A peaceful ‘Thank You’ tour turns violent in Kumasi, with gunshots, machetes, and a student fighting for his life. The fallout from a political show of gratitude now raises serious concerns about party unity and public safety.
A violent clash at the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) national “Thank You Tour” in Kumasi turned bloody when a student from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was stabbed during a melee over cash allegedly distributed by a supporter of Kennedy Agyapong.
The student from Unity Hall is currently receiving critical medical care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) after being stabbed during a chaotic incident that unfolded at the NPP’s “Thank You Tour” in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, April 29.
The disturbance broke out shortly after a meeting at the Bantama Church of Pentecost. According to eyewitnesses, a known car dealer and Kennedy Agyapong loyalist, Maxi, reportedly threw cash to a group of Unity Hall students who had come to show support for the former Assin Central MP.
Moments later, a group of men identified as “machomen” arrived in a 2M Express Toyota minibus and attempted to seize the money. The situation quickly spiraled into violence. Eyewitnesses say gunshots were fired and machetes brandished, forcing bystanders to flee in panic.
During the commotion, one student was stabbed and left bleeding on the street. He was subsequently rushed to KATH for emergency treatment. Shaibu Lasis, a member of Kennedy Agyapong’s team, told the media:
“After the group stabbed the boy, they left him to die. We rushed him to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. As I speak, it’s 9:45 p.m., and we’re still here with Ken ensuring he receives the best care.”
Eyewitnesses say, party wigs, including former Manhyia South MP Collins Owusu Amankwah and other notable party figures, including Pope and Papa Yaw Asare Bediako of the Asokwa Constituency, had witnessed the attack.
One aggrieved supporter, Kwame Anim, questioned the presence of armed individuals at what was supposed to be a peaceful event.
“Why were machomen brought to a ‘Thank You’ tour? What was their motive? We know Ali Suraj, a known supporter of Dr. Bawumia, was behind this. It’s very unfortunate,” he alleged.
As investigations continue, the incident has sparked further tension within the party, raising questions about internal rivalries and event security protocols.
Source:starrfm.com/ Isaac Justice Bediako
