Minority Caucus Condemns Acts of Lawlessness in Ablekuma North Rerun Election

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has strongly condemned a series of violent incidents and disruptions that marred the parliamentary rerun election in the Ablekuma North Constituency today. The rerun, held across 19 polling stations, was called following months of disputes stemming from the December 2024 General Elections.

In a press statement signed by Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Caucus expressed grave concern over what it described as a pattern of lawlessness orchestrated by operatives of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), allegedly led by Malik Basintale, Deputy National Communications Officer, and Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary.

The statement cited several incidents captured on video, which purportedly show NDC officials inciting and directing acts of violence. The Minority also accused the Ghana Police Service of complicity, alleging that officers stood by passively as party thugs attacked political opponents and disrupted the election process.

Reported Incidents of Violence

Among the major incidents highlighted were:

• The assault of NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, along with former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson and former MP for Okaikwei South, Darkoa Newman, at St. Peter’s polling station.
• A police officer slapping Banahene Agyekum, a journalist with EIB Network, while he was covering proceedings at the Church of Pentecost North Odorkor 2 polling station.
• The arrest of NDC-affiliated individuals posing as security personnel in brown uniforms at the Awoshie DVLA polling station after failing to produce proper identification.
• Tense confrontations between NDC members and police at Asiedu Gyed Memorial School 1 polling station.
• The alleged assault on NPP Deputy National Organiser Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah by suspected NDC supporters.

These events, according to the statement, are part of a broader pattern of electoral irregularities, which also include the destruction of electoral materials, missing pink sheets, and a suspicious fire at the Kwashieman Cluster of Schools.

Concerns Over EC’s Decision and Government Involvement

The Minority Caucus criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for what it described as a “sudden and suspicious” decision to rerun elections in 19 polling stations — a deviation from an earlier indication that only three polling stations required collation to declare a winner. The group alleged that this unexplained shift could be politically motivated, thereby undermining public trust in the EC.

Also condemned was the presence of the Ministers for Interior and Defence at some polling stations. According to the Caucus, their presence was a mere public gimmick to feign concern while masking the government’s complicity in the chaos.

Call for Accountability and Protection

The Minority is demanding swift investigations into the assaults and impersonations, and called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure the safety of voters, candidates, journalists, and electoral officials. The continued lack of representation for the people of Ablekuma North in Parliament since January 7, 2025, was described as unacceptable.

They also urged the NDC to refrain from violent conduct and encouraged civil society, the media, and the international community to keep a close watch on developments in the constituency.

Commitment to Justice

In conclusion, the Minority Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process.

“We will not relent in our pursuit of justice and representation for the people of Ablekuma North,” the statement concluded.