The Ghana Police Service has strongly refuted allegations made by Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, popularly known as General Mosquito, the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), regarding the arrest of Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the party’s Parliamentary Candidate (PC) for Awutu Senya East.
In a video circulating on social media, Mr. Aseidu Nketia claimed that the Accra Regional Police Commander, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Inspector-General of Police indicated to him that the arrest of three individuals for possession of firearms at Ofaakor in the Awutu Senya East Constituency was conducted under “orders from above.”
The police have categorically denied these claims, stating that they are false and without any basis. The officers mentioned by Mr. Nketia have at no point made such pronouncements.
“We would like to categorically state that the claims are false and without any bases. None of the officers mentioned in the video has, at any point in time, made any such pronouncement,” the police refuted.
The police emphasised that all three suspects, including Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, were arrested when a pump-action gun with four rounds of ammunition was found in their vehicle at the Electoral Commission offices in Ofaakor.
The suspects were cautioned and subsequently granted bail.
Asiedu Nketia’s Allegations
Mr. Asiedu Nketia’s allegations have stirred significant controversy. In the video, he warned that the NDC would not tolerate the use of coercive state powers against its members.
At a press briefing held at the party’s headquarters on June 8, 2024 he emphasised that the law must be applied equally to all citizens without discrimination.
“The laws of the country are meant for all of us. There should be no discrimination in applying them. We will not be victims of the peace that the country enjoys. Freedom is not free. We will fight for freedom. We will not allow the coercive powers of the state to be used against us,” he asserted.
His comments followed the release of Madam Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for Awutu Senya East, from police custody. She was initially detained on June 7 after a prior questioning on June 2.
The arrest had drawn condemnation from NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, who demanded her immediate release to ensure national stability.
Sammy Gyamfi, the party’s National Communications Officer, also urged party members to protest at the Cantonments Police Station.
Naa Koryoo Okunor’s Arrest
Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor’s arrest has been a focal point of the controversy. She was taken into custody after the pump-action gun was found in her vehicle at the Electoral Commission’s offices.
Naa Okunor, along with Abdulai Aziz and Mustapha Mohammed, was apprehended in a Honda CRV vehicle near the office.
Naa Okunor has also been cautioned for transferring firearms without authority, while the others were cautioned for possession of firearms without authority.
In an interview with an Accra-based Citi FM on Wednesday June 5, Naa Okunor clarified that she was invited by the police for questioning and not formally arrested. She insisted that the firearm found in her car was legally licensed and acquired for her protection due to threats from the incumbent NPP MP and Minister for Fisheries, Hawa Koomson.
Naa Okunor explained that previous threats and attacks by the MP, including gunshots, were not addressed by the police, prompting her to take measures for her safety.
Demonstration
The arrest of Naa Okunor led to a wave of protests from NDC supporters. Demonstrators, dressed in party colours and chanting slogans, gathered at the Cantonments Police Station to express their dissatisfaction with what they perceived as an unjust and politically motivated detention.
Upon their arrival, the supporters, in the hundreds, demanded the release of their compatriot. Their protest escalated as they burned car tyres outside the police station, symbolising their frustration and determination.
The demonstration quickly drew attention, highlighting the rising political tensions ahead of the 2024 elections. In response to the growing crowd and the escalating situation, the Ghana Police Service increased security presence at the scene.
Additional personnel were deployed to manage the crowd and maintain order, leading to a tense standoff between the police and the protesters.
Background
The chain of events began on June 2, 2024 when the police announced the arrest of three individuals, including Naa Okunor, for possession of a firearm without lawful authority. During the arrest, a pump-action gun with four rounds of ammunition was retrieved from their vehicle. The situation escalated due to an earlier clash between NDC and NPP supporters at the Electoral Commission office, which resulted in the stabbing of Ato Koomson, the son of the incumbent MP and Minister for Fisheries, Hawa Koomson.
