The recent by-election in Ablekuma North, Ghana, was marred by violence, sparking a heated debate in Parliament and raising concerns about the normalization of political aggression in the country. The controversy centers on the dismissive remarks made by Majority Leader and Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, who downplayed the severity of the Ablekuma North incidents, comparing them unfavorably to the persistent gun violence he has witnessed in his own constituency. Ayariga’s comments, characterizing the Ablekuma North disturbances as “child’s play,” have ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many accusing him of trivializing a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic process. The Ablekuma North by-election saw several violent incidents, including an attack on MP Mavis Hawa Koomson and a brutal assault on NPP member Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, the footage of which circulated widely online.
Ayariga’s dismissive stance stems from his personal experience with election-related violence in Bawku Central, a constituency known for its volatile political climate. He recounted instances of persistent gunfire preventing him from leaving his house, arguing that the Ablekuma North incidents paled in comparison to the level of violence he has endured. While this context offers some insight into his perspective, it doesn’t justify his minimization of the events in Ablekuma North. His comments reflect a dangerous trend of normalizing political violence, a complacency that undermines efforts to ensure free and fair elections. By dismissing the Ablekuma North violence as insignificant, Ayariga inadvertently sends a message that such acts are acceptable, potentially emboldening perpetrators and further eroding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has strongly condemned Ayariga’s position, demanding a thorough investigation into the Ablekuma North disturbances. They argue that downplaying such incidents sets a dangerous precedent, normalizing violence and jeopardizing the safety of voters and candidates alike. The Minority’s call for accountability underscores the urgent need for a zero-tolerance approach to election-related violence, regardless of its perceived scale or location. The focus should be on preventing all forms of political aggression, rather than comparing levels of violence and dismissing some as less significant than others. Every act of violence, whether it’s a physical assault or persistent gunfire, undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust in the electoral system.
The controversy surrounding Ayariga’s remarks highlights a broader issue within Ghana’s political landscape: the normalization of violence as an unfortunate but accepted part of elections. This complacency, evident in Ayariga’s dismissive attitude, allows violence to persist and even escalate. It perpetuates a cycle of aggression, where acts of violence are met with indifference or downplayed, emboldening perpetrators and discouraging victims from seeking justice. Breaking this cycle requires a fundamental shift in mindset, where political leaders actively condemn all forms of violence and work towards creating a culture of peace and respect during elections.
The Ablekuma North incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic processes and the urgent need for robust mechanisms to prevent and address electoral violence. A comprehensive approach is required, encompassing legislative reforms, strengthened law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns. Legislation should clearly define and criminalize all forms of electoral violence, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. Law enforcement agencies must be adequately trained and equipped to respond effectively to election-related disturbances, protecting voters and candidates from intimidation and violence. Public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in promoting peaceful elections, educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities and fostering a culture of tolerance and respect.
Ultimately, the responsibility for ensuring peaceful elections rests with all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, security forces, and the electorate. Political leaders must set an example by condemning violence in all its forms and refraining from inflammatory rhetoric that could incite aggression. Candidates should commit to running clean campaigns, focusing on issues rather than resorting to personal attacks or intimidation. Security forces must be impartial and professional in their duties, ensuring the safety and security of all participants in the electoral process. And finally, the electorate must hold their leaders accountable, rejecting candidates who engage in or condone violence and demanding a peaceful and democratic election process. Only through collective action and a commitment to non-violence can Ghana ensure free, fair, and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the people.
