A month ago
NDC Killed My Father: A Personal Account of Tragedy in Ejura
On November 21, 2020, a tragic accident in Ejura claimed the life of my father, the late Mr. Charles Kwaku Amankwah-Tia, an innocent 83-year-old man whose only crime was riding his bicycle home. The events surrounding his death have left an indelible mark on my heart and a haunting sense of injustice that I cannot ignore.
On that fateful day, chaos erupted in Ejura as a group of party members from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were involved in a serious accident. As witnesses recount, my father was simply going about his day, pedaling towards home, unaware of the turmoil that lay ahead. The accident drew immediate attention, and those involved were rushed to the Ejura Health Centre. In the midst of this frenzy, my father became a victim of circumstance, a bystander in a tragedy that was not his own.
Witnesses describe the scene: the clamor of sirens, the frantic movement of people trying to help the injured, and the growing pool of blood that gathered around my father as he lay helpless on the ground. It is heart-wrenching to reflect on how, in those critical moments, he was overlooked and left to suffer. The tragedy of his situation was compounded by the fact that he was deemed “not part of the party members” involved in the accident. In that moment, my father became invisible, an unfortunate casualty of a political event that he had no connection to.
What is perhaps most distressing is the reported reaction of NDC party officials who were present at the scene. Instead of rallying to assist an injured elder, they denied knowing him, turning a blind eye to his suffering as he bled from a head injury. It is unfathomable that a human life could be so easily dismissed, especially that of an elderly man who had contributed so much to his community over the years. My father was not just a statistic; he was a father, a grandfather, and a respected member of our family and community.
As I reflect on the negligence that surrounded his death, I grapple with profound feelings of sorrow and rage. An innocent man, who had lived his life with dignity and respect, was left to die as if he were a mere animal. The lack of compassion shown in those critical moments is a stark reminder of the harsh realities that can unfold in times of chaos. My father deserved better—he deserved to be seen, to be cared for, and ultimately, to be saved.
This tragedy raises essential questions about our collective responsibility to one another, particularly in times of crisis. How can we allow political affiliations to cloud our judgment and prevent us from extending basic human decency to those in need? The NDC’s failure to assist my father is a chilling reminder of how partisanship can erode the very values that bind us as a community.
In the wake of this loss, I have found myself wrestling with feelings of helplessness and despair. The injustice of it all weighs heavily on my heart. My father’s life was precious, and his death should not be a footnote in the annals of political turmoil. It should serve as a catalyst for reflection and change, urging us all to recommit to the principles of empathy and care that transcend party lines.
As I continue to mourn my father, I am determined to ensure that his story is heard. It is not merely a tale of a tragic accident; it is a call to action. We must hold ourselves accountable for how we treat one another, especially in moments of distress. It is imperative that we remember the humanity in each other, regardless of our differences.
To the NDC and to all political parties, I urge you to reflect on the values you uphold. Lives are more important than political affiliations. My father, Mr. Charles Kwaku Amankwah-Tia, was not just another casualty; he was a cherished soul whose life was cut short by a senseless act of negligence.
As I seek justice for my father, I hope that his story serves as a reminder to us all: in the face of tragedy, let us choose compassion over indifference, and humanity over partisanship. It is the only way to honor the memory of those we have lost and to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
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