Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Stephen Amoah is reported to have been involved in an incident at Atasemanso, Kumasi, where he allegedly “acted in self-defence” after a group of youth approached him with a toy gun.
According to sources, the youth were seeking updates on an ongoing Astroturf project being constructed in the area by their MP.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that some individuals brought toy guns to the MP’s campaign grounds, occasionally firing them into the air amid cheers.
The spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Nhyiaeso Constituency, Jimmy Boakye Ansah, clarified that the MP was taken by surprise during the encounter.
“The MP was caught unawares. They had a good discussion with him, and he even gave them some money. The individual who brandished the toy gun did so on the blind side of Dr. Amoah,” he explained.
This incident comes amid a broader trend in Kumasi, where some youth have been using toy guns in public, often for recreational purposes.
The Ghana Police Service recently issued a public warning against the practice, noting that it constitutes an offence under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which covers conduct conducive to breaches of the peace.
The caution followed the arrest of 26 individuals for brandishing and firing toy guns indiscriminately in public spaces.
Authorities have urged the public, especially the youth, to refrain from such actions to maintain public order and safety.
Myjoyonline