NPP communications officer alleges attack over Ahafo Ano Southwest market project

Baabi Dehyie Kwaku, the NPP Communications Officer for the Ahafo Ano Southwest Constituency, claims he was assaulted by NDC supporters while documenting the construction of a proposed 24-hour market in his constituency. The incident occurred on Saturday when he visited the site after noticing graded and marked areas for the project.

Mr Kwaku alleged that he was recording the site and questioning present individuals when a group of men attacked him. The attackers first hit his phone before turning on him. "The person who was taking a video of me was also beaten and was taken to the hospital. He is currently in critical condition," Mr Kwaku claimed. The attackers also seized his phone and deleted the footage he had recorded.

Mr Kwaku stated he struggled with them over the phone and was subsequently beaten. "I was beaten by NDC thugs in the constituency while recording the NDC government’s attempt to demolish a newly built school to make way for a 24-hour market," he alleged, identifying the attackers as known individuals from Mankranso with a history of disturbances linked to the NDC.

Mr Kwaku reported the incident to the police but claimed the suspects were later released without their statements, citing an alleged order from above to free the attackers. Since then, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has directed the Ahafo Ano Southwest District to halt construction of the 24-hour economy market project, pending resolution of concerns about the site and the school facility.