A New Patriotic Party (NPP) polling station executive at Kwaman Methodist in the Afigya Kwabre North Constituency, Adul Aziz Ismail, popularly known as Kennedy Ba, has reportedly been brutally attacked by unknown assailants following his decision to switch political allegiance during the party’s 2023 presidential primary.
Mr. Aziz, a known grassroots activist of the NPP in the Ashanti Region, had publicly withdrawn his support for Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Ohene Agyepong, and declared his endorsement for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The announcement was made at a press conference held in the Ashanti Region, where Mr. Aziz appeared alongside Dawuda Afriyie, the First Vice Chairman of the Offinso North Constituency.
At the event, both men cited reasons they described as ideological alignment and confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s leadership vision for the party and the country.
However, shortly after the public declaration, Mr. Aziz was reportedly attacked on 30th October, 2023, while travelling from Aboabugya to Ahenkro in the Afigya Kwabre South District.
Eyewitnesses say he was trailed by unidentified men riding motorbikes and wearing helmets and nose masks. The attackers allegedly accosted him and subjected him to a severe beating until he lost consciousness.
Sources close to the victim indicate that he was later found by passers-by and rushed to a health facility in a community around Kwaman, where he received emergency medical attention. His condition was initially described as critical, though he later regained consciousness.
The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from party supporters and political observers, many of whom have expressed concern about the increasing intolerance and violence surrounding internal party contests, particularly at the grassroots level.
Several voices within the NPP and civil society have called on the party leadership and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Political analysts warn that acts of violence linked to internal party politics could weaken party cohesion, discourage grassroots participation, and damage Ghana’s long-standing reputation for peaceful democratic engagement.
As investigations continue, many are urging political leaders across the divide to openly condemn violence and reaffirm their commitment to tolerance, dialogue, and respect for differing political choices within the democratic process.
