By Daniel Bampoe
The Minority in Parliament has fiercely condemned what it describes as widespread violence, intimidation, and blatant police complicity during the parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday. July 11, 2025.
The rerun, conducted in 19 polling stations, was marred by several disturbing incidents that, according to the Minority Caucus, represent a “troubling pattern of lawlessness and electoral irregularities” that have plagued the constituency since the December 2024 General Elections.
In a strongly-worded statement signed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Caucus accused senior officials of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating acts of violence.
The statement pointed fingers at Malik Basintale, Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC, and Mustapha Gbande, the party’s Deputy General Secretary, for allegedly inciting and directing violent disruptions at various polling centers.
Recurrent Violence and Assaults
The rerun turned chaotic at multiple polling stations, with reported incidents including:
A physical assault on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh, as well as former Fisheries Minister, Hawa Koomson, and former Okaikwei South MP, Darkoa Newman, at the St. Peter’s Polling Station.
An EIB Network journalist, Banahene Agyekum, was slapped by a police officer while reporting from the Church of Pentecost North Odorkor 2 Polling Station.
At the Awoshie DVLA station, individuals in brown uniforms allegedly impersonating security personnel were arrested by police after failing to present identification.
A scuffle involving NDC supporters and police officers was recorded at Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School 1, creating a tense and unsafe environment for voters.
NDC operatives were also accused of assaulting the Deputy National Organiser of the NPP, Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah.
Background to the Rerun
The chaos follows a controversial decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct a rerun in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North constituency, despite previous assurances that only three polling stations required results collation to declare a winner.
The sudden expansion of the rerun scope has raised eyebrows and stoked allegations of political interference.
Since the December 2024 elections, Ablekuma North has faced a series of electoral irregularities, including the destruction of election materials, missing pink sheets, and even a fire outbreak at the Kwashieman Cluster of Schools.
The seat has remained vacant since January 7, 2025, leaving the constituency without parliamentary representation for over six months.
Minority Slams Police Inaction, Ministers’ Presence
The Minority further expressed outrage at the Ghana Police Service for what it termed “egregious inaction.”
They allege the police turned a blind eye to the actions of known NDC thugs, especially in light of threats publicly made by Malik Basintale at an NDC rally just a day before the vote.
Equally criticized was the presence of the Interior and Defence Ministers at some polling stations.
According to the Minority, their visit amounted to nothing more than a “public gimmick” to deflect attention from their failure to ensure adequate security.
Calls for Action
Reiterating previous petitions and protests dating back to June 2025, the Minority demanded immediate investigations into the reported assaults and impersonation cases.
They called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate protection for the NPP candidate, electoral officers, journalists, and voters as the rerun process concludes.
The statement also urged the Electoral Commission to provide transparency and accountability, while demanding the NDC restrain its members from fomenting further violence.
Appeal to Civil Society and International Observers
In conclusion, the Minority appealed to civil society organizations, the media, and international partners to closely monitor developments in Ablekuma North and to support efforts that will preserve Ghana’s democratic integrity.
“The people of Ablekuma North deserve a peaceful, transparent, and fair electoral process. We will not relent in our pursuit of justice and representation for them,” the Minority Leader asserted.
