Minority Caucus Raises Alarm Over Violence at Ablekuma North Rerun Elections
The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has voiced serious alarm following what it describes as widespread violence and chaotic scenes during the rerun parliamentary elections at 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency.
Issued by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the statement accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of playing a central role in fomenting disorder and disrupting the democratic process. Among those specifically named were Malik Basintale, the NDC’s Deputy National Communications Officer, and Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary—both of whom were reportedly identified in widely circulated videos believed to show them encouraging violent acts.
“We view their behaviour, and the defence offered by other senior NDC leaders, as a serious assault on our democratic system,” read the Caucus’ statement. “These patterns of disruption are jeopardising the constitutional voting rights of the residents of Ablekuma North.”
Key Incidents Highlighted by the Minority Caucus
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Assaults on NPP officials
The Caucus reported that Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate; former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson; and ex-MP Darkoa Newman were attacked at St. Peter’s Polling Station. They were allegedly pelted with objects and physically obstructed, drawing condemnation from the caucus as an act of intimidation intended to influence electoral outcomes. -
Journalist physically assaulted
According to the Caucus, Banahene Agyekum, a reporter from the EIB Network, was slapped by a police officer while covering the rerun at North Odorkor 2. The Caucus criticised the action as uncalled for and symptomatic of the broader climate of disorder. -
Fake security operatives detained
At the Awoshie DVLA polling station, individuals clad in imitation security uniforms were detained for failing to show proper credentials. The Caucus emphasised that permitting such individuals to operate within polling zones posed a significant threat to election integrity. -
Clashes at Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School 1
Heightened tensions exploded at this location, when confrontations between NDC supporters and police erupted, allegedly obstructing voters and leading to a suspension of polling activities. -
Attack on NPP deputy organiser
The Caucus also mentioned that Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, the deputy national organiser of the NPP, was involved in an altercation and purportedly assaulted while attempting to follow election proceedings.
Security Failures and Calls for Inquiry
The Minority Caucus directly accused the Ghana Police Service of failing to uphold law and order, despite precedents suggesting the potential for unrest. They criticised what they deemed inadequate or, in some instances, negligent intervention by security forces.
Moreover, the presence of the Ministers of the Interior and Defence at several stations was condemned by the Caucus as a “publicity stunt” aimed at concealing systemic security failures. They lambasted this move as superficial and insufficient, arguing that it placated the public but did nothing to guarantee free and fair elections on the ground.
The Caucus called for a thorough and impartial investigation into:
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The actions of all security personnel deployed during the rerun.
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The alleged misconduct by named NDC officials and others captured in social media footage.
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The professionalism and protocols followed by law enforcement in responding to violence or communal disturbances.
Dispute Over Expanded Rerun Zones
Contesting the Electoral Commission’s decision to organise reruns in 19 polling stations, the Minority Caucus claimed the move was unnecessary and suspicious. They argued that the initial dispute was isolated to only three polling centres, raising fears that the decision to expand the rerun might involve political manipulation or unfair influence. This, they warned, puts the electoral body’s integrity and impartiality into question.
Urgent Appeal to National and International Oversight
In its closure, the statement made a fervent appeal to:
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The Ghana Police Service and Electoral Commission, urging prompt protective measures for political participants, election workers, and ordinary voters.
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Civil society organisations, the media, and the broader international community, calling for immediate and rigorous observation of the rerun process to ensure transparency and accountability.
They stressed the importance of foreign and domestic observers in preventing further disenfranchisement and ensuring citizens’ rightful access to representation.
The Stakes: A By-Election More Than a Vote
Since January 7, 2025, residents of Ablekuma North have been unrepresented in Parliament due to the halted electoral process. The Caucus underscored the urgency of the situation, describing the continued delay as a serious denial of constitutional rights.
“In a democratic nation, denying constituents their representative arbitrarily undermines the democratic foundation,” the Caucus declared, reaffirming their lifelong dedication to upholding the rule of law and electoral integrity.
Breakdown of the Allegations and Underlying Issues
| Area | Allegations & Concerns |
|---|---|
| Political Violence | Attacks on NPP officials and a journalist. |
| Security Failures | Police inaction, fake “security” agents allowed in polling zones. |
| Political Interference | Direct naming of NDC leaders believed to incite disorder. |
| Electoral Commission’s Role | Supplemental rerun stations seen as politically motivated. |
| Public Display by Officials | Ministers serving as a distraction rather than as solutions. |
| Disenfranchisement Risk | Constituents have been without representation for over six months. |
This table highlights both the specific events mentioned in the Caucus’ statement and their broader implications for Ghana’s political stability and democratic process.
Implications for Ghanaian Democracy
The situation in Ablekuma North is already carrying serious political and legal implications. If these allegations are verified, they could:
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Indicate deliberate efforts to manipulate the election.
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Trigger legal repercussions under Ghanaian election law.
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Spark widespread public distrust in the Electoral Commission’s impartiality.
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Undermine confidence in the effectiveness and propriety of the Ghana Police.
What Comes Next?
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Investigations
The Minority has urged immediate and transparent probes by the I’ll-Ministerial Security Council, Ghana Police, and Electoral Commission into both political operatives and security personnel conduct. -
Increased Oversight
Civil society groups and international observers are being called upon to monitor the rest of the rerun closely, aiming to reduce the chances of further disorder and ensure voters can exercise their rights without fear or coercion. -
Judicial Course
Legal action may be launched via election petition courts, brought forward by aggrieved parties alleging that electoral malfeasance affected results or disenfranchised voters. -
Parliamentary Inquiry
The Minority suggested initiating parliamentary hearings, where witnesses—including victims, journalists, security leaders, and polling officers—can furnish public testimony.
Concluding Remarks
The Minority Caucus has launched a robust critique of the manner in which the Ablekuma North rerun elections were conducted, warning of “violent and unethical interference” and calling on authorities to restore calm, transparency, and voting rights.
Their statement emphasized that without a vigorous response, there is a real risk of eroding the public’s faith in both the Electoral Commission and the Ghana Police Service—institutions fundamental to Ghana’s democracy.
As votes continue to be cast in this pivotal election, the eyes of the nation—and concerned observers around the globe—remain fixed on Ablekuma North. The outcome of this process may shape not only who represents the constituency, but also the extent to which Ghana can credibly uphold democratic norms and safeguard citizens’ rights.
