The Deputy Minister of Finance in Ghana, Dr. Stephen Amoah, reportedly drew a pistol during a confrontation with some youths in Kumasi on Tuesday, citing self-defence as his motivation. Dr. Amoah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, confirmed the incident to local media, stating, “My life was in danger, I had to defend myself. Even Jesus Christ will react if you pull a gun at him.”
According to witnesses, the altercation began when the youths accused Dr. Amoah of failing to honour a financial pledge he allegedly made to their group. “The MP had promised GHS5,000 after an event but refused to deliver. When he was confronted, one of the youths pulled what appeared to be a toy gun, prompting the MP to retrieve a pistol from his car,” an eyewitness told 3news.
Another witness suggested that the incident was sparked by the MP’s comments advising the youth against drug use. “Some took offence and brought up complaints about an unfulfilled AstroTurf project. During the argument, one of the boys brandished a toy gun, leading to the MP’s response,” the witness said.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested 26 individuals in connection with the illegal possession and use of toy guns in the region. Authorities have flagged the trend as a growing security concern, noting that toy guns are often mistaken for real weapons, escalating tensions in such confrontations.
The incident has sparked debate over the appropriateness of public officials carrying firearms and the underlying tensions between political leaders and their constituents. Dr. Amoah has defended his actions as necessary for his safety but has faced criticism for the potential escalation of the situation.
The police are continuing investigations into the confrontation and broader concerns about the misuse of toy firearms in Ghana.
