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The parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency on Friday, July 11, was marred by violence after a group of unidentified macho men stormed the St. Peter’s polling centre, disrupting the electoral process and attacking individuals on site.
According to reports by Channel One News, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, was severely assaulted during the incident. Former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hawa Koomson, was also reported to have been physically attacked.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived in a coordinated manner, sparking chaos among voters and electoral officials. Their sudden intrusion caused panic and a temporary suspension of voting activities as security forces struggled to contain the situation.
Despite the Ghana Police Service’s earlier assurances of heightened security across all 19 affected polling stations, the disruption at St. Peter’s polling centre raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of security measures during the rerun.
The Electoral Commission (EC) organised the rerun to resolve a legal and electoral impasse stemming from the disputed December 7, 2024, parliamentary election, which left the Ablekuma North seat vacant.
The NPP had formally boycotted the rerun, citing legal irregularities. However, its candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, defied the party’s stance and proceeded to participate in the contest. Her decision, coupled with strong grassroots support, has intensified political tensions in the area.
The Ghana Police Service has yet to issue an official statement on the violent disruption. Meanwhile, calls are mounting for urgent investigations and accountability to ensure electoral integrity and public safety.
