Kumasi, Ghana – By: Evans Osei-Bonsu
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it describes as widespread acts of lawlessness and violence during today’s parliamentary rerun elections in 19 polling stations across the Ablekuma North Constituency.
According to the Caucus, the rerun – which follows disputes stemming from the December 2024 General Elections – was marred by violent disruptions allegedly orchestrated by thugs affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Senior NDC officials, including Deputy National Communications Officer Malik Basintale and Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande, have been accused of leading and inciting these acts, which the Minority claims were captured in widely circulated videos.
“The people of Ablekuma North are being denied their constitutional right to parliamentary representation by a disturbing pattern of violence, intimidation, and political manipulation,” the statement read.
Among the incidents cited in the Minority’s release were physical assaults on New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, and former Okaikwei South MP Darkoa Newman. Other reports include:
• An assault on journalist Banahene Agyekum of EIB Network by a police officer at the Church of Pentecost North Odorkor 2 polling station.
• The arrest of alleged NDC thugs disguised in brown security uniforms at the Awoshie DVLA polling station.
• Confrontations between NDC-affiliated individuals and police officers at the Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School 1 polling station.
• An attack on NPP Deputy National Organiser Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah.
The statement also pointed to a troubling trend of disruptions in Ablekuma North since the 2024 elections, citing the destruction of electoral materials, missing pink sheets, and a mysterious fire at the Kwashieman Cluster of Schools.
Criticism of Electoral Commission and Government Ministers
The Minority Caucus reiterated its opposition to the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to rerun elections in 19 polling stations, describing it as inconsistent with previous assurances that only three polling stations required collation for a conclusive result. They raised concerns over the transparency of the EC’s decision-making and hinted at possible political interference.
Equally scathing was the Minority’s criticism of the presence of the Ministers for the Interior and Defence at various polling centres, describing it as “a public gimmick” that masked their “gross inaction and complicity.”
The Caucus accused the Ghana Police Service of turning a blind eye to the violence, despite prior warnings and petitions, including one sent on June 4, 2025.
Calls for Accountability and International Scrutiny
The Minority is calling for immediate investigations into the assaults on political figures, journalists, and impersonation of security personnel. They are urging the Inspector General of Police to deploy adequate security to ensure voter safety and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
They also called on the NDC to exercise restraint and cease all actions that could further destabilize the process.
“We call on Civil Society, the Media, and the International Community to closely monitor the situation and support efforts to uphold Ghana’s democratic credentials,” the statement urged.
A Fight for Representation
The Minority concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and democratic governance, vowing to defend the rights of Ablekuma North constituents who have been without a Member of Parliament since January 7, 2025.
“We will not relent in our pursuit of justice and representation for the people of Ablekuma North,” said the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, who signed the statement on behalf of the Caucus.
Read the full statement below
