Obuasi East, Ashanti Region – A tense situation unfolded at a polling station in the Obuasi East constituency during the 2024 general elections, resulting in a physical altercation between two armed military officers and the constituency's NDC Communication Officer.
The incident began when the fully armed soldiers attempted to enter the polling center. According to reports, the NDC Communication Officer immediately intervened, demanding that the soldiers leave the premises or face being reported to the police. This request escalated into a confrontation, turning physical when the Communication Officer was joined by other party members in an apparent attack on the soldiers.
While details remain scarce and accounts vary, reports suggest the soldiers resisted the instructions of the NDC Communication Officer, leading to the escalation of the conflict. The nature of the soldiers' presence at the polling station and the specific reasons for their visit are yet to be officially clarified.
The incident has raised significant concerns about the role and presence of military personnel at polling stations during the election process. Many are questioning the appropriateness of armed soldiers being present at such locations, particularly given the potential for such situations to escalate into violence. Calls for a thorough investigation into the matter are growing, with demands for clarification on the soldiers' mandate and the circumstances that led to the confrontation.
Authorities are expected to investigate the incident to determine the facts and ensure the safety and integrity of the electoral process in the area.
The investigation will likely focus on the actions of both the soldiers and the NDC party members involved, aiming to ascertain whether any laws were broken and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Electoral Commission is expected to issue a statement addressing the concerns raised by this incident.
