The Herald’s probe into events that took place at the “Wongbo Demo”, a protest against the incessant power outages, has revealed that the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, his running mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and some party supporters, broke through a police barricade and were chauffeur-driven through the Makola Market.
The Herald is informed by top echelons of the NPP that a typographical error in the police order from the court, made Nana Addo, his wife, Rebecca, Kwabena Agyapong, Paul Afoko, among others, to drive through the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra, including the famous Makola Market.
Some of the NPP supporters, also lawlessly tried storming the National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters during the demonstration, but were prevented by the police.
This paper was told by NPP insiders that, instead of Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Greater Accra Police administration rather wrote Union Trading Company (UTC) stores. Nana Addo and his men, took advantage of the typographical error in the route to drive to the Makola Market, waving and distracting trading and vehicular activities.
This is not the first time NPP elements, have broken through a Police barricade during demonstration, refusing to go through the agreed route of Obra Spot to Farisco on the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue to the Liberia Road to the National Theatre and thence to the Hearts of Oak Training Park.
As a result of the breakthrough of the police barricade and chauffeur driven through Kingsway shopping Arcade, CMB, Okaishie and the Makola market, Nana Addo, his wife and others, took over an hour to arrive at the Hearts of Oak Training Park opposite the National Lotteries Authority at the back of a Pickup vehicle to address his party’s supporters and the media.
His address was, however, bereft of alternatives to the power crisis.
On Citi FM yesterday, the NPP National Organizer, John Buadu, admitted that they went through the UTC area, because that was what was captured in the court order, and that they could not defy the instruction of the court. He suggested that the police administration was out to victimize them.
Greater Accra Police Commander, DCOP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, has also confirmed the mistake in the route and that indeed, the NPP demonstrators “broke though the police barricade”, and that the police had to be tactful and allow them through Makola to avoid a head on collision.
Speaking on Accra-based Radio Gold, the regional police boss, blamed the typographical error on the court, but said steps, were taken immediately to correct the anomaly.
The Herald learnt that at all material times, the NPP leaders, including Nana Addo ,were aware of the typographical error, but decided to take advantage of it, by driving through the Central Business District especially, the Makola Market.
The Police on Tuesday, went to court to enjoin the NPP to stick to the route agreed.
The Greater Accra Police boss, has indicated that the NPP leaders, would be invited to answer why they deviated from the planned route.
“We will be calling them to come and explain their actions,” DCOP Yohunu said, adding this is “because if you defy a court order, then it is contempt.” True to his words, the regional police yesterday, invited leaders of the demonstration, John Buadu, the National Organiser, Sammie Awuku, the National Youth Organizer for questioning.
Meanwhile, the “Wongbo Demo”, deviated also from the power crisis as mentioned by the organisers to a direct attack on the John Mahama government.
For instance NPP National Organizer, John Buadu, was seen leading and coaching some pupils of Mantse Tackie Liberty Avenue Cluster of Schools to shout, “Mahama is a thief”, “Mahama Dumsor”.
Placards bearing insults such as, “Kwasia Bi nti me fridge aseee”, “Vomiting economy, unbearable, polytechnic School fees”, “Mahama is a thief” and “Bad governance John Mahama Aban” were on display on the day.
Other inscriptions were, “NDC Corrupt Party, Abrantie Paa nie? Who killed Egya Atta? NHIS has collapsed, Mahama must go! Awaree Egu B’cos of dumsor and many other insulting write-ups.
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