The National Security Thursday held an emergency meeting with the two leading political parties – National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party – to discuss measures to avert attacks and reprisals between supporters of the two parties.
The meeting was at the instance of the national security and chaired by the National Security Coordinator, Colonel Larry Gbevlo Lartey. Also present were the Chief of Defence Staff, Lit. General Augustine Blay, and Inspector General of Police Paul Tawiah Quaye.
Joy News’ Elton John Brobbey reports that the meeting was attended by the National Chairmen of NPP and NDC, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey and Dr Kwabena Adjei respectively.
They both agreed to reign in their supporters to avoid any bloody clashes and to allow the legal processes the NPP intends to pursue with regard to its the contest over the election result to proceed.
Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey told Joy News the police ought to be firm and deal ruthlessly with any criminal irrespective of their political affiliation.
Dr Kwabena Adjei also expressed his commitment to calm down NDC supporters who are arming themselves to retaliate attacks on NDC supporters.
Earlier, supporters of the two parties clashed in the Makola Market but a timely intervention by a police-military foiled what could have been a deadly blood bath.
Accra Region Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Freeman Tetteh told Elton John Brobbey the police had gathered intelligence that the two parties were confronting each other so they “rushed to the scene immediately and we were able to bring the situation under control”.
No arrests were however made, he said.
He said the police are doing everything they could, including talking to the stakeholders, to see how best to restore sanity.
An eyewitness told Joy News about 20 well-built men with offensive weapons stormed the Makola Market to revenge alleged attacks on some NDC supporters there.
He said about seven people were hurt by the irate thugs wearing T-shirts bearing the image of President John Mahama.
He said many shops, including banks, were forced by the turn of event to close down in the afternoon.
A victim, Alex Agyapong who sustained cutlass wounds told Joy News the marauding men were asking the market folks “you people were saying what, when you see people wearing NDC T-shirt then you start beating him?”