The Ablekuma North constituency by-election, held on Friday, July 11, 2024, was unfortunately marred by incidents of violence, casting a shadow over the democratic process. Among the disturbing occurrences was the assault on former Awutu Senya East MP, Hawa Koomson, who was present at the rerun across 19 polling stations. Videos circulating after the event captured the unsettling scene of Madam Koomson being forcibly pushed to the ground by unidentified individuals. This act of aggression, alongside other reported assaults on New Patriotic Party (NPP) members and journalists, sparked immediate accusations and counter-accusations, further escalating tensions surrounding the already contentious by-election.
The NPP, the party to which Madam Koomson belongs, swiftly pointed fingers at the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging a deliberate orchestration of the violence to disrupt the electoral process and secure an unfair advantage. They claimed the NDC sought to manipulate the outcome of the election through intimidation and violence, ultimately aiming to wrest the Ablekuma North seat from the NPP. This accusation, serious in its nature, added another layer of complexity to an already charged political atmosphere.
However, Ewurabena Aubynn, the newly elected NDC MP for Ablekuma North, has vehemently refuted these allegations. In an interview on TV3’s New Day program, she categorically denied any involvement of the NDC in the assault on Madam Koomson. Emphasizing her condemnation of the violence, she stressed that such acts have no place in a democratic society and should be universally condemned regardless of political affiliation. Challenging the NPP’s narrative, she posited that the attack might have originated from within the NPP itself, citing existing internal tensions and conflicts as a possible motive.
Ms. Aubynn expressed concern over the portrayal of Ablekuma North as a violent constituency, arguing that the attack on Madam Koomson was not representative of the constituents’ behavior. She suggested that the incident may have been rooted in internal NPP dynamics, urging a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice. She highlighted the need to move beyond mere accusations and focus on establishing the facts, emphasizing that assigning blame without evidence is counterproductive and detrimental to the pursuit of justice.
The Ablekuma North MP further questioned the basis of the NPP’s accusations against the NDC, pointing to the lack of concrete evidence linking the party to the assault. She argued that the incident could have been perpetrated by anyone, stressing that the absence of proof should preclude premature conclusions and accusations. Ms. Aubynn reiterated her condemnation of the violence, regardless of the perpetrators’ identities, highlighting the importance of peaceful and respectful conduct during elections.
In her concluding remarks, Ms. Aubynn called for a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the true perpetrators and their motives. She emphasized the need to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that elections are conducted free from violence and intimidation. She urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and refrain from making unsubstantiated accusations, prioritizing the pursuit of justice and the maintenance of peace and order within the Ablekuma North constituency. The MP emphasized the importance of fostering a climate of respect and tolerance, allowing for the democratic process to unfold without fear or intimidation.
