The Minority Caucus in Parliament has strongly condemned a wave of violence and lawlessness that erupted during the parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency. The party is also calling for probe into these incidences.
In a statement signed by the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, he has called on the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that incite unrest and jeopardize Ghana’s democratic process.
“We call on the NDC to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that incite violence and create an atmosphere of insecurity. The people of Ablekuma North deserve a peaceful, transparent, and fair electoral process”
The rerun, held across 19 polling stations in the constituency, was plagued by what the Minority described as “a troubling pattern of coordinated disruption” allegedly led by NDC operatives, including high-ranking party officials.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minority Caucus accused Malik Basintale, the NDC’s Deputy National Communications Officer, and Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary, of inciting supporters and orchestrating violent actions at polling stations.
“Videos circulating show that they are inciting, directing and ordering acts of violence. Regrettably, senior NDC officials, who should be condemning such actions, are justifying them implicating themselves in this assault on democracy,” the statement read.
Among the incidents cited:
• At the St. Peter’s polling station, NDC supporters allegedly assaulted several key figures of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), including parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, and former MP Darkoa Newman.
• At the Church of Pentecost North Odorkor 2 polling station, a police officer reportedly slapped Banahene Agyekum, a journalist with the EIB Network, while covering the polls.
• NDC-aligned individuals disguised as security personnel were arrested at the Awoshie DVLA polling station after failing to produce identification.
• Violent confrontations were also reported at the Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School 1 polling station, where clashes between NDC supporters and police created a volatile environment.
• At least one NPP official, Deputy National Organiser Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, was allegedly assaulted by NDC loyalists.
The Caucus criticized the Ghana Police Service for what they described as “complicity through inaction,” alleging that officers on duty failed to prevent or respond to the violence.
They also slammed the surprise appearance of the Ministers for Interior and Defence at polling centers, calling it a “public gimmick” that disguised the government’s failure to ensure a peaceful election.
Further, the Caucus reiterated its objection to the Electoral Commission’s decision to rerun elections in 19 polling stations despite earlier assurances that only three needed recounting.
“The sudden shift to a rerun, without adequate explanation, raises suspicions of political interference and undermines public confidence in our electoral institutions,” the statement said.
The Minority is demanding Immediate investigation into all reported assaults, Prosecution of NDC members found impersonating security personnel. Protection for voters, journalists, and candidates and enhanced deployment of security for the safe continuation of the electoral process.
“We will not relent in our pursuit of justice and representation for the people of Ablekuma North,” he concluded.
