Suhum Clash: Political Parties Must Have Pyschologists - Prof. Joseph Osafo

Head of Psychology at the University of Ghana, Professor Joseph Osafo, has condemned the violent clashes between some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Suhum in the Eastern Region.

The incident that occurred on Saturday, August 28, 2021 had the party’s Lower West Akyem Communications Officer, Bernard Kwesi Amoani's forehead slashed with a cutlass allegedly by the driver of the Suhum MP and another victim, Alexander Odei, also sustained injuries on his lips.

Those involved in the clashes were said to be supporters of the Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia but the Trade Minister has refuted the claims saying “rumors currently circulating on social media that the clash was between my supporters and those of our Vice President are not only completely false, but mischievous and have been contrived to bring both the Vice President and my good self into public ridicule. I condemn without reservation this barbaric act of some members of our great party”.

Contributing to Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo", Prof. Joseph Osafo rebuked the party supporters over their violent fight and suggested that to avoid party violence, it is imperative on the parties to hire psychologists.

According to him, the psychologists will provide assistance with engaging the parties' grass roots to ensure they exhibit the right behaviors.

"As we build the nation, political parties also need to have psychologists. I'm serious on this. They will help them with the grass root engagements because that is where emotions are intense...They need to hire psychologists. In fact, if you go to very serious developed democracies, they have it who help the party. They check what is the terrain, what is the attitude in town; it all helps and holds talks with the grass roots as well as engaging them," he told host Nana Yaw Kesseh.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana