Three injured in stampede at NPP National Delegates Conference

Three people have been rushed to the Kumasi South Hospital after sustaining injuries during a stampede at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 3, as thousands of delegates, party supporters and observers gathered at the stadium for the conference, which is expected to elect new national executives and discuss key party matters.

The injured persons were attended to by emergency medical personnel before being transported to the Kumasi South Hospital for treatment. Other attendees who sustained minor injuries were reportedly treated at temporary medical posts set up at the venue.

A witness said the stampede broke out after congestion developed in one section of the stadium, causing people to push and struggle to move through the crowd.

“There was a lot of pressure from behind and some people fell. It became difficult for others to move and that created panic among those nearby,” the witness said.

Security officers and emergency responders quickly moved in to control the situation and assist those affected. The intervention helped restore calm and prevent further injuries as activities at the conference continued.

Another attendee praised the response of officials, noting that medical personnel and security officers acted swiftly after the incident was reported.

“The emergency team arrived quickly and attended to those who were injured. They managed to clear the area and bring the situation under control,” the attendee stated.

Police officers and party officials were subsequently seen directing delegates and supporters while monitoring movement around the stadium. Additional crowd-control measures were also put in place to ease congestion in parts of the venue.

The National Delegates Conference has drawn party members from across the country, resulting in a large turnout at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The gathering is a key event on the NPP’s calendar as delegates participate in the election of national officers and deliberate on issues concerning the party’s future.

Authorities therefore are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the stampede as concerns are raised about crowd management and safety arrangements at large political events.