A 2024 presidential candidate aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, has formally withdrawn from the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ongoing “Thank You” tour, citing security threats to his supporters as the reason behind the decision.

The move comes in the wake of a violent altercation in Kumasi, where a student from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was stabbed. The injured individual, affiliated with Unity Hall’s Jama group, had been contracted by Agyapong’s team to perform at a gathering held at the Pentecost Church in Bantama.

According to sources close to Agyapong, a well-heeled associate of the former Member of Parliament who attended the event gave money to the Jama group. However, shortly thereafter, a group of heavily built men wielding firearms—allegedly connected to the NPP—stormed the venue and forcibly seized the money.

The situation escalated into a confrontation between the Jama group and the armed men. Gunshots were reportedly fired during the melee, resulting in one of the Jama group members sustaining stab wounds.

The injured student was swiftly transported to the emergency unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

Agyapong’s team has since lodged a formal complaint with the Kumasi Central Police Command regarding the incident.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Agyapong confirmed his decision to withdraw from the tour and declared his intent to seek justice for the victim.

“Because of what happened yesterday, my team and I want to pull out because lives are threatened. I don’t think I can protect my team enough. So we want out so that Dr Bawumia can do his campaign,” he stated.