MP Denies Shooting

Thomas Kwesi Nasah THE NATIONAL Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Gushiegu, Thomas Kwesi Nasah, has denied his involvement in the shooting incident that injured about 12 persons in the just-ended Chereponi by-election. “At the time of the incident I was nowhere near Chereponi and could not have engaged in any shooting”, he remarked. Reacting to allegations that he was the brains behind the Chereponi shootings in a telephone conversation with DAILY GUIDE, the MP described them as unfounded and a ploy by his detractors to drag his name into the mud. According to him, he is a law-abiding citizen of the country who hates elements of violence and would therefore not do anything to undermine the peace in the region. He distanced himself from the claims and called on his accusers to substantiate the allegations or meet him in the law courts if they dared further accuse him. Meanwhile, the Yendi Divisional Police commander, ASP Oscar Kofi Amevenku, has disclosed that the said gunman is currently in the grips of the police awaiting prosecution. The Police Chief, who would not mention his name for what he says are security reasons, has also confirmed that it is not the Gushiegu MP as claimed by sections of the public. He indicated that the circumstances surrounding the Chereponi shootings were going to be thoroughly investigated and anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in a court of law. It would be recalled that four persons were last Sunday shot while a dozen were also left with multiple wounds resulting from stone throwing by irate persons believed to be members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). It was alleged that Kwesi Thomas had opened fire on the unprovoked members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), but he has since denied his involvement. Three of the victims, who were reportedly in critical condition, were rushed to the Yendi Government Hospital while the rest were treated and discharged at the Chereponi clinic. Among those injured include 19-year-old Kwame Fusheini, 21-year-old Nana Kasim Bawa and Abdul Raman Mahawia; all sympathizers of the NPP in the constituency. DAILY GUIDE gathered a brawl over a venue for a rally for both parties resulted in the skirmishes that led to the shooting. From Stephen Zoure/Daily Guide, Tamale