The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals accused of attacking its National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, as well as Bernard Bediako, the parliamentary candidate for Akwatia, and other party executives.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, August 29, 2025, during the one-week observance of the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi, at the Wenchi Durbar Grounds.

Confrontation at the funeral grounds

The NDC delegation, which included national, regional, and constituency executives as well as Members of Parliament, said it had been formally invited to the ceremony. However, upon arrival, the group allegedly faced hostility from individuals identified as supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to the NDC, the attackers attempted to assault Mr. Asiedu Nketiah and his security team physically. Parliamentary candidate Bernard Bediako was also reportedly blocked from entering the funeral grounds, an act the party described as disrespectful and deeply distressing for the late MP’s widow.

Ultimatum to police

In a statement signed by Deputy Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn, the NDC accused the police of selective enforcement of the law, claiming swift action is usually taken against NDC supporters, while cases involving NPP supporters face delays.

The party has given the police until Monday, September 1, 2025, to arrest the attackers, said to be known residents of Boadua, Wenchi, Akwatia, and nearby communities.

“The police cannot be seen to act swiftly against the NDC in some cases, only to drag their feet when it involves the NPP,” the statement said.

The NDC further warned that failure to act would compel the party to take matters into its own hands by delivering the perpetrators to the police on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Heightened tensions ahead of the by-election

The party cautioned that inaction could worsen tensions in the lead-up to the upcoming Akwatia by-election, stressing its willingness to assist law enforcement with video evidence of the alleged assault.

“The police must act decisively to maintain peace and uphold justice,” the statement concluded.