A National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency executive meeting in Kpone Katamanso descended into chaos and violence on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, when armed thugs brutally attacked the Constituency Secretary.
This incident has been described as one of the darkest days in the party’s history in the area.
According to sources who spoke to newsalertgh.com on condition of anonymity, the meeting was underway when a group of party thugs stormed the venue armed with guns. In a Rambo-style invasion, the attackers disrupted the proceedings and physically assaulted the Constituency Secretary, Edward Xorse Dogbatse.
The attackers reportedly demanded that their preferred candidate be appointed as the security coordinator for the constituency. They issued threats, warning that any decision otherwise would lead to attacks on the children and families of the constituency executives.
The Constituency Chairman, Nicholas Oko Ofei, who was not present at the meeting due to an emergency, had delegated the chairing of the session to Dogbatse.
In a statement addressing the incident, Mr Oko Ofei condemned the violence in the strongest terms.
“Allow me to address you today with a heavy heart and a profound sense of responsibility…21st May 2024 will be recorded as one of our party’s darkest days here in Kpone Katamanso. At the onset, I want to strongly condemn this thuggery and unbridled attack on the Constituency Executive Committee and also state that such infantile acts have no place in our constituency,” he noted.
“A group of identifiable Branch executives who are known members of the defunct Hawks security invaded the meeting in a Rambo style with guns and in the process attacked the Constituency Executives and viciously assaulted thendcsc Constituency Secretary, Edward Xorse Dogbatse. This is not right,” he added.
Despite the severity of the incident, the Chairman sent a defiant message to the perpetrators and their supporters.
“I can only imagine the trauma and effect this has had on my fellow comrades and colleagues. This act is reprehensible and can only injure our internal democracy but also strike at the very core of our values and the principles of service as a constituency over the years. To the perpetrators and those who aided this cowardly and shameful attack, you failed. Let me sound a clear warning to you, you made us stronger and resolute and we shall stick, stay, work and go to the length and breadth of this constituency in freedom serving our party, we are going nowhere,” he noted.
Mr Oko Ofei acknowledged the anger and frustration felt by many party members but urged everyone to remain calm, resolute, and composed.
The Chairman assured the constituency that justice would be pursued vigorously.
“I want to assure you that justice will be served, we will bring the perpetrators to Justice as the law enforcement agencies investigate this matter. Let us also allow the structures of the party to follow the appropriate disciplinary process according to the constitution of our party.”
“Our strength lies in our resolve to follow this matter to its logical conclusion. Together, we will navigate this challenging time with resilience and determination. Let us stand firm and support each other work towards winning the 2024 elections.”
