By: Ashiadey Dotse
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for a full-scale investigation and swift prosecution of all individuals behind the violent attacks that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary election re-run on July 11, 2025.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Mr. Afenyo-Markin described the incident as a grave assault on Ghana’s democracy, warning that such acts, if left unchecked, could normalize political violence in the country.
He said what occurred during the election was not just misconduct, but a “calculated, military-style operation” aimed at disrupting the electoral process and intimidating political opponents.
“It was a coordinated act of violence, intimidation and lawlessness,” he stated. “We are calling for an immediate and thorough investigation, as well as prosecution of all those involved.”
The Minority Leader recounted several disturbing incidents, including the attack on the St. Peter Society Methodist Church polling station, where armed thugs reportedly stormed the area on motorbikes and in vehicles.
Former MP, Hawa Koomson, was allegedly assaulted, and NPP candidate Nana Akua Afriyie suffered facial injuries, whiles electoral officers fled the scene and voters were left terrified.
At the Awoshie DVLA polling station, individuals dressed in brown uniforms, pretending to be security officers, were said to have gained access to the polling area and misled voters. Chaos was also reported at the Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School, where a clash between the police and the thugs endangered lives.
Journalists were not spared either. A Joy News reporter and GHOne TV’s Agyekum Banahene were assaulted, with the latter allegedly beaten by a police officer while covering the elections. Mr. Afenyo-Markin condemned this as a direct attack on media freedom.
More troubling, according to him, was the silence or open approval of these acts by some public officials. “For public officers to endorse political violence is a betrayal of public trust and a threat to our democracy,” he said.
The Minority Leader further criticized the Ghana Police Service for its failure to prevent the violence, and raised concerns over the alleged role of Chief Superintendent Lumor Frederick Senanu, who has been accused of facilitating the attacks either directly or through negligence.
He concluded by demanding:
A full-scale investigation into the incident;
Prosecution of all those found to be responsible; and
A public condemnation of the violence by the government, with an apology to all victims.
“We must not allow fear and violence to take hold of our democratic space. The time to act is now,” he said. “To the people of Ablekuma North, do not be silenced. Your right to vote is sacred. To civil society and democracy defenders, your voices are needed more than ever.”
Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the minority caucus will continue to use all constitutional means to defend Ghana’s democracy and ensure that political violence is never rewarded.
One Response
Well noted. While the Minority Leader’s call for swift investigation into the Ablekuma North violence is commendable, it’s equally important they remind government of the unresolved Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence and the Hawa Koomson gunshot incident. This balanced approach will show Ghanaians their firm and fair stance in defending our democracy across the board.