The political tension in Odododiodoo constituency in Accra has taken a violent twist with the Member of Parliament(MP) of the area and Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye accused of punching his New Patriotic Party (NPP) opponent, Nii Lantey Bannerman.
Speaking on Citi FM’s breakfast show this morning, Mr. Bannerman said, the MP has taken an intimidating posture and his followers has resorted to violence.
During their campaign, yesterday, Mr. Bannerman said, supporters of the MP attacked them with stones and other items which they reported at the police station.
“This violence has been going on for some time now and they have currently reported over 20 cases at the police station,†he stated.
He added that, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has confronted him this morning and punched him twice in the face at James Town.
The minister, though did not say emphatically if he punched his opponent or not, somewhat denied the allegation stating that Mr. Bannerman should have reported at the police station if he really punched him.
He also made counter accusations of violence perpetuated by the NPP Parliamentary aspirant and his followers.
“I have two party boys namely Richard Otoo and Emmanuel Atobrah are currently at the surgical theatre of the Korle BU Teaching Hospital undergoing surgery from gunshots from guys that he brought yesterday to come and kill, molest, intimidate and assault our people,†he stated.
He added that two other people were discharged yesterday from the hospital due to attacks by supporters of Mr. Bannerman.
He also denied accusation that he was at Mr. Bannerman’s house to attack him saying “that boy is a liar, was born a liar, nurtured as a liar and would die as a liar.â€
He said, the NPP boys attacked the NDC supporters yesterday evening with sticks and cutlasses when both met after separate functions.
Mr. Vanderpuye said, he then went with the police to arrest those who attacked the people his supporters.
He also referred to the Parliamentary candidate as a “small boy who have been lying and misrepresenting himself.â€
He is also optimistic of victory in December stating that his opponent would win only five polling stations out of 160 stations and would concede if Mr. Bannerman gets a difference of 30,000 votes.
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