Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has sharply criticized President John Dramani Mahama for his perceived silence following the violence that disrupted the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun. Aboagye expressed his disappointment, highlighting the six-day period following the incident during which the President had not publicly addressed or condemned the violence, even on social media platforms. He emphasized the severity of the situation, citing assaults on journalists and ordinary citizens, including a widely circulated video of a woman being slapped and molested. Aboagye underscored the importance of presidential acknowledgement and reassurance in such instances, arguing that a simple statement or social media post would demonstrate concern for the affected individuals and the nation as a whole. He further pointed out that the President’s absence from Ghana does not preclude him from communicating via readily available digital platforms.
The Ablekuma North by-election, a rerun across 19 polling stations stemming from disputes in the 2024 general election, witnessed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, secure victory with 34,090 votes, breaking the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 28-year hold on the seat. The NPP candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, trailed closely with 33,881 votes. However, the electoral process was overshadowed by violence, captured in widely circulated videos, showing assaults on NPP stalwart Hawa Koomson and alleged police brutality against journalists and civilians. The NPP’s Deputy National Organiser was also reportedly among the victims of the violence.
Aboagye’s critique centers on President Mahama’s perceived lack of response to these events. He argues that the President’s silence sends a detrimental message, implying a disregard for the safety and well-being of citizens subjected to violence during a democratic process. Aboagye stresses the symbolic power of presidential communication, particularly in times of crisis, to offer reassurance, condemn violence, and promote national unity. He posits that a simple public statement, easily accessible through various media channels, would have significantly impacted public perception and potentially contributed to de-escalating tensions.
The incident at Ablekuma North underscores the vulnerability of democratic processes to violence and intimidation. The reported assaults on journalists, political figures, and ordinary citizens raise concerns about the safety of individuals exercising their democratic rights and the potential chilling effect such violence can have on future elections. The alleged involvement of police officers in these assaults further intensifies these concerns, raising questions about the role of law enforcement in ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral environment.
Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has responded to the outcry over the violence, assuring the public that perpetrators will be brought to justice. This commitment to accountability is crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring that those responsible for undermining the democratic process are held responsible. A thorough investigation and subsequent prosecution of the perpetrators are essential to deter future acts of violence and safeguard the integrity of elections.
The violence at Ablekuma North serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Ghana in its efforts to consolidate its democracy. While the country has made significant strides in democratic governance, incidents like these highlight the persistent threat posed by political violence and the need for continued vigilance in protecting the rights of all citizens to participate freely and safely in the electoral process. The government’s response to this incident, including the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators, will play a vital role in shaping public perception of its commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring accountability for those who undermine them.
