The Gallant Cadres of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have vehemently denounced the alleged actions of former Minister of State, Hawa Koomson, during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun election. They accuse Koomson of possessing pepper spray at a polling station and inciting chaos, characterizing the incident as emblematic of a culture of violence and intimidation they assert was prevalent during the Nana Addo-Bawumia administration. The Cadres argue that this incident undermines Ghana’s democratic values and represents a dangerous regression in the country’s electoral process. They explicitly connect Koomson’s alleged actions to her past controversies, including the 2020 Kasoa voter registration center shooting incident, where she allegedly fired warning shots. The Cadres assert that this history of alleged involvement in electoral violence contributes to public perception and potentially provoked the confrontation.
The NDC Cadres’ press release contextualizes the Ablekuma North incident within a broader pattern of alleged electoral violence and impunity. They highlight several instances of alleged violence and intimidation, including attacks during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, the 2020 Techiman South election, and various other incidents across the country. They allege a consistent pattern of violence perpetrated by NPP supporters, often with impunity. The Cadres further emphasize the lack of accountability for these acts, arguing that the failure to prosecute perpetrators emboldens such behavior and perpetuates a cycle of violence. They contend that this alleged culture of impunity, fostered during the previous administration, directly contributed to the events at Ablekuma North.
The Cadres question why Hawa Koomson became a focal point of confrontation during the Ablekuma North rerun, particularly in the presence of other prominent NPP figures who did not experience similar issues. They suggest that Koomson’s alleged history of involvement in electoral disturbances may have predisposed her to becoming a target of public anger and frustration. The Cadres argue that this incident reflects a simmering resentment stemming from unresolved grievances and a perceived lack of justice for past victims of electoral violence. They warn that this unresolved tension could escalate if left unaddressed, potentially leading to further confrontations and violence in future elections.
The NDC Cadres strongly condemn what they perceive as a double standard in the treatment of alleged electoral offenses. They contrast the public reaction to Hawa Koomson with the reception given to other NPP figures present at the Ablekuma North rerun, such as Kennedy Agyapong, Bryan Acheampong, and Dr. Okoe Boye. They emphasize that these individuals were not subjected to the same level of scrutiny or confrontation, raising questions about the motivations behind the focus on Koomson. The Cadres imply that this differential treatment may be rooted in Koomson’s past actions and reputation, reinforcing their argument that her alleged history of violence played a significant role in the Ablekuma North incident.
The NDC Cadres draw a parallel between the current situation and historical instances of injustice, referencing Martin Niemöller’s famous poem about the rise of Nazism. They use this analogy to argue that failing to speak out against injustice, regardless of who the target is, ultimately creates a climate where everyone is vulnerable. They assert that the alleged impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of electoral violence in the past has created a dangerous precedent, emboldening future acts of aggression and undermining the rule of law. The Cadres warn that this cycle of violence will continue unless decisive action is taken to hold those responsible accountable.
The Cadres demand the immediate arrest and investigation of Hawa Koomson for her alleged role in the Ablekuma North incident. They call upon state security agencies to take swift and decisive action to demonstrate a commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. Furthermore, they express their determination to prevent individuals like Hawa Koomson from undermining Ghana’s democracy. They pledge to remain vigilant and actively work to ensure accountability for all acts of electoral violence, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful and transparent elections. The Cadres conclude by urging a focus on the future, emphasizing their determination to secure victory in upcoming elections and leverage their parliamentary majority to bring positive change to Ghana.
