The peaceful rerun of parliamentary elections at St. Peter’s Polling Station in Odorkor, Ablekuma North, descended into chaos and violence on Friday, July 11, 2025, marring the democratic process and raising serious concerns about electoral security in Ghana. Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, the Deputy National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), became the victim of a brutal assault by a group of unidentified men, believed to be affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The attack, which occurred in broad daylight during the tense rerun of the December 2024 elections, was captured in a graphic video that has since circulated widely on social media, shocking the nation and prompting calls for swift justice.
The video footage depicts a disturbing scene of mob violence. Asamoah, visibly attempting to escape the aggressive crowd, is quickly surrounded and overpowered. He is then pinned to the ground, subjected to a barrage of kicks and punches, and left bruised and battered by his assailants. The attack on Asamoah not only disrupted the voting process but also instilled fear and panic among voters present at the polling station. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion as security personnel struggled to contain the escalating violence.
The incident at St. Peter’s Polling Station was not an isolated case of aggression. Reports indicate that other NPP figures, including the party’s parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, were also targeted during the fracas. This targeted violence against prominent NPP members has further heightened political tensions and fueled concerns about the safety of party officials during electoral exercises. The rerun itself was necessitated by disputes arising from the December 7, 2024, elections, highlighting the underlying tensions that culminated in Friday’s violence.
The Electoral Commission had ordered the rerun in 19 polling stations across the constituency to address irregularities and challenges from the previous election. The objective was to ensure a fair and transparent process, allowing voters to freely exercise their democratic right. However, the violent disruption at St. Peter’s Polling Station has undermined this effort and cast a shadow over the integrity of the electoral process. The incident underscores the urgent need for strengthened security measures to protect voters and party officials, ensuring that future elections are conducted in a peaceful and secure environment.
The NPP, while yet to release an official statement, has internally characterized the attack as a calculated act of political violence, strategically aimed at intimidating key party operatives. This perspective frames the incident within a broader context of escalating political tensions and raises concerns about the potential for further violence in future electoral contests. The attack on Asamoah and the targeting of other NPP figures suggest a deliberate attempt to disrupt the electoral process and intimidate political opponents, a dangerous trend that threatens the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.
The violent incident at St. Peter’s Polling Station has drawn widespread condemnation and prompted calls for a thorough investigation. Political observers warn that the increasing trend of election-related violence, if left unchecked, could seriously jeopardize the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process. There is a growing consensus that swift action is required to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, sending a clear message that violence will not be tolerated in the political arena. Furthermore, it highlights the need for enhanced security measures at polling stations and proactive efforts to de-escalate political tensions, fostering an environment conducive to peaceful and democratic elections. The future of Ghana’s democracy depends on the ability of all stakeholders – political parties, security forces, and civil society – to work together to prevent further violence and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
