The parliamentary rerun election in Ablekuma North, Ghana, was marred by a disturbing outbreak of violence at the St. Peter Society polling station, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for peace. A group of unidentified, heavily built men stormed the polling centre, disrupting the voting process and physically assaulting several New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials, including former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson. The attack forced election officials to temporarily suspend voting while security reinforcements were deployed to restore order. The incident has raised serious concerns about the escalating threat of electoral violence in Ghana and its potential to undermine the country’s democratic processes.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, visited the affected polling station shortly after calm was restored and expressed his deep concern over the incident. He strongly condemned the violence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful elections and the need for civility in political discourse. Rev. Fordjour stressed that Ghana’s democracy must be based on the expression of opinions through voting, not through intimidation and physical attacks. He urged all stakeholders to uphold the principles of peaceful elections and ensure that voting day remains free from violence and rancour. He warned that such acts of violence threaten to erode the gains made in Ghana’s democratic journey and tarnish the country’s reputation.
NPP officials have characterized the attack as a deliberate attempt to disrupt the electoral process and intimidate voters in one of their traditional strongholds. Nana Akua Afriyie, the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, accused political opponents of orchestrating the violence to suppress voter turnout and undermine her chances of winning the seat. She claimed that thugs and machomen were deployed strategically to create chaos and discourage voters from participating in the election. She also reported a separate incident of violence at the Light of Gospel Miracle Church polling station, where another NPP supporter was injured and hospitalized.
Ms. Afriyie’s allegations underscore the growing concern that political violence is becoming a tool to manipulate electoral outcomes. The use of intimidation and physical force to prevent citizens from exercising their right to vote strikes at the very heart of democratic principles. Such actions not only disenfranchise voters but also create an atmosphere of fear and distrust, undermining public confidence in the electoral process. The incidents in Ablekuma North highlight the urgent need for authorities to address the underlying causes of electoral violence and ensure the safety and security of all participants in the electoral process.
In response to the violence, the NPP has formally appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, requesting immediate intervention and the deployment of sufficient security personnel to protect voters and party agents. The party’s call for enhanced security reflects the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to prevent further violence. The ability of citizens to vote freely and without fear is a fundamental right that must be protected. The police and other security agencies have a crucial role to play in ensuring a safe and secure environment for elections to take place.
As investigations into the Ablekuma North violence commence, there is mounting pressure on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and take decisive action to prevent future incidents of politically motivated violence. A thorough and impartial investigation is essential to uncover the truth behind the attacks and hold those responsible accountable. Furthermore, proactive measures are needed to address the root causes of electoral violence, including political intolerance, inflammatory rhetoric, and the use of thugs and machomen for political gain. Strengthening the rule of law and promoting a culture of peace and tolerance are crucial to safeguarding Ghana’s democratic future. The events in Ablekuma North serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the constant vigilance required to protect it. A commitment to peaceful elections and respect for the democratic process is essential for Ghana’s continued progress and stability.
