Police mount search for group in viral video threatening violence during 2024 elections

The Ghana Police Service is conducting a search for a group of individuals, identifying themselves as NDC Youth of Obuasi, who appeared in a viral video threatening violence ahead of the 2024 General Elections.

According to the police, an active operation is underway to apprehend the individuals and ensure they face justice. “We wish to state that the behaviour of the group constitutes the offence of offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace contrary to section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29),” the police stated in a release on Friday, 15 November 2024.

The group, made up of both male and female, wearing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) branded paraphernalia, are heard threatening that the if the electoral Commission declares the election in favour of any political party other than the NDC, they will take the law into their own hands.

With Ghana set to hold elections on 7 December to choose the next President and Members of Parliament for a four-year term, tensions are rising as the date draws closer. Some individuals have turned to social media to spread misinformation and disinformation, aiming to confuse the electorate or instil fear and panic just 21 days before the polls.

In a related incident, the Ghana Police Service recently arrested Fatawu Ibrahim, also known as Fatau Motorway, following violent clashes between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Mamobi, Accra, on 13 October 2024.

Ibrahim, who was seen wielding a firearm during the altercation that left two people with gunshot injuries, had been declared wanted by the police. His arrest follows weeks of a manhunt and public appeals for information leading to his capture. He is currently in police custody and is expected to be charged in court in the coming days.

To facilitate his arrest, the police had offered a GH?20,000 reward for credible information. They also released his images, seeking public cooperation in locating him and others involved in the clashes. This effort was part of an intelligence-led investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence.

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