By Valentia Tetteh
The Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned reported incidents of violence and disruptions that marred the parliamentary rerun election in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday, July 11, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the caucus expressed deep concern over what it described as a pattern of violent disturbances that continue to undermine the democratic process and deny residents of Ablekuma North their constitutional right to parliamentary representation.
“We are deeply concerned by the recurrence of violent disruptions led by NDC thugs. These actions continue to erode the democratic process and deprive the people of Ablekuma North of their constitutional rights,” the statement said.
According to the Minority, the incidents included physical assaults on prominent political figures and media personnel, confrontations between individuals believed to be political party affiliates and the police, and alleged impersonation of security officers at some polling stations.
Specific incidents cited include the reported assault of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, and former Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South, Darkoa Newman, at the St. Peter’s Polling Station.
The statement also alleged that a police officer assaulted Mr. Banahene Agyekum, a journalist with the EIB Network, while he was covering the election at the Church of Pentecost North Odorkor 2 Polling Station.
Further, the Minority reported the arrest of individuals dressed in brown uniforms posing as security personnel at the Awoshie DVLA Polling Station, and the assault of NPP Deputy National Organiser Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah at another polling station.
The caucus criticized the presence of the Ministers for the Interior and Defence at the polling stations, describing it as a “public gimmick” that did not contribute to maintaining order.
They also questioned the Electoral Commission’s decision to conduct a rerun in 19 polling stations instead of collating results from three polling stations as earlier indicated.
“This sudden shift to a rerun, without adequate explanation raises suspicions of political interference and undermines public confidence in our electoral institutions,” the statement noted.
The Minority Caucus further stated that they have consistently called for transparency, accountability, and adequate security to ensure a fair electoral process.
“Our petitions to the Ghana Police Service on 4th June 2025, and our protests in Parliament indicated the urgent need for action to resolve this impasse.”
The Minority is calling on the Ghana Police Service to investigate all reported incidents thoroughly and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. It also urged the deployment of adequate security to protect voters, journalists, and electoral officials as the process continues.
The statement concluded with a call for restraint from all parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and appealed to civil society, the media, and the international community to monitor developments closely.
“The people of Ablekuma North deserve a peaceful, transparent, and fair electoral process,” the statement emphasized.
Below is the official press statement:
