The Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun election, while resulting in a historic victory for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, was unfortunately overshadowed by a series of violent incidents that have prompted widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. The One Ghana Movement, a civil society organization dedicated to promoting good governance and democratic principles, has issued a strong statement demanding swift action against those responsible for the violence. The rerun, necessitated by disputes stemming from the 2024 general election, saw Aubynn break the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 28-year hold on the seat, securing 34,090 votes against the NPP candidate’s 33,881. However, this significant political shift was marred by disturbing scenes of violence captured in videos circulating widely on social media.
Footage emerged depicting the assault of NPP stalwart Hawa Koomson, showing her being physically attacked and forced to crawl on the ground. Other videos purportedly showed police officers assaulting a journalist and unidentified individuals, alleged to be thugs, beating the NPP’s Deputy National Organiser. These acts of violence have sparked outrage and concern over the escalating political tensions and the apparent disregard for the rule of law. The One Ghana Movement’s statement emphasizes the urgency of addressing these incidents to prevent a culture of impunity and ensure accountability for those involved. The organization has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals identified in the videos, advocating for their punishment under relevant laws, including the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019, which carries significant custodial sentences.
The One Ghana Movement’s statement highlights the disturbing trend of retaliatory violence in Ghana’s political landscape, characterizing it as a “tit-for-tat” culture that poses a grave threat to the country’s democracy. This cycle of violence, the organization argues, reflects a growing disrespect for legal processes and democratic norms. They stressed that allowing such actions to go unpunished emboldens perpetrators and fosters a climate of fear and intimidation, undermining the integrity of Ghana’s electoral processes. The organization’s call for action underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for all actors, regardless of their political affiliation.
Beyond the immediate arrests and prosecutions, the One Ghana Movement is demanding a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of the police officers deployed to Ablekuma North. The footage allegedly showing police officers engaging in violence raises serious concerns about their professional conduct and the potential abuse of power. A transparent and independent investigation is crucial to determine the facts of the incident and hold those responsible accountable. This investigation, the organization argues, must be conducted impartially and without political interference to maintain public trust in law enforcement and ensure justice for the victims.
Furthermore, the One Ghana Movement is urging the government to expedite the establishment and implementation of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, a body designed to investigate complaints against police misconduct. The Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, had previously announced the formation of this commission, and the organization emphasizes the need for its swift operationalization to provide an independent and effective mechanism for addressing police misconduct. The establishment of this commission, they contend, is critical to enhancing police accountability and fostering greater public confidence in law enforcement.
The violence that marred the Ablekuma North rerun election serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic processes and the importance of upholding the rule of law. The One Ghana Movement’s call for action, including arrests, prosecutions, investigations, and the establishment of an independent police complaints commission, represents a crucial step towards addressing the underlying issues contributing to political violence and ensuring accountability for those who perpetrate it. By holding individuals responsible and strengthening institutional mechanisms for oversight, Ghana can work towards a more peaceful and democratic future, where elections are conducted freely and fairly, without the threat of violence and intimidation.
