Two persons have been shot at the Ashanti Regional Office of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The incident happened during an altercation between at least one of the victims and the shooter.
According to an eye witness, the assailant, associated with an NDC militia, the Hawks, shot an NDC man thrice; first in the leg while he runs and twice in the chest at close range as he lay vulnerable.
The man whose identity is yet to be confirmed was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching hospital but has died. A statement from the party has confirmed the shooting and the death.
Another person was also shot and is in critical condition, according to reports.
General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, among other bigwigs narrowly escaped unhurt. It is unclear what may have started the commotion leading to the shooting.
The statement signed by the NDC Ashanti regional secretary Kwame Zu said some men on Motorbike wielding guns attacked a gathering outside, short indiscriminately and sped off.
This was while a meeting between the National Chairman, The General Secretary, a Deputy General Secretary and the Regional Executive Committee was ongoing.
The regional secretary declined to confirm if the shooter is affiliated to the party’s vigilante group outdoored in September 2018.
He described the incident unfortunate and offered condolences to family of the bereaved. Kwame Zu said the party is holding a crisis meeting over the shooting.
The incident is expected to increase public concern about public insecurity fostered by activities of vigilante groups.Former Deputy Ashanti regional minister under the NDC administration, Joseph Yamin has said the members of the hawks are not as disruptive as members of the vigilante groups in the NPP.
“…We are going to use them for the good of the party and the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, The Ashanti Regional Police has launched a search for four people suspected to be involved in the shooting that took place in Kumasi at the office of the National Democratic Congress.In a press release, the police indicated the four suspects alleged to be part of an NDC vigilante group, Hawks, were behind the attack.
The police have mounted a search for Husein Barnabas, also known as Warrior, Mijima, Damos, and Abu Taliban.
The shooting occurred when there was an ongoing meeting between the National Chairman, The General Secretary, a Deputy General Secretary and the Regional Executive Committee was ongoing.
Johnson Asiedu Nketia and the other bigwigs of the party present at the scene narrowly escaped unhurt.Former President John Dramani Mahama called on the police and security agencies to investigate, apprehend the culprits and subject them to the full rigors of the law.
The police have sealed off the crime scene to assist investigations.The police have called for calm in the area and assured residents they are working closely with the NDC executives to arrest the suspects. They called on any person with information on these suspects to assist the police by volunteering the information to the police.
