Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya East in the Central Region, was released from police custody on Saturday, June 8, after being arrested and detained the previous day.
Her arrest had sparked outrage among NDC members and supporters, with the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, and National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, calling for her immediate release. Protesters gathered at the Cantonments Police Station, wearing party colors and chanting slogans to express their disapproval of what they considered an unfair and politically motivated detention.
In a statement, former President Mahama claimed that the arrest was ordered by Inspector General of Police George Dampare, following instructions from National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah. Mahama suggested that the move was an attempt to intimidate Okunor in her campaign against incumbent Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hawa Koomson, in the upcoming elections.
Sammy Gyamfi confirmed Okunor’s release to Myjoyonline, although details of her detention and any charges filed by the police remain unclear.
The arrest stemmed from an incident on June 2, 2024, when Okunor and two others were apprehended near the Electoral Commission Office at Ofaakor for allegedly possessing a firearm without lawful authority. A pump-action gun with four rounds of ammunition was found in their vehicle.
In a June 5 interview, Okunor maintained that she was only invited, not formally arrested, by the police. She stated that the firearm was legally licensed and that she had acquired it for self-protection against Hawa Koomson, whom she accused of previously attacking her and even firing gunshots.
Prior to the gun possession arrest, a clash between NDC and NPP supporters at the EC’s office during the ongoing votes transfer exercise had resulted in the stabbing and hospitalization of Ato Koomson, the son of Hawa Koomson. The suspect in the stabbing incident has also been arrested and detained.
It remains unclear whether Okunor’s arrest is connected to the stabbing incident or solely related to the possession of the gun.
