The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana finds itself in a precarious situation, unable to finalize the parliamentary election results for the Ablekuma North Constituency due to security concerns. The Commission had scheduled a collation of results on Friday, January 17th, but the process was disrupted by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who stormed the EC’s Old Head Office, vandalizing property and creating an unsafe environment for EC staff. Despite prior notification to the Ghana Police Service, adequate security was not provided, leaving the EC vulnerable to the disruptive actions of the NDC supporters. This incident highlights the critical need for robust security measures to ensure the integrity and continuity of the electoral process.
The EC’s attempt to complete the collation process was met with aggressive resistance from NDC supporters, who not only vandalized the Old Head Office but also breached the premises of the new Corporate Head Office. Riding motorbikes, these supporters issued threats to the EC staff, forcing them to flee for their safety. The destruction of property, including furniture and louvre blades, underscores the intensity of the disruption. This incident not only prevented the completion of the collation process but also created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, undermining the EC’s ability to fulfill its mandate. The lack of adequate police presence, despite prior notification, raises serious questions about the effectiveness of security arrangements and the commitment to ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
The EC has publicly appealed to the government to intervene and ensure the Ghana Police Service provides the necessary security for the collation process to be completed. The Commission emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for the people of Ablekuma North to have their elected representative in Parliament. The EC’s plea underscores the importance of a secure environment for the Commission to perform its duties without fear of intimidation or violence. The incident in Ablekuma North serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the electoral process to disruptions and the critical role of security forces in safeguarding its integrity.
The events in Ablekuma North expose a concerning gap in security provision for the EC, potentially jeopardizing the democratic process. The EC’s appeal to the government highlights the need for a proactive and robust security strategy to prevent future disruptions. The inability to complete the collation process not only delays the representation of Ablekuma North in Parliament but also casts a shadow over the credibility and transparency of the elections. The incident underscores the vital importance of collaboration between the EC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
The disruption of the collation process in Ablekuma North raises broader questions about the role of political parties in ensuring a peaceful and respectful electoral environment. The actions of the NDC supporters not only disrupted the democratic process but also created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. This incident underscores the need for political parties to actively promote peaceful conduct amongst their supporters and to respect the independence and authority of the Electoral Commission. A commitment to peaceful and democratic principles is essential for maintaining public trust and confidence in the electoral process.
The EC’s appeal to the government for enhanced security represents a critical juncture in Ghana’s electoral process. The incident in Ablekuma North serves as a wake-up call for stronger security measures and greater collaboration between the EC, the police, and the government to ensure the integrity and continuity of elections. Addressing the security concerns is not only crucial for completing the collation process in Ablekuma North but also for safeguarding the future of democratic elections in Ghana. A robust and proactive security strategy is essential to prevent further disruptions and to ensure that the will of the people is respected and upheld.
