Government Condemns Assault on Journalists During Ablekuma North Election Rerun; Calls for Calm and Accountability
The government of Ghana has unequivocally condemned the brutal assault on two journalists covering the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun, describing the incident as both regrettable and unacceptable. The violent disruptions have raised serious concerns about the safety of media personnel and the integrity of the electoral process.
In a detailed interview with JoyNews at the Presidency, Deputy Minister for Government Communications, Shamima Muslim, commended the swift response of the Ghana Police Service. She highlighted the decisive actions taken, including the immediate withdrawal and interdiction of the police officer implicated in the assault on a journalist from GHOne TV. The Deputy Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that the media can operate freely and safely while covering elections.
“We appreciate the prompt action of the police and urge them to continue holding all perpetrators accountable. There is zero tolerance for any form of violence or intimidation, especially during critical democratic processes,” Shamima Muslim said.
Call for Calm Amid Rising Tensions
Shamima Muslim also issued a strong call for calm and urged all stakeholders—political parties, voters, security agencies, and the public—to maintain peace during the rerun. She stressed the importance of respecting the democratic process and discouraged any attempts to incite violence or disrupt the smooth conduct of the elections.
The electoral rerun took place at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor, a key area within the Ablekuma North constituency. Unfortunately, what was expected to be a peaceful exercise descended into chaos when a group of unidentified men, described as “macho men,” stormed the polling station in a coordinated attack. Witnesses reported that the assailants arrived in a pickup truck accompanied by several motorbikes, triggering panic among voters, electoral officials, and security personnel present.
Violent Disruption of the Electoral Process
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the attackers overwhelmed the security detail assigned to the polling station and proceeded to assault several political figures and party agents. Among the victims was Mavis Hawa Koomson, the former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East and former Fisheries Minister. Disturbing video footage that circulated online shows her being forcibly pushed to the ground and reportedly stomped on her chest and groin before security forces intervened to restore order.
Other individuals caught in the violent outbreak include NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie and a female party agent, both of whom sustained injuries amid the chaos. Additionally, a journalist from JoyNews was reportedly slapped and pushed by one of the attackers while attempting to cover the event, highlighting the dangerous environment journalists face during such politically volatile moments.
Political Reactions and Calls for Justice
The violence has sparked widespread condemnation from various quarters, including political leaders, civil society groups, and the media fraternity. Notably, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate and former Vice President, publicly denounced the attacks. He warned that such violence threatens Ghana’s democratic stability and called for decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“What happened at the polling station is unacceptable and must never be tolerated in any democratic society,” Dr. Bawumia said in a statement. “We call on the authorities to ensure thorough investigations and hold those responsible accountable to prevent recurrence.”
Security Agencies Under Pressure
The incidents at Ablekuma North have intensified scrutiny of Ghana’s security agencies, particularly their ability to safeguard electoral processes and protect citizens, including journalists. The Ghana Police Service is under pressure to conduct a transparent investigation into the assault and implement measures that guarantee safety at polling stations nationwide.
Security experts and election observers emphasize that protecting journalists and ensuring their freedom to report without fear is critical for transparent and credible elections. Without media protection, public trust in electoral outcomes risks erosion, which could destabilize Ghana’s democratic progress.
The Broader Impact on Ghana’s Democracy
Ghana is widely regarded as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, often praised for peaceful transitions of power and robust electoral systems. However, episodes of election-related violence, such as those witnessed in Ablekuma North, threaten to undermine this reputation.
The government’s condemnation and prompt response to the assault on journalists represent a commitment to uphold democratic values and ensure that Ghana’s elections are free, fair, and peaceful. Still, the political and security challenges underscore the need for continued vigilance, enhanced security planning, and stronger political will to eliminate violence from electoral contests.
Protecting Democracy and Media Freedom
The assault on journalists during the Ablekuma North rerun is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who seek to inform the public during politically sensitive periods. The government’s condemnation and the police’s swift actions are positive steps toward accountability, but sustained efforts are necessary to protect media workers and guarantee the safety of all electoral participants.
As Ghana prepares for future elections, stakeholders must prioritize peace, security, and respect for the democratic process. Only through collective responsibility can the country preserve its democratic legacy and foster an environment where citizens and journalists alike can participate without fear.
