The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has issued a stark warning regarding the precarious state of Ghana’s electoral security following a deeply troubling incident of violence and police inaction during the July 11 parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency. The incident, which saw armed thugs disrupt voting at a polling station while police officers allegedly stood idly by, has been condemned by CODEO as a grave dereliction of duty and a dangerous precedent for future elections. The organization’s strongly worded statement underscores the urgent need for immediate and decisive action to address the erosion of police authority and the escalating threat of political violence. CODEO’s critique points to a disturbing trend of security lapses and highlights the potential for these weaknesses to undermine Ghana’s democratic stability.
The central focus of CODEO’s criticism is the apparent failure of the Ghana Police Service to uphold its fundamental responsibility to maintain order and protect citizens during the Ablekuma North by-election. The organization points to the violent disruption at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling centre, where prominent figures, including former Minister Hawa Koomson, NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie, and two journalists, were physically assaulted amidst the chaos. Despite a substantial police presence at the scene, officers reportedly failed to intervene and quell the violence, raising serious questions about their preparedness, training, and commitment to impartiality. CODEO argues that this inaction represents a significant breach of public trust and underscores a dangerous trend of police passivity in the face of politically motivated violence.
CODEO’s concerns extend beyond the specific incident in Ablekuma North, highlighting a broader pattern of security failings that have plagued recent electoral processes. The presence of unauthorized individuals, suspected to be political vigilantes, operating freely near polling stations in unregistered vehicles further exacerbated the tense atmosphere. Their unchecked movements, according to CODEO, contributed to an environment of voter intimidation and suppression, undermining the integrity of the voting process. The coalition notes with particular alarm that this pattern of police inaction and the presence of vigilantes mirror similar observations made during the 2024 general elections, suggesting a systemic problem within the security apparatus.
The recurring nature of these security breaches has prompted CODEO to issue a grave warning about the long-term consequences for Ghana’s democracy. The organization argues that the continued “emasculation” of the Ghana Police Service, characterized by its apparent inability or unwillingness to enforce the law impartially, risks eroding public confidence in democratic processes and could ultimately threaten national security. This failure to address the root causes of police inaction, CODEO suggests, creates a permissive environment for political violence and undermines the very foundations of a free and fair electoral system.
In response to these urgent concerns, CODEO has issued a series of recommendations aimed at restoring public trust in law enforcement and safeguarding the integrity of future elections. The organization calls upon President John Mahama and the Police Council to exercise their constitutional authority to address the apparent breakdown in discipline and accountability within the Ghana Police Service. Specifically, CODEO urges them to implement “clear remedial actions” ahead of the impending bye-election in Akwatia, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive intervention to prevent a repeat of the Ablekuma North incident.
Furthermore, CODEO appeals to all stakeholders in Ghana’s democratic process, including the Electoral Commission, political parties, the judiciary, and security services, to acknowledge and confront the growing threat posed by election-related violence and political vigilantism. The coalition underscores the vital importance of collaborative action to address the underlying issues that fuel these destructive forces. Failure to act decisively, CODEO warns, could have far-reaching consequences, undermining Ghana’s democratic progress and jeopardizing the future of its electoral processes. The coalition’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the urgent need for collective action to protect them from the corrosive effects of violence and impunity.
