The Deputy Minister of Finance in Ghana and Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah, allegedly brandished a pistol during an altercation with some youths on Tuesday.
Eyewitnesses told a Ghanaian news platform, 3news, that the incident unfolded when the youths confronted Amoah, accusing him of failing to honour a pledge.
MP and his opponent were invited by the Unity and Love Family for a launch, the MP promised to give the group GHS5,000 after the event, but he refused to honour his pledge. So he was accosted by the youth.
“In the course of verbal exchange, one of the guys pulled a toy gun and pointed it at the MP, who also went into his car and pulled a pistol thus creating a pandemonium,” the eyewitness told 3news.
Another eyewitness told 3news the confrontation began when the MP advised the youth against drug use, which some interpreted as a provocation.
“The MP was advising the youth against drugs, some took offence and started raising issues of an unfulfilled Astro turf project.
“In the course of that, one of the boys pulled an object which looked like a gun. The MP became apprehensive, and he also went into his car and pulled his live gun,” the eyewitness said.
Meanwhile, Amoah has confirmed the incident, stating that he acted in self-defence.
“My life was in danger, I had to defend myself. Even Jesus Christ will react if you pull a gun at him,” he told 3news.
According to 3news, the altercation highlights a growing trend of brandishing toy guns in the region, which has been flagged as a criminal offence by Ghanaian authorities.
Police said 26 individuals have been arrested in connection with the illegal possession and use of toy guns