NDC Issues Strong Ultimatum to Police Over Brutal Attack on Asiedu Nketiah

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a strong ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service, demanding immediate arrests following what the party describes as a brutal and politically motivated assault on its National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and other top executives.

The party is accusing the police of double standards, warning that failure to take decisive action could heighten tensions and spark chaos ahead of the Akwatia by-election.

NDC Ultimatum to Police Over Assault on Asiedu Nketiah

According to the NDC, about 20 individuals allegedly attacked Asiedu Nketiah, Akwatia parliamentary candidate Bernard Bediako, and several other party officials on Friday, August 29, 2025, during the one-week commemoration of the late Ernest Kumi, Member of Parliament for Akwatia.

The incident occurred at the Wenchi Durbar Grounds, where NDC executives, MPs, and regional leaders were officially invited to attend. However, their presence reportedly triggered violence as alleged supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) confronted the delegation.

Eyewitness accounts claim that the group of attackers attempted to physically assault Asiedu Nketiah and clashed with his security team. Video footage of the incident, widely circulated online, has sparked outrage among party faithful and sympathizers.

Hostility at Ernest Kumi’s One-Week Observance

The NDC delegation described the incident as both shocking and disrespectful, particularly because it disrupted a solemn event intended to honor the memory of the late MP. The assault allegedly prevented Bernard Bediako from entering the funeral grounds, an act which, according to the party, deeply distressed the widow of the late Ernest Kumi.

The NDC condemned the attack as a direct attempt to intimidate its leadership and undermine democratic processes in the lead-up to the Akwatia by-election.

Police Accused of Selective Justice

In a strongly worded statement signed by Deputy Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, the NDC accused the Ghana Police Service of practicing selective enforcement of the law.

The party argued that the police have shown swiftness in arresting NDC members over minor incidents but appear reluctant to act when alleged perpetrators are linked to the NPP.

The NDC insists that the attackers, who are known residents of Boadua, Wenchi, Akwatia, and surrounding communities, should be arrested by Monday, September 1, 2025.

NDC’s Warning to the Police

The statement further warned that failure to act would force the NDC to take matters into its own hands. The party threatened to deliver the perpetrators directly to the police by Tuesday, September 2, 2025, if no arrests are made.

“Anything less than this will see us helping them in their duties on Monday and Tuesday,” the statement cautioned.

The NDC emphasized its readiness to cooperate with law enforcement by providing video evidence and eyewitness testimony to identify the culprits.

Rising Political Tensions Ahead of Akwatia By-Election

The assault comes at a critical time, with the Akwatia by-election drawing closer. The NDC believes the incident is part of a broader strategy to intimidate its members and destabilize the political climate.

The party has warned that continued police inaction could escalate violence during the campaign and election period. It urged the authorities to act decisively to maintain peace, protect democratic freedoms, and uphold justice.

The Ghana Police Service, in response to rising concerns, has already announced the deployment of military personnel to ensure peace and security during the by-election. However, the NDC insists that the first step must be the arrest and prosecution of the attackers.

NDC Demands Accountability and Equal Treatment

The NDC stressed that the rule of law must apply equally to all political parties. Selective enforcement, they argued, erodes public trust and endangers the country’s democratic fabric.

According to the party, the refusal of the police to act promptly sends a dangerous signal that certain groups are above the law, creating an atmosphere of impunity.

“We demand swift action, else we may have incidents to deal with on or before the day of the election,” the statement concluded.

Implications for National Security

The NDC’s ultimatum has raised concerns about national security, especially as Ghana inches closer to another heated electoral contest. Political observers fear that the Wenchi incident could set a precedent for further clashes if authorities fail to act.

Analysts warn that the perception of police bias in handling political violence could deepen mistrust between citizens and state institutions. They emphasize the need for transparency, accountability, and fairness in law enforcement to prevent the erosion of Ghana’s long-standing democratic stability.

Call for Calm but Firm Action

While the NDC has expressed anger and frustration, it has also called on its supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions. Party leaders are urging the police to rise above political interference and perform their duties without fear or favor.

Civil society groups and peace advocates are also expected to weigh in, as political violence has long been a thorn in Ghana’s democratic journey. With the Akwatia by-election serving as a litmus test for the Electoral Commission and the security agencies, the handling of this incident could shape public confidence ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Conclusion

The NDC’s ultimatum to the police over the assault on Asiedu Nketiah underscores the fragile nature of Ghana’s political climate in election seasons. As the deadline for arrests looms, all eyes are on the Ghana Police Service to see whether they will act decisively or risk fueling further political unrest.

With tensions already high in Akwatia, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Ghana’s democracy can withstand partisan violence and selective justice.

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