BY Grace Zigah
Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has fiercely condemned the acts of violence that disrupted the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday, blaming the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for failing to prevent the mayhem and calling on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately act against the perpetrators.
The violence, which broke out at the St. Peter’s Society polling station, saw a group of unidentified men—believed to be political vigilantes—stormed the area, physically assaulting former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson and NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyieh. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the attackers disrupted voting, intimidated voters, and forced polling officials to briefly suspend the exercise.
Addressing journalists hours after the incident, Dr. Bawumia expressed deep frustration over the attack, warning the government that inaction would not only embolden lawlessness but also compromise Ghana’s democratic integrity.
“What we have to be clear about is that the people who perpetrated these acts have been caught on video,” he said. “I call on the president and all those in charge of this country to take action to bring them to book. This is the only way we can deter this from happening again.”
The Ablekuma North rerun was triggered by unresolved irregularities from the December 2024 parliamentary election.
The Electoral Commission organized the rerun in 19 polling stations to restore parliamentary representation to the constituency, which has remained without an MP for more than six months.
Although the NPP had indicated it was boycotting the rerun over concerns about electoral fairness, it later reconsidered its position with Nana Akua Afriyieh announcing her participation.
The former Vice President did not mince words about the consequences if justice is not served.
“Let me assure you, should they not be brought to book, we will not forget. We will pursue this matter, no matter how long it takes,” he said.
The assault on Hawa Koomson and Akua Afriyieh adds to a series of troubling incidents during the by-election.
NPP’s Deputy National Organiser was also reportedly assaulted, with videos showing a brutal attack that left him hospitalized. These acts of violence, coupled with increasing political rhetoric, have triggered fears that Ghana’s electoral environment is becoming increasingly hostile.
Law enforcement agencies have been criticized for their delayed response and failure to prevent the chaos despite the heightened tensions and prior warnings.
Security was later reinforced at the affected polling stations, but the damage had already been done—both physically and to public confidence in the integrity of the rerun.
While the NDC has not officially taken responsibility for the violence, controversial comments by its National Women’s Organiser, Dr. Hanna Bissiw—who suggested that “violence begets violence” in reference to the attack on Hawa Koomson—have sparked outrage and further strained political tensions.
Dr. Bawumia indirectly referenced such statements, cautioning that dangerous rhetoric from public officials could incite further attacks if not reined in.
“The very foundation of our democracy is being shaken. If we tolerate violence during elections, then we open the door for chaos to define our political future,” Dr. Bawumia warned.
Find below the video:
