Chairman of National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketiah narrowly escaped assault at a party meeting in Tamale where the Northern regional NDC treasurer of the party Hajia Shamima Yakubu, was subjected to severe beatings.
The NDC treasurer sustained facial injuries, underwent medical treatment, and has since been discharged.
Reports suggest that she received punches during the confrontation.
The victim has reported the incident to the Northern Regional Police who have confirmed the initiation of investigations into the matter.
Though Asiedu Nketia was swiftly evacuated to safety, the violence shows the deep-seated division and exposing internal strife within the party.
The chaotic incident happened at a stakeholders’ engagement organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Tamale.
The gathering, intended to foster peace and unity ahead of the 2024 general elections, took an unexpected turn with dramatic twists, including a chaotic chase, jabs at key figures, and a physical altercation resulting in the severe beating of the regional treasurer.
The event held at Golden Dream Hotel on January 6, 2024, began upon the arrival of Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah who traveled from Accra to Tamale for the stakeholders’ meeting.
However, the absence of key figures, notably influential Members of Parliament (MPs) in the region such as Haruna Iddrisu, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Alhassan Suhuyini, and Alhassan Bashir Alhassan Fuseini, became conspicuous as the meeting progressed.
During the meeting, Awudu Sofo Azorka, the NDC National Vice-Chairman, raised concerns about the absentees, particularly targeting former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu.
According to sources, this move, part of a broader call for unity within the party, quickly escalated into a clash.
Supporters of Haruna Iddrisu, dissatisfied with leadership changes in parliament from a year ago, confronted Azorka, accusing the party’s leadership of hypocrisy.
The confrontation turned physical, leading to the severe beating of Abdul-Razak Shamima, the Northern Regional Treasurer.
Sources said Azorka’s clothing was also torn in the chaos, and Chairman Mosquito (Asiedu Nketiah) had to be swiftly evacuated to safety.
The tumultuous events exposed the deep-seated internal strife within the NDC.
The clashes and physical altercations underscored the challenges the party faces in maintaining unity and addressing discontent within its ranks.
As the NDC grapples with these internal divisions, the incident in Tamale serves as a stark reminder of the need for reconciliation and strategic measures to solidify the party’s foundation ahead of the upcoming elections.
