A celebratory event turned violent on Monday when supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) clashed with aggrieved members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asasehene, a suburb of Asesewa. The confrontation occurred during the reception of earthmoving equipment under the government’s District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) program.
According to Benjamin Kwesi Odoi, the NPP’s communication officer in the Upper Manya Krobo Constituency, party members and assembly officials had gathered in Asasehene to receive five earthmoving machines recently launched as part of the DRIP initiative. However, NDC supporters suspected that the equipment was being diverted for private use rather than public road construction.
Tensions escalated, resulting in heated exchanges and physical altercations. Despite police intervention, the NDC supporters continued their attacks, pelting stones and bottles at the NPP group.
Mr. Odoi expressed concern over injuries sustained by party members, including a polling station chairman and an assembly member. Some victims required hospitalization.
The Asesewa District Police Command has arrested one individual in connection with the incident, while others remain wanted. The NDC in the Upper Manya Constituency have refused to comment on the matter awaiting an outcome of police investigations.
The DRIP project, which aims to enhance road construction and infrastructure, distributed various equipment including tipper trucks, motor graders, low beds, pick-ups, concrete mixers, backhoes, rollers, graders, wheel loaders, and water tankers to municipal and district assemblies in the region. The project was initially launched by the President in Accra and later at the regional level in Koforidua last week.
watch video of the clash below;
