Kennedy Agyapong, a prominent 2024 presidential hopeful within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced his withdrawal from the party’s ongoing “Thank You” tour. He cited escalating security threats against his supporters as the primary reason for his decision.
The development follows a violent altercation in Kumasi that left a student from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) hospitalized with stab wounds. The injured student, a member of the Jama group from Unity Hall, was part of a team hired by Agyapong’s campaign to perform during a gathering at the Pentecost Church in Bantama.
According to eyewitness accounts, tensions erupted after a well-connected associate of Agyapong handed over monetary gifts to the Jama group. Moments later, a group of heavily armed men, purportedly linked to elements within the NPP, stormed the venue and forcefully confiscated the money.
The situation quickly descended into chaos, with gunshots reportedly fired during the confrontation. In the ensuing melee, a member of the Jama group sustained a stab wound. The injured student was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Reacting to the incident, Agyapong condemned the attack and expressed grave concerns about the safety of his team and supporters. Addressing the media on Wednesday, he announced his immediate withdrawal from the tour, stating his decision was motivated by the need to protect lives.
“Yesterday’s incident was unacceptable. Lives were threatened, and I don’t believe I can guarantee the safety of my team under such conditions. Therefore, I have decided to pull out of the tour to prioritize the well-being of my supporters. I leave Dr. Bawumia to continue with his campaign,” he declared.
Agyapong’s team has since lodged a formal complaint with the Kumasi Central Police Command, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The withdrawal marks a significant turn in the NPP’s post-primary activities, raising questions about unity and security within the party as it prepares for the 2024 general elections.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
