Traditional Deities Invoked in Ghana's New Patriotic Party Election Dispute

Key Takeaways

• The internal conflict within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bantama Constituency of the Ashanti Region has escalated with a viral video of a man invoking traditional deities against those who disregard a court injunction in the party's disputed constituency executive election.
• The video has sparked widespread public discussion and concern over the growing tension surrounding the constituency's internal electoral process.
• The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the violent disruption of the election, which was reportedly the subject of a court injunction.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bantama Constituency of the Ashanti Region is embroiled in a deepening internal conflict, with the latest development being a viral video of a man invoking traditional deities against those who disregard a court injunction in the party's disputed constituency executive election.

The video, which has sparked widespread public discussion and concern over the growing tension surrounding the constituency's internal electoral process, shows a man identified as Kwame Poku smashing an egg and a bottle of schnapp while invoking the names of several revered traditional deities, including Antoa and Akonadi, calling on them to punish anyone who acts contrary to the reported injunction.

Background & Context

The dispute within the NPP in the Bantama Constituency is not new, with rival factions continuing to disagree over the conduct of the election and the reported court injunction.

The Ashanti Region, which is a stronghold of the NPP, has seen several internal conflicts within the party in recent years, with some factions vying for control and others seeking to assert their influence.

Key Findings

According to eyewitness accounts, the election was disrupted by unidentified persons who invaded the polling centre and halted the voting process, despite the alleged legal order.

The situation turned chaotic when some individuals allegedly stormed the venue, destroyed ballot boxes and ballot papers, and assaulted election officials supervising the process.

One election official sustained injuries during the disturbance and was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Broader Implications

The emergence of the video invoking traditional deities highlights the heightened tension within the constituency and raises concerns about the implications for the party's internal electoral process.

The use of traditional deities to invoke curses on individuals who disregard a court injunction is a worrying trend that could have far-reaching consequences for the party's image and reputation.

The Ashanti Regional Police Command's investigation into the violence and destruction of election materials is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the disruption and the roles played by the various persons involved.

Looking Ahead

The NPP's internal conflict in the Bantama Constituency is a clear indication of the party's deep-seated problems and the need for reforms to address the issues of internal governance and electoral processes.

The party's leadership must take immediate action to resolve the dispute and ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner.