The governing National Democratic Congress has condemned what it says is the "dastardly acid attack" on the Upper East New Patriotic Party chair  Adams Mahama.

The party in a statement said the attack is a major setback to the country's democracy.

Mr Mahama was confirmed dead Thursday morning after assailants poured acid on him the previous night.

The attack and subsequent death of Adams Mahama have sent shock waves to the party and to the entire country.

"The NDC has learnt with utter shock and dismay, the untimely death of Alhaji Adams Mahama, Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party after a dastardly acid attack.

"We condemn in the strongest terms this barbaric and cowardly murder which represents a major setback for our democracy," the NDC said in a statement hours after the death was confirmed.

The party further called on the police service to intensify investigations into this heinous crime with a view to bringing the criminals behind this attack to book.

"We urge the police not to take this matter as an internal party matter but a matter that has a serious national security implications," the statement noted.

The party also advised the leadership of the NPP to take urgent steps to quell the growing level of violence and lawlessness are casting an undeserved slur on our reputation as a peaceful  and democratic country.