By Daniel Bampoe
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has made a strong return to the campaign trail in the Ablekuma North Constituency just hours after a High Court dismissed their legal attempt to stop the Electoral Commission (EC) from conducting a parliamentary election rerun in 19 polling stations.
After initially threatening a boycott and questioning the legitimacy of the rerun, the party has now reactivated its political machinery—fueled by a significant cash injection from top-tier party figures, including former Vice President and 2024 flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong.
GHC410,000 Boost from Bawumia, More from Bryan
Sources close to the campaign disclosed that Dr. Bawumia has personally presented GHC410,000 to the NPP’s parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh, to fund her campaign activities ahead of the Friday, July 11 rerun.
The financial muscle didn’t stop there. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, also donated GH¢200,000 directly to the candidate.
He also provided $6,500 to be shared among polling station coordinators and chairpersons across the affected 19 polling stations—aimed at resourcing them for an aggressive get-out-the-vote effort.
Party insiders say the swift release of campaign funds is meant to counter the National Democratic Congress (NDC) perceived momentum and ensure the NPP reclaims the seat.
Backtrack After Legal Setback
The financial push follows a significant legal setback. Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh had sought a court injunction to halt the EC’s planned rerun, arguing that a January 2025 High Court order only directed the EC to complete collation of outstanding results—not to rerun any elections.
But on Wednesday, July 9, Justice Ali Baba Abature of the Accra High Court rejected the application, ruling that the EC’s decision was within the law and necessary to protect the democratic rights of voters in the affected polling stations.
In the judge’s words: “The balance of convenience lies with the Electoral Commission. Any prejudice suffered by the applicant can be addressed after the elections.”
From Courtroom to Campaign Grounds
Hours after the ruling, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh transitioned from litigation to direct voter engagement.
She was spotted across multiple electoral areas, interacting with constituents, flanked by NPP officials, foot soldiers, and party sympathizers.
The new campaign strategy includes rallies, door-to-door engagements, and a sharp media presence.
Campaign posters, branded vehicles, and loudspeakers have flooded Ablekuma North, sending a clear message: the NPP is back in the race.
“I am number one on the ballot, and by God’s grace, I’ll win this rerun hands down,” she confidently declared at a rally on Thursday.
Background
The controversy dates back to the December 2024 general election, when the EC declared NDC’s Awurabena Aubynn as MP-elect for Ablekuma North based on results from only 219 of the 281 polling stations.
The NPP challenged the declaration, arguing that 62 polling stations were excluded from the final results. The party claimed that their internal tallies showed Akua Afriyieh winning the seat by 414 votes.
Following a legal challenge, Justice Forson Baah Agyapong in January 2025 ordered the EC to complete the collation of the remaining polling station results.
The EC complied, but was only able to collate results from 59 out of the 62 outstanding stations.
Disagreements and alleged irregularities stalled the process in the remaining three.
The Commission then announced a rerun in 19 polling stations to ensure fairness and finality—sparking the NPP’s recent legal challenge.
Political Implications
The Ablekuma North rerun is seen as a high-stakes race with national implications.
The NDC is determined to defend its contested victory, while the NPP sees the rerun as a path to justice and reclaiming its parliamentary strength.
