marred by violence, aspirant assaulted

Violence marred the National Democratic Congress (NDC) branch executive elections in the Assin Central Constituency after a deputy constituency youth organiser hopeful was allegedly attacked by unidentified individuals at the Bamboo Factory polling station in Assin Fosu.

The victim, Yaw Owusu, sustained severe injuries and was first taken to St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Fosu before being referred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for specialist care.

According to Mr Owusu, the incident stemmed from a dispute over alleged irregularities during the election of the branch women’s organiser.

He alleged that election officials initially announced that 17 delegates were eligible to vote, but 25 ballot papers were counted after voting, prompting him and some supporters to raise concerns over what they suspected was over-voting.

Mr Owusu claimed that soon after challenging the results, a group of men believed to be linked to a rival faction attacked him with sticks and sharp objects, inflicting multiple injuries.

“They ended up twisting my neck,” he recounted.

Medical reports indicated that he suffered a fractured neck, an eye injury, head trauma and suspected spinal injuries. Due to the seriousness of his condition, he was transferred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

The injured aspirant has appealed to the NDC’s national leadership, particularly National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, to intervene. He also called on the police to identify and prosecute those behind the attack.

The incident has been reported to the Central North Regional Police Command, which has begun investigations.

Source: GNA