A political governance expert at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr John Osae-Kwapong, is calling on political leaders to de-escalate tensions and commit to peaceful democratic practices following disturbing scenes during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.
The July 11 by-election, which was held in 19 contested polling stations, was marred by disorder and aggression, leaving six individuals injured and briefly disrupting the electoral process. The incidents have renewed concerns over the rising pattern of violence associated with Ghana’s elections.
Dr Osae-Kwapong, speaking on JoyNews, underscored the urgent need for leaders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to move beyond entrenched partisanship and historical blame. He urged a shift toward national interest and peaceful engagement in future elections.
His remarks emphasized the importance of upholding democratic maturity and refraining from confrontational tactics that risk the safety of citizens. He maintained that elections should serve their constitutional purpose without resulting in injuries or breakdowns in public order.
Dr Osae-Kwapong’s appeal also reinforced the notion that civic responsibility lies not only in casting votes but also in maintaining peace throughout the electoral cycle. His views align with broader concerns expressed by civil society groups about the alarming trend of electoral disputes escalating into physical confrontations.
The violence witnessed in Ablekuma North is the latest in a string of incidents drawing attention to weaknesses in electoral management, political accountability, and crowd control during contested polls. Observers have noted that without strong leadership from political actors and state institutions, future elections may face even greater instability.
The call to action from the CDD-Ghana fellow adds to mounting pressure on both government and opposition parties to ensure elections are conducted with civility, transparency, and mutual respect. With more electoral contests ahead, including an upcoming by-election in Akwatia, the stakes for reform and restraint remain high.
