The Interior Minister has said the disturbances that ensued at La Bawaleshie on January 31 had nothing to do with the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.
Ambrose Dery told the Emile Short Commission on Thursday that the armed men who stormed the residence of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Delali Kwesi Brempong were there for a different business.
“It was not related to the election operation,” he stated.
Defending the integrity of the by-election, Ambrose Dery said the violence did not occur at a polling station but rather at a residence near a polling station.
Related: Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election was peaceful, smooth and orderly – EC
“That is why I do not feel it deviates from the briefing I got,” he said adding that the briefing he got was that the police and the immigration services would man the election.
The Minister, however, said the police are investigating the violence.
Ambrose Dery was speaking on Day One of the commission’s hearing at the Osu Castle in Accra.
He also told the commission that the vehicle that the armed men used on their operation does not belong to the police.
The said vehicle was, however, branded with Police SWAT.
The armed men rode vehicles tagged police SWAT
The commission has a month to finish its work after which the Presidency is expected to act on its recommendations.
The disturbances
Few hours into the by-election, armed men stormed La Bawaleshie, a community in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.
Eyewitnesses say the men engaged in a shooting spree but the Minister of State in charge of National Security has said the men were sent there on intelligence that arms were being stockpiled at a particular location.
The NDC has since launched a series of attacks on the government, accusing it of masterminding the attacks in order to intimidate supporters and sympathisers of the NDC.
Latest Stories
-
Let’s prioritize research quality in higher education institutions for industrial growth-Prof. Nathaniel Boso
7 hours -
Herman Suede is set to release ‘How Dare You’ on April 24
10 hours -
Heal KATH: Kuapa Kokoo, Association of Garages donate 120k to support project
11 hours -
KNUST signs MOU with Valco Trust Fund, Bekwai Municipal Hospital to build student hostel
11 hours -
The influence Ronaldo has on people, Cadman Yamoah will have same on the next generation – Coach Goodwin
11 hours -
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
12 hours -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
13 hours -
Ecobank successfully repays $500m Eurobond due April 18
13 hours -
Re: Doe Adjaho, Torgbui Samlafo IV, call for Unity among Paramountcies in Anlo
13 hours -
Extortion and kidnap – a deadly journey across Mexico into the US
13 hours -
Rihanna says fashion has helped her personal ‘rediscovery’ after having children
13 hours -
Development Bank Ghana targets GH¢1bn funding for commercial banks in 2024
14 hours -
Shatta Movement apologises to Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled after backlash
14 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi writes: Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project; A railway line to nowhere
15 hours -
Bright Simons: Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?
15 hours