Presidential hopeful and Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen, has said reports that the Suhum clashes were between persons loyal to him and his key contender in NPP’s 2024 flagbearership race are unfounded.
In a statement, Mr Kyerematen said rumours that the violent clash in the Eastern Region town was between his supporters and those of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia are mischievous and calculated to bring their names into public ridicule.
“I condemn without reservation this barbaric act of some members of our great party. I believe strongly that any disagreement whether relating to a contest for position or differences in ideas and opinions should not be manifested in such violence in a party such as ours. The ideals of our party and tradition call for peaceful and harmonious coexistence and our motto, (Development in Freedom), has no place for violence.
“I, therefore, urge the Suhum Constituency Executives, the Eastern Regional Executives as well as the National Executives of the party to take immediate steps to resolve the differences between the two feuding sides to restore peace and discipline in the party,†he said in the statement.
The reports had indicated that the driver of a Member of Parliament for Suhum, one Jamalo, allegedly inflicted knife wounds on a member of the communications team of the NPP in the region.
The incident occurred after supporters of the MP and of another person who is planning to unseat the lawmaker in the upcoming primaries of the party, engaged in a fight at the funeral ceremony.
Several others sustained injuries in the process and were admitted to the Suhum Government Hospital for treatment. The Police Suhum Police Command has said investigations are underway.
Mr Kyerematen and Dr Bawumia are billed for a showdown when the race for the NPP’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections open.
Both personalities have loyal supporters within the NPP.