The Ghana Police Service has initiated a nationwide manhunt for individuals involved in the violent clash between supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Mamobi, a densely populated suburb of Accra. The clash, which occurred in the late hours of Sunday, October 13, 2024, left nine people injured, with tensions running high across the community.
In a statement issued by the police, authorities assured the public that calm has been restored following the disturbances. “The Ghana Police Service has successfully restored calm in Mamobi, a suburb of Accra, following disturbances between NPP and NDC supporters that led to nine injuries,” the statement read. The police further emphasized that a comprehensive, intelligence-led operation is underway to bring the culprits to justice.
Unfolding of Events
The altercation, which escalated into a violent exchange between political supporters, took place in the interconnected Zongo communities of Nima, Mamobi, and Newtown, areas that have long been politically active. According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation began with a verbal dispute between rival factions before spiraling into a full-scale brawl. Videos circulating on social media show heated exchanges between NPP and NDC members, with some individuals engaging in fistfights and others fleeing as the situation became chaotic. 
In a particularly harrowing moment captured in one video, gunshots can be heard echoing through the streets, causing panic. Bystanders scrambled for safety as the violence intensified. One video shows a man, wearing an NDC t-shirt, lying on the ground after being struck in the leg by a stray bullet. In the background, a boy can be heard explaining in Twi, “The NPP members have shot an NDC man,” as a woman interrogates him about the situation.
Casualties and Medical Response
The clash resulted in injuries to nine individuals, seven of whom have since been treated and discharged from local hospitals. The remaining two victims are still receiving medical care for their injuries. Although no fatalities have been reported, the use of firearms during the confrontation has heightened concerns about political violence in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.
In their statement, the police acknowledged the disturbing nature of the incident but assured the public that every effort is being made to apprehend those responsible. “An intelligence-led operation is currently ongoing to get the perpetrators who have been identified by the Police arrested to face justice,” the police stated.
Political Tensions in Accra’s Zongo Communities
This latest incident has raised alarms over the recurring clashes between supporters of Ghana’s two largest political parties. Accra’s Zongo communities, including Nima, Mamobi, and Newtown, have historically been hotbeds of political activity, with strong support bases for both the NPP and NDC. As election season approaches, these communities often witness heightened tensions, which sometimes lead to confrontations and outbreaks of violence.
In recent years, Ghana’s political landscape has been marked by increasingly aggressive rhetoric and sporadic instances of unrest, particularly between rival party supporters. While the country is widely regarded as a stable democracy in West Africa, such incidents underscore the fragile nature of political peace, especially at the grassroots level.
Moving Forward: Calls for Peace and Accountability
The nationwide manhunt for the individuals involved in the Mamobi clashes is seen as a critical step in maintaining law and order in the lead-up to the elections. Political leaders, civil society organizations, and religious figures have consistently called for peace and restraint from party supporters, warning of the dire consequences of politically motivated violence.
As the police intensify their search for the rioters, many Ghanaians are looking to both the NPP and NDC leadership to publicly condemn the violence and ensure that their supporters refrain from engaging in further clashes. While political rivalries are an inevitable part of democratic competition, violence only serves to undermine the very foundations of democracy.
This incident has brought to the forefront the urgent need for political education and conflict resolution mechanisms, particularly in areas where political allegiances run deep. Peacebuilding efforts, both from the government and non-governmental organizations, must be strengthened to ensure that elections in Ghana continue to be free, fair, and devoid of violence.
As the nation waits for further updates on the ongoing police operation, the call for calm remains paramount. Political actors, local authorities, and community leaders must work together to foster unity and prevent future incidents of this nature. Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of peace and democracy in the region hinges on the ability of its people to resolve differences peacefully and through dialogue.
The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and order, assuring citizens that those responsible for the Mamobi incident will face the full force of the law. However, long-term stability will depend on more than just policing—it will require concerted efforts from all sectors of society to promote tolerance and uphold the principles of democracy.
