Ayawaso North Constituency Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party, Mustafa Muhalimu, has expressed strong condemnation of the violent incidents that marred the “Walk with Vanbell keep-fit” event held on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
The party’s keep-fit, according to him, is a longstanding tradition for both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), which is designed to promote healthy living and foster grassroots engagement within the community.
What was intended to be a peaceful gathering, he mentioned, was disrupted when a group of 20 young men wearing NDC T-shirts and holding other paraphernalia deviated from the agreed-upon route, leading to a confrontation with NPP supporters.
The youth organiser noted that the clashes escalated into violence, resulting in several injuries and property damage.
Narrating his side of the story, he said a group of NDC supporters strayed from their designated path, leading to confrontations with NPP supporters.
Muhalimu narrated that an NPP supporter, a woman, was knocked down by a motorcycle during the altercation, which heightened tensions.
He pointed out that the altercation cause the offices of the NPP former Parliamentary Candidate to be vandalized.
He continued that the driver of the NPP party van was attacked, sustaining injuries, and the van’s windows were smashed.
Muhalimu denied any allegations that Hon. Ibrahim Sannie Vanbell, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate, was involved in the violence or was in possession of a weapon, affirming his consistent advocacy for peace and non-violence.
In his statement, Mustafa Muhalimu condemned the acts of vandalism and hooliganism, calling for calm among party supporters.
He encouraged NPP patriots to avoid engaging in conflicts and to report any disturbances to the Ghana Police Service.
The party leadership, including Hon. Ibrahim Sannie Vanbell and Chairman Roland Annor expressed sympathy for those injured and affected by the incidents and pledged to offer them support.
In conclusion, the Youth Organizer called on all political stakeholders in the constituency to prioritize peace and unity, emphasizing that the focus should be on Ghana’s development rather than divisive actions.
