The commissioning of earth-moving equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) in the Gomoa West District spiralled into chaos as political supporters from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) clashed, disrupting the event.
The ceremony, which was initially peaceful and attended by traditional leaders, including Obrempong Nyanful Krampah of Gomoa Ajumako and Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II of Gomoa Assin, took a violent turn after an alleged confrontation between the NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa West, Richard Gyan-Mensah, and NPP supporters. Tensions escalated when the MP was accused of brandishing a pistol, heightening the already fragile atmosphere.
Bismark Nkum, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa West and NPP parliamentary candidate, alleged that Gyan-Mensah incited the violence. According to Nkum, the MP was seen with a pistol and a car jack during the commotion, alarming attendees, including the media.
“A whole MP, sent to Parliament to represent the people, pulls a pistol in broad daylight in front of the police. We demand that the police investigate if the pistol is licensed and whether he had the authority to use it,” Nkum stated, calling for law enforcement intervention and condemning the actions of the MP.
He further vowed that the NPP would take a firm stance to ensure such actions are not repeated, emphasizing the party’s commitment to protecting the people and property of Gomoa West. Nkum urged the police to take immediate legal steps to prosecute all involved in the violence to restore peace and order in the district.
In response, MP Richard Gyan-Mensah denied the allegations, rejecting claims that he arrived at the event with a gun. He pointed out that if such accusations were true, the police would have already acted against him. Gyan-Mensah expressed disappointment at the accusations, maintaining his innocence.
As political tensions run high in Gomoa West, residents and party supporters are anxiously awaiting the police’s investigation and the judiciary’s response.
The DRIP initiative, designed to improve road infrastructure in the district, has been overshadowed by this violent confrontation, raising concerns about the political atmosphere in the area ahead of future public events.
