The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it describes as targeted acts of violence and voter intimidation allegedly carried out by members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the highly anticipated parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North.
In a press release on Thursday, the NPP described scenes of chaos and lawlessness that marred the electoral process, particularly at the Odorkor Methodist Polling Station—one of the key voting centers in the constituency. According to the party, a group of armed individuals believed to be aligned with the NDC stormed the polling center, launching attacks on NPP members, including the party’s candidate, Nana Akua Afriyieh.
Also reportedly caught in the crossfire were high-profile NPP figures such as Hawa Koomson and Darkoa Newman, who were present to oversee the rerun proceedings.
Video footage circulating online and media reports corroborate the presence of violence, showing altercations involving party operatives and police personnel.
The NPP claims even uniformed officers were assaulted while performing their lawful duties, raising serious questions about election security and law enforcement preparedness.
Background to the Rerun
The July 11 rerun became necessary after the Electoral Commission annulled the results of the 2024 parliamentary election in Ablekuma North due to alleged irregularities.
The NPP, having previously held the seat, has been campaigning fiercely to reclaim its stronghold, while the NDC sees the rerun as a chance to break the NPP’s long-standing grip on the constituency.
Ahead of the vote, the political climate in the area had already become tense, with both major parties mobilizing heavily. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 2024 flagbearer of the NPP, earlier in the week presented a GHC410,000 campaign boost to Akua Afriyieh to energize the party’s efforts on the ground, signaling the stakes involved in the contest.
NPP Demands Immediate Action
In its statement, the NPP called on the Inspector General of Police to urgently deploy additional security personnel to all polling and collation centers to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and party representatives.
The party also appealed to the National Peace Council and civil society groups to intervene and help restore calm and transparency in the process.
“The NPP is committed to peace, but we will not allow our members and supporters to be victims of orchestrated aggression,” the statement read
“We have exercised restraint, but we will defend ourselves if provoked again. The NPP is a party of strength, courage, and resilience—we will not be cowed.”
Confidence Amidst Crisis
Despite the unrest, the NPP says it remains confident of victory. According to the party, early signs from the rerun suggest that its candidate is enjoying widespread support from the electorate.
It has urged voters not to be deterred by intimidation tactics but to continue turning out in their numbers to exercise their constitutional rights.
The rerun in Ablekuma North is widely seen as a litmus test for the credibility of Ghana’s electoral institutions and the country’s commitment to peaceful democratic processes, especially in light of rising political tensions ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The NDC, as of press time, had not officially responded to the allegations of violence leveled by the NPP.
Meanwhile, all eyes remain on the Electoral Commission and security agencies as the situation continues to unfold.
