The Ashanti Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has refuted the Ghana Police Service's assertion that there was no shooting incident or injuries during the demonstration at the Kumasi Electoral Commission (EC) office on Tuesday, 17 September 17, 2024.

In a statement issued to clarify the facts, signed by the Ashanti Regional Secretary/Campaign Coordinator, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the NDC criticised the police for allegedly providing misleading information about the event.

According to the party, the demonstration proceeded peacefully according to an agreed route until police deviated from the plan.

“The NDC, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, agreed on a specific route for the demonstration, which we followed peacefully.

“However, the police later mounted a barricade at an entirely different location, far away from the EC office, in an isolated area that can only be described as a bush in the middle of nowhere. This deviation from the agreed arrangement was uncalled for and sparked confusion," the statement said.

The NDC also detailed incidents of alleged police violence, asserting that officers fired gunshots and deployed tear gas, leading to injuries among demonstrators.

The statement continued that: "During this period, police officers fired gunshots and launched tear gas canisters into the crowd. As a result, a police officer and one of our peaceful demonstrators fainted due to the chaos caused by the tear gas.”

Contrary to the police's claims, the NDC reported that several demonstrators were assaulted, including one member who sustained a severe head injury.

 "Several demonstrators were assaulted and injured by the police. One of our members sustained a severe head injury from police assault and some sustained other injuries on the leg," the statement indicated.

The NDC expressed its commitment to peaceful protests and emphasised that the demonstration was intended to highlight their concerns, not to incite violence.

"The NDC is a peace-loving party and did not seek to cause any confrontations," the statement affirmed.

The party extended its gratitude to the supporters and participants of the demonstration and called for the Ghana Police Service to uphold its integrity.

"We urge the Ghana Police Service to remain independent and not be influenced by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in issuing inaccurate or misleading statements," the NDC added.