NDC Issues Ultimatum to Police Over Assault on Asiedu Nketiah

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Ghana’s political atmosphere is heating up ahead of the Akwatia by-election after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) gave the Ghana Police Service an ultimatum. 

The party is demanding immediate arrests following what it calls a violent and politically motivated assault on its National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and other executives.

The NDC has accused the police of showing double standards, warning that their failure to act could heighten political tensions and destabilize the atmosphere in the lead-up to the by-election.

What Happened in Wenchi

The incident took place on Friday, August 29, 2025, during the one-week observance of the late Ernest Kumi, Member of Parliament for Akwatia. 

According to the NDC, a group of about 20 individuals allegedly attacked Asiedu Nketiah, Akwatia parliamentary candidate Bernard Bediako, and other party officials at the Wenchi Durbar Grounds.

Eyewitnesses claim the attackers tried to assault the NDC Chairman, forcing his security team to step in. Videos from the scene have since gone viral, sparking outrage among NDC supporters and raising concerns about growing hostility between the country’s two main political parties.

A Disruption at a Solemn Occasion

The NDC delegation described the attack as both shocking and disrespectful, particularly because it disrupted a solemn ceremony meant to honor the memory of the late MP. 

The chaos reportedly prevented Bernard Bediako from entering the funeral grounds, an act that, according to the party, deeply upset the widow and family of Ernest Kumi.

For the NDC, the incident was not only an act of intimidation but also a direct attempt to weaken their presence in Akwatia ahead of the by-election.

Accusations of Selective Justice

In a statement signed by Deputy Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn, the NDC accused the police of practicing selective justice. 

The party argued that while the police are often quick to arrest NDC members for minor offenses, they appear reluctant to act when violence is linked to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The NDC insists that the attackers are known residents of Wenchi, Boadua, Akwatia, and surrounding communities and should be arrested no later than Monday, September 1, 2025.

The Ultimatum and Warning

The party further warned that if the police fail to act, they will personally hand over the attackers to law enforcement by Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

“Anything less than this will see us helping them in their duties on Monday and Tuesday,” the statement read.

The NDC has promised to provide video evidence and eyewitness testimony to support investigations.

Rising Tensions Before the By-Election

The assault comes at a delicate time as the Akwatia by-election draws near. The NDC believes the attack is part of a broader plan to intimidate their members and destabilize the political environment.

While the Ghana Police Service has announced the deployment of military personnel to secure the by-election, the NDC insists that the first step must be the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.

A Call for Accountability and Calm

The NDC stressed that the rule of law must apply equally to all political parties. They warned that selective enforcement undermines public trust and creates a dangerous culture of impunity.

At the same time, party leaders have urged their supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation. Civil society groups are also expected to intervene, as political violence has long been a concern in Ghana’s democracy.

Conclusion

The NDC’s ultimatum highlights the fragile political climate ahead of the Akwatia by-election. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the police to see whether they will take decisive action or risk fueling deeper unrest. 

The outcome of this incident could set the tone not just for the by-election but also for Ghana’s approach to political accountability in the coming years.

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