PRE-ELECTION VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN GHANA

C O N F I D E N T I A L ACCRA 001122 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/W E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/03/2028 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL GH SUBJECT: PRE-ELECTION VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN GHANA Classified By: Ambassador Teitelbaum for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 1.(U) Supporters of the two main political parties clashed on September 1 in Gushiegu District in Northern Ghana, leaving six dead. According to the state owned "The Ghanaian Times," the dispute, which resulted in gunfire, started after supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were both attempting to erect party flags and symbols in the same area. Several cars and eight houses were reportedly burned in the violence, including a house owned by a local NDC official. The Northern Regional Minister has called for Ghana Armed Forces personnel to enforce a curfew. ¶2. (U) In a separate incident, a NPP rally in Tamale was disrupted by gunfire. The NPP vice presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia was reportedly about to address a crowd when a shot was fired. Bawumia left the area unharmed, but the incident led to attacks on NDC supporters passing through the area and to the destruction of a NDC office. The newspaper reports that the military is patrolling Tamale. ¶3. (C) Comment. There is a long-term history of violence in Northern Ghana unrelated to elections, but the pressure from the upcoming December election may be complicating issues. The Gushiegu District incident does not appear to have involved a chieftaincy dispute, a frequent cause of conflict in Northern Ghana. Some of our contacts from both main parties have reported that they are readying supporters to respond to provocations. Pre-election violence may spread to other regions besides the north as partisan emotions build prior to the December polls. End Comment. TEITELBAUM