Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) gathered at the Cantonments Police Station in Accra on Friday. They were protesting the arrest of Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the party’s candidate for Awutu Senya East in the Central Region.
The protesters wore the party’s colors and chanted slogans. They believed that Okunor’s detention was unfair and politically motivated.
Former President John Mahama released a statement about the arrest. He said that the Inspector General of Police, George Dampare, ordered the detention on instructions from the National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah. Mahama suggested that this was an attempt to intimidate Okunor in her campaign against Hawa Koomson, the current Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Mahama warned that such actions could increase political tensions and disrupt peace before the important 2024 elections. He called for Okunor’s immediate release and urged the police and government to be fair and just.
The police station had many officers present to keep order during the protest.
Okunor and two others were arrested on June 2, 2024, for having a gun without permission. The gun and ammunition were found in their car near the Electoral Commission Office at Ofaakor.
In an interview, Okunor said she was only invited, not arrested, by the police. She explained that the gun was legally licensed and that she got it to protect herself from Hawa Koomson, who she claimed had attacked her before.
Before this arrest, there was a clash between NDC and NPP supporters at the EC’s office during the ongoing votes transfer exercise. Hawa Koomson’s son, Ato Koomson, was stabbed and hospitalized. The suspect in the stabbing has also been arrested.
It is not clear if Okunor’s arrest is connected to the stabbing incident or just the possession of the gun.
