The New Patriotic Party (NPP) polling station election at Tepa Akwasiase Zongo in the Ahafo Ano North Constituency of the Ashanti Region turned violent, leaving two people stabbed during disturbances at the voting centre.
The chaos reportedly broke out amid allegations of manipulation, intimidation, and breaches of electoral procedures during the exercise.
Eyewitnesses claimed machetes were used during the confrontation, while warning shots were allegedly fired in an attempt to disperse agitated supporters gathered at the venue.
Some disgruntled party members accused the Member of Parliament for the area, Nana Agyemang Prempeh, of influencing the electoral album and allegedly ensuring that only his supporters were permitted to participate in the voting process.
Speaking to the media after the incident, the aggrieved members called on the national, regional, and constituency leadership of the NPP to intervene immediately to restore calm and credibility to the election process.
According to them, the election should be suspended until concerns relating to transparency and fairness are fully addressed.
The group further alleged that electoral guidelines were violated during the exercise, claiming the official voter album was not properly applied.
They also accused organisers of allowing nursing training students and students from Tepa Senior High School to vote without adequate verification.
Additionally, the dissatisfied members alleged that some individuals believed to be sympathisers of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) were allowed to participate in the election.
They warned that the developments could damage the party’s image and undermine grassroots confidence within the constituency if swift action is not taken to resolve the situation.
The members further appealed to party leadership to ensure peace, fairness, and due process during internal elections, while urging constituency executives and the Member of Parliament to refrain from allegedly using “macho men” to intimidate party supporters.
Meanwhile, security presence in parts of Tepa has been intensified following the disturbances as tensions among party supporters remain high.
