The Police have finally released the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor after detaining her overnight.
Naa Koryoo was invited for interrogation over a firearm in her possession, which the PC in a previous radio commentary said the weapon was for her protection and was duly registered. However, the Police stated her first name “Phillis” did not include a second “I” in the gun registration document.
As a result, Naa Koryoo Okunor was detained at the Cantonments Police Station on Friday, June 7, 2024.
The incident caused a social media frenzy as pictures and videos of protests by her party youth at the Cantonments Police Station flooded social media platforms.
National Youth Organizer of the NDC, George Opare Addo, also known as Pablo led the protest against the Police to demand her release. Tyres were burned and roads were blocked as the angry party youth mounted pressure for the release of Naa Koryoo Okunor.
He posted a message on X calling the party’s youth to join the protest.
“Calling all NDC supporters to throng the Cantonments Police Station and demand for the release of our comrade and PC for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor who has been unduly destined by the Police. We are demanding for the immediate release of Naa Koryoo now! She has committed no crime for her to be committed to custody! This nation doesn’t belong the NPP and it’s assigns! We will demand for what is right through any means! #FreeNaaKoryooNow,” Pablo posted on X.
The party’s leader, John Mahama joined in the calls for her immediate release by urging the police to abstain from doing the bidding of politicians instead of serving the people. He accused the authorities of trying to dwindle her electoral fortunes to protect the Awutu Senya East seat for Madam Hawa Koomson.
“Clearly, the intention to detain her after she had already been granted bail is an attempt to intimidate the NDC Parliamentary candidate in her quest to unseat the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hawa Koomson, in the Awutu Senya East Constituency.”
John Mahama called on the IGP, George Akuffo Dampare to release Naa Koryoo to ensure stability.
“It is high time the police fulfilled their duty to serve and protect all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations,” John Mahama said in a post on Facebook.
After hours of pressure on the police, Naa Koryoo Okunor was released on Saturday, a day after she was granted bail. According to sources, the Awutu Senya East NDC candidate was released around 11:30 am.