NDC and NPP supporters clash at Asesewa in the Eastern Region over DRIP equipment

A violent clash between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asesewa, Upper Manya Krobo District, Eastern Region, has left a number of people injured.

Eyewitnesses said the violence erupted after a dispute over the parking spot for the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) machines, which upset NDC supporters.

A viral video on social media shows NDC members questioning why the machines were parked at the premises of the NPP Parliamentary Candidate instead of the District Assembly.

“The DRIP machines were stopped by the NPP Parliamentary Candidate at Asahene, near his hotel, with NPP colors and posters draped on them, then they wanted to do procession. That was wrong. We tried to resist, and stones were pelted. The police restored calm. We wanted to display our colors too since it is a government equipment” the NDC communication officer for Upper Manya Krobo District, Emmanuel Kwesi Larwer, explained.

In response, Benjamin Kwesi Odoi, the NPP communication officer, said the NDC acted wrongly.

“We knew the machines were arriving today from Koforidua. The Compacter the first equipment was parked at Asasehene near a school. Our supporters were excited and began celebrating upon seeing it, they intended to process with the machines. The NDC supporters resisted, and stones were thrown. It was wrong for them to stop us. We intended to park it at the District Assembly after our procession,” he said.

The injured are receiving treatment at Asesewa Government Hospital.

The District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) is a government initiative aimed at improving road infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas, crucial for economic activities, access to markets, and essential services.

The project managed by the Ministry of Local Governance and Rural Development deployed equipment to various districts.

However, as seen in Asesewa, such projects can sometimes lead to political tensions when disputes arise over the management of the equipment.

The post NDC and NPP supporters clash at Asesewa in the Eastern Region over DRIP equipment first appeared on 3News.

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