Eight people were seriously injured in clashes in the Ghanaian capital Accra between supporters of rival political parties, police said Tuesday.
Supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and those of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) fought Monday evening in the Alajo district of Accra.
The two parties' local headquarters are in the same street, and witnesses said the clashes grew from attempts by militants to intimidate each other.
Isolated clashes have been reported around the west African country over the last 10 days ahead of general and presidential elections on December 7.
The NPP is seen as the main challenger to the NDC, whose leader, Jerry Rawlings, is stepping down after having served two four-year terms as elected president and 11 years as military leader.
The NDC's John Kufuor will run against current Vice President John Atta Mills in the presidential race.
Rawlings on Monday called on police Inspector General Peter Nanfuri to come up with a plan to combat the violence or risk losing his job.
"As inspector general of police you will take personal responsibility for any inaction on the part of the police and in consequence, you may be called upon to relinquish the position," said a statement issued by presidential secretary James Amissah.
The statement highlighted "persistent reports of violence and lawlessness around the country resulting in serious injuries to members and supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress in particular " -- ACCRA (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
