In a crucial pre-election intervention, the Western North Divisional Police Command in Sefwi Wiawso intercepted two Metro Mass Transit buses carrying 160 individuals suspected to be thugs on their way to Juaboso.
The buses, identified by registration numbers GN 5148-22 and GN 5177-22, were travelling from Takoradi to Juaboso when they were stopped at the Benchemah barrier in the Wiawso Municipal area of the Western North Region on Tuesday.
The interception followed a tip-off to the authorities.
Upon stopping the buses, police arrested the drivers and passengers, whose identities have not yet been revealed, and impounded the vehicles.
The suspects were taken to the Sefwi Wiawso Regional Police Command for further questioning.
As investigations unfold, the police have confirmed that the individuals have provided caution statements, and authorities are actively searching for a third bus believed to be carrying additional thugs.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the member of parliament and NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Juaboso, addressed the situation at the Regional Police Command.
Akandoh called for thorough investigations by the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
He also warned that if the thugs were released and allowed into Juaboso, there could be serious repercussions.
“If these thugs are released and find themselves in Juaboso Constituency, we shall see,” Akandoh said, hinting at potential unrest.
The timing of the interception has heightened tensions in the region as Ghana prepares for the general election on December 7.
Juaboso is considered an NDC stronghold, with reports suggesting that the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) might be employing controversial tactics to create instability in a last-ditch effort to influence the election outcome.
As the investigation continues, police are focusing on maintaining peace and security, ensuring that the electoral process in Juaboso remains free of violence and disruption.