By Collins Sarkodieh 
The First Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Okaikwei Central, Alhaji Harruna Rafik, is currently recovering at Lapaz Community Hospital following a violent assault by masked men on Sunday, May 10, 2026. While the attack occurred shortly after a high-profile party meeting, an eyewitness has claimed the motive was rooted in a personal dispute over a romantic relationship rather than internal party politics.
Abubakar Osman, the Deputy Nasara Coordinator for the constituency, was present during the altercation and reported that the attackers were armed and wearing masks. According to Osman, the men confronted the Vice Chairman as he was heading home, accusing him of repeatedly ignoring warnings to stay away from a woman believed to be the girlfriend of one of the assailants.
Despite the personal nature of the allegations, the timing of the incident has raised eyebrows, as it took place just 45 minutes after a contentious meeting chaired by the Greater Accra Regional Secretary. Alhaji Rafik has officially reported the matter to the police, and an investigation is currently underway to identify the masked individuals and determine the true catalyst behind the violence.
What were the alleged motives behind the assault on Alhaji Rafik?
According to eyewitness Abubakar Osman, the masked men explicitly stated that they were attacking Alhaji Rafik because he had refused to stop pursuing a specific woman despite prior warnings. Osman attempted to mediate the situation, suggesting they settle the matter amicably, but the assailants proceeded to slap and beat the Vice Chairman.
This “crime of passion” narrative contrasts with the political tension surrounding the day’s events. Rafik had just attended a meeting at the residence of Patrick Yaw Boamah to discuss a petition he filed regarding alleged irregularities in the constituency’s polling station elections. While the attackers cited a personal grievance, the police are looking into whether the “girlfriend dispute” was a genuine motive or a cover for political intimidation.
Alhaji Rafik has claimed he does not know the identity of the men who attacked him. Following the beating, he was rushed to the hospital to treat his injuries. The discrepancy between the attackers’ familiarity with him and his claimed ignorance of them remains a focal point for investigators.
Where did the incident take place and who was involved?
The assault occurred in the Okaikwei Central area shortly after the conclusion of an NPP regional meeting at the residence of Member of Parliament Patrick Yaw Boamah. The meeting was attended by the Greater Accra Regional Secretary and several constituency executives, highlighting the high-profile nature of the gathering.
Abubakar Osman, who provided the detailed eyewitness account, was walking with Rafik when the armed men approached. His intervention was unsuccessful, as the group was determined to “teach the Vice Chairman a lesson” regarding his alleged social conduct. The presence of weapons and masks suggests the attack was premeditated rather than a spontaneous street fight.
The police have since visited Alhaji Rafik at the Lapaz Community Hospital to take his statement. As a key constituency officer, the safety of Alhaji Rafik is of significant concern to the NPP regional leadership, who are eager to ensure that internal disagreements if any do not escalate into physical violence.
How is the NPP leadership responding to the violence?
The Greater Accra Regional NPP leadership has not yet released an official statement regarding the specific “girlfriend” allegations, but they have acknowledged the assault on their First Vice Chairman. The petition regarding polling station election irregularities, which was the primary subject of the Sunday meeting, remains a sensitive topic within the Okaikwei Central constituency.
Political analysts suggest that using personal scandals as a smokescreen for political assault is a known tactic in heated constituency battles. However, if Osman’s account is accurate, the party may face a different type of disciplinary challenge involving the conduct of its executives. The police investigation will be the deciding factor in whether this is treated as a domestic dispute or a case of political thuggery.
For now, the focus is on the recovery of Alhaji Rafik and the maintenance of peace within the constituency. With the 2026 political calendar moving forward, the NPP is keen to project a united front and avoid distractions stemming from the personal or professional conduct of its regional officers.
Balancing Personal Conduct and Political Stability
The assault on Alhaji Harruna Rafik serves as a reminder of the often-blurred lines between the private lives and public duties of political figures. Whether the beating was truly over a personal romantic dispute or a strategically timed act of political retribution, the use of violence to settle grievances remains a threat to the democratic process.
As the police work to unmask the assailants, the NPP in Okaikwei Central must navigate the fallout of these allegations. Ensuring transparency in both the criminal investigation and the polling station petition process will be essential to restoring order and confidence among the party faithful.
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