The National Democratic Congress's (NDC) Alex Segbefia, Chairman of the National Congress Planning Committee, has refuted assertions that the unrest during the weekend's elections for the youth and women's organizers was caused by disagreement with the delegates list, as was widely reported.
Speaking on The Point of View, Mr. Segbefia claimed that the antagonism started when leadership and the Electoral Commission's personnel requested for the hall to be vacated so that the elections could begin, aggravating the situation.
"We arrived and declared that we were prepared for the elections since there were individuals in the hall who weren't meant to be there and their demeanor was unfriendly, so we took the choice to empty the hall, and they didn't appear happy with the decision. They were irritated when they left knowing that they couldn't get back in because we cleared the area to ensure that only the appropriate people were in, that you were a delegate, and where you were coming from, and that is what we believe caused the troubles that subsequently happened.
He furthermore commended the Ghana Police Service for responding expertly to control the commotion.
"I'd want to take this opportunity to thank the police for their professionalism, for getting involved only when necessary, and for not using more force than was necessary. A single warning shot was fired, which instantly brought everyone's attention to the situation and made them know that if they ventured beyond the lines, bad things would happen.
The police have also listed sixteen people as sought for "violently hurling objects, including chairs, clubs, blocks, sticks, and stones, inflicting property damage and injuring three people."
Additionally, a prize of GHC 10,000.00 has been made available for any member of the public who can give the police reliable information that results in the capture of one of the offenders.