A tense confrontation between rival political supporters turned violent Saturday evening, leading to gunfire and multiple injuries at a mini-rally in Agona Swedru. One person, identified as Haruna Rashid, the campaign manager for Chris Arthur, sustained a gunshot wound to the ribs, while several others were left with minor injuries.
The incident occurred as supporters of Chris Arthur, a parliamentary hopeful, were returning from his campaign launch in Otinkorang, a neighboring community. Their journey through Agona Nyankrom placed them in the path of a rally led by incumbent Member of Parliament Cynthia Morrison, whose supporters were also gathered.
According to accounts from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Agona West Constituency Chairman, Jibril Tanko, tensions escalated rapidly as Arthur’s convoy attempted to pass through Morrison’s supporters. Tanko claimed Morrison’s team instigated the attack, creating a hostile environment that ultimately led to gunfire.
“It is unfortunate we were attacked after we went on a campaign tour with our parliamentary candidate at Otinkorang. The atmosphere in the crowd was tense, and Cynthia Morrison’s supporters started attacking us,” Tanko stated. He added that, despite advising Arthur not to proceed through the crowd, the confrontation ensued, resulting in the firing of a gun that struck Rashid, who has since been transported to Accra for urgent medical attention.
Tanko further revealed that the incident has been reported to local authorities. “We have lodged a formal complaint with the police, urging them to identify and apprehend the culprit,” he said, emphasizing that the team remains committed to Arthur’s campaign despite the setback.
Several others injured in the chaos were taken to Agona Swedru Government Hospital for treatment. Local police are investigating the incident amidst heightened calls for political decorum and safety in the constituency.
