In a startling turn of events, the final funeral rites of the Busunu queen mother was marred by chaos and violence as political tensions between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) escalated to physical confrontation.
The incident unfolded when NDC vigilante group from Tamale attempted to block entry to the funeral grounds for representatives of the NPP.
The incident happened when the Chief of Staff, Hon. Frema Opare was present at Busunu to mourn with the people of the area and to pay respect to the late queen mother on behalf of President Akufo Addo, along with other dignitaries including the MP for Damango, the Savannah regional Minister and the NPP Regional Chairman.
Eyewitnesses reported that tensions reached a boiling point when NDC vigilantes from Tamale, allegedly affiliated with the party, intervened to prevent the NPP representatives from taking their seats at the podium amist gunshots.
This sparked a violent altercation between supporters of both parties, resulting in multiple injuries and widespread disruption of the event.
Security personnel present at the funeral grounds swiftly intervened to quell the unrest and restore order, averting a potentially disastrous situation.
However, the swift and coordinated nature of the incident has raised suspicions of premeditation among onlookers.
In the aftermath of the chaos, both the MP for Damongo and former President Mahama condemned the violent acts and called for peace and restraint among the youth of Busunu.
Questions have been raised regarding the motivations behind the attempted blockade, with some questioning why the NDC leadership would sanction such actions at a solemn event.
Critics pointed out the hypocrisy in light of former President Mahama’s peaceful entry into the funeral grounds without disruption from NPP supporters, contrasting sharply with the events that transpired later.
As investigations into the incident unfold, the community of Busunu remains shaken by the outbreak of violence at what was meant to be a somber occasion of mourning and remembrance.
Concerns linger over the politicization of such events and the potential for further unrest if tensions are not defused swiftly and decisively.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
