The political landscape of Ghana witnessed a surge of tension following a parliamentary rerun election in the Ablekuma North constituency, marked by an eruption of violence and subsequent accusations of orchestration. The rerun, held on July 11th, was disrupted by unidentified individuals who stormed a polling center, assaulting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, and a journalist. This incident immediately sparked a war of words, with fingers pointed and accusations hurled across the political divide.
At the center of the controversy was Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who was accused by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin of orchestrating the violence. Gbande vehemently denied these allegations, issuing a strongly worded statement categorically refuting any involvement in or knowledge of the incident. He characterized Afenyo-Markin’s accusations as “blatantly false” and “politically motivated,” condemning the violence and urging a comprehensive and impartial police investigation to identify and hold the true perpetrators accountable. He further criticized Afenyo-Markin’s conduct as irresponsible and unbecoming of a legislator and lawyer, highlighting the dangers of such reckless disregard for truth and ethical standards.
Gbande clarified his presence in the constituency as part of the NDC’s election monitoring team, emphasizing that he was not at the polling station when the violence erupted. He explained that he arrived at the scene only after being contacted and subsequently assisted in facilitating the transportation of the injured former Fisheries Minister to a medical facility. This clarification underscored his commitment to upholding democratic values and resisting the politicization of electoral misconduct. His actions, he insisted, were motivated by a sense of civic duty and a commitment to ensuring the well-being of those affected by the violence.
Gbande’s response not only served as a rebuttal to the accusations leveled against him but also as a call for greater responsibility and accountability in political discourse. He condemned the spread of disinformation and character assassination, emphasizing that such tactics undermine the very foundations of democratic processes. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize truth, accountability, and the rule of law, stressing that political maturity is essential for fostering a healthy and productive democratic environment. This appeal for responsible political engagement highlighted the broader implications of the incident, transcending the immediate accusations and emphasizing the need for integrity and ethical conduct in Ghana’s political landscape.
Beyond the immediate aftermath of the incident and the exchange of accusations, Gbande took further action by referring Afenyo-Markin’s allegations to his legal team for review. This step signaled his determination to pursue legal recourse against what he perceived as defamatory and politically motivated attacks. By taking this action, he aimed to protect his reputation and also to send a clear message about the importance of combating disinformation and upholding the integrity of political discourse. This legal move underscored the seriousness with which he viewed the accusations and his commitment to seeking redress through legal channels.
The Ablekuma North rerun incident and its subsequent fallout highlighted the fragility of democratic processes and the potential for political tensions to escalate into violence and misinformation. Gbande’s firm denial, coupled with his call for accountability and his pursuit of legal action, underscores the complex interplay of politics, violence, and the pursuit of justice within Ghana’s democratic framework. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible political engagement, adherence to ethical standards, and the crucial role of impartial investigations in ensuring accountability and upholding the integrity of democratic institutions.
