A violent confrontation erupted between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asesewa, Upper Manya Krobo District, Eastern Region, resulting in multiple injuries.
The clash occurred over a dispute concerning the machinery for the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) ‘s parking location.
Eyewitnesses reported that tensions escalated after NDC supporters expressed outrage when the DRIP machinery was parked at the premises of the NPP’s parliamentary candidate rather than at the District Assembly.
A viral video on social media captured NDC members questioning the placement of the machines, which were adorned with NPP colours and posters.
Emmanuel Kwesi Larwer, the NDC communication officer for Upper Manya Krobo District, explained, “The DRIP machines were stopped by the NPP Parliamentary Candidate at Asahene, near his hotel, with NPP colours and posters draped on them.
This led to a procession that was not acceptable to us. We tried to resist, and stones were thrown. The police had to intervene to restore calm.”
In response, Benjamin Kwesi Odoi, the NPP communication officer, defended the party’s actions, stating, “We were aware that the machines were arriving today from Koforidua.
The Compacter, the first piece of equipment, was parked at Asasehene near a school.
Our supporters were excited and began celebrating, intending to process with the machines.
The NDC supporters’ resistance and the subsequent violence were uncalled for.
After our procession, we planned to move the equipment to the District Assembly.”
The injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at Asesewa Government Hospital.
The DRIP is a government initiative overseen by the Ministry of Local Governance and Rural Development.
It aims to enhance road infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas to support economic activities and access to essential services.
However, as demonstrated in Asesewa, the deployment of such projects can sometimes incite political tensions when disputes arise over the management and visibility of government resources.
