NDC demands arrest of Bernard Bediako’s attackers at Ernest Kumi’s One-Week Commemoration

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is calling on the police to act swiftly and arrest those involved in the attack on the party’s parliamentary candidate, Bernard Bediako, at Ernest Kumi’s one-week commemoration.

In a statement signed by Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, the NDC accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of orchestrating the attack and warned the police against selective justice. The statement emphasized that law enforcement cannot be seen to act swiftly against NDC members while appearing slow or hesitant when cases involve the NPP.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially lodged a complaint with the Ghana Police Service, demanding the immediate arrest of individuals captured in viral videos attacking the party’s parliamentary candidate at the one-week commemoration of the late Ernest Kumi.

According to the NDC, the police have until Monday, September 1, 2025, to act on the matter. Failure to arrest the attackers, the party warns, will leave them with no option but to apprehend the suspects themselves and hand them over to the authorities by Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

The party explained that its delegation was formally invited to the solemn event on Friday, receiving a gold-plated invitation card. The team was led by NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and included national executives, regional leaders, Members of Parliament, constituency representatives, and the parliamentary candidate for Akwatia, Hon. Bernard Bediako. However, upon arrival at the funeral grounds, the delegation was confronted by a violent mob who insisted that the NDC candidate would not be allowed to enter.

The NDC has strongly condemned the attack at Ernest Kumi’s one-week commemoration, describing it as “unprovoked, shameful, and highly disrespectful.” The party revealed that the incident left the widow of Ernest Kumi in tears, unable to comprehend why her late husband’s memorial was marred by such chaos and political intolerance.

“The individuals captured on video are well known within Boadua, Wenchi, Akwatia, and surrounding villages,” the statement noted. “We are ready to fully cooperate with the police from this evening until Sunday evening. However, if no meaningful action is taken, we will have no choice but to assist the police in arresting the culprits on Monday and Tuesday.”

The NDC has cautioned that failure to act could heighten political tensions in the lead-up to the 2025 general elections. The party insists that swift arrests are necessary to maintain peace, protect democracy, and send a strong message that violence at political or social gatherings will not be tolerated.