Kumasi, April 20, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Wednesday described the unprovoked and violent attacks by the supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Aboabo in the Kumasi metropolis on Tuesday as signs of desperation of a losing party whose conduct constituted a grave threat to democracy.

The party also considers the attack as a threat to life and property.

Mr Iddrisu Haruna, the National Youth Organiser of the NDC, said this at a press conference in Kumasi.

He said the party held an impressive and peaceful rally on Tuesday at Asokore-Mampong that was attended by some leading personalities including former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Mr Haruna said the rally ended successfully and when the supporters of the party were returning home, they were attacked by a group of NPP youth who fired live ammunitions into the crowd.

Mr Haruna said the police intervened and fired warning shots resulting in seven of their supporters sustaining injuries. He said the party has got information that some groups are planning to snatch ballot boxes in their strongholds at Aboabo, Nima and Dagomba Line.

''There are also some plans by their opponents to intimidate voters in those areas to put impediments on their path.'' The party called on the electoral Commission and the security agencies to ensure that the bye-election is peaceful and without violence and intimidation.

Mr Haruna said the NDC had no intention to disrupt the elections and urged the security agencies and the EC to exhibit neutrality in the performance of their duties. Present at the conference were the acting General Secretary of the party, Mr Bede Ziedeng, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the National Organiser and Mr E.T. Mensah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram.