Minority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has denounced what he said was a brazen campaign of lawlessness and violence that marred Thursday’s parliamentary rerun across 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency.
He pointed a direct finger at high-ranking figures within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of orchestrating the wave of violent acts to derail the electoral process and jeopardize the safety of citizens.
In a statement, the Minority leader accused Malik Basintale and Mustapha Gbande of being at the forefront of the chaos stating, “Our hearts are heavy as we witness the repeated spectacle of violent disruptions orchestrated by NDC thugs. The evidence is clear in the videos circulating, showing their vile acts of incitement and their direct commands fueling this senseless violence.”
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The Minority leader stated that the disturbing clashes and violent episodes witnessed throughout various polling stations were not mere coincidences but rather a continuation of a deeply troubling pattern of electoral malfeasance that first reared its ugly head during the 2024 General Elections.
The Minority leader detailed a litany of abhorrent incidents that blighted the rerun, including brutal physical assaults, the audacious impersonation of legitimate security personnel, and savage attacks on members of the press diligently covering the events.
At the St. Peter’s Polling Station, the statement alleges that NDC thugs descended upon the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, along with former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, and Darkoa Newman, the former Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South, subjecting them to physical harm.
“The Church of Pentecost North Odorkor 2 polling station became the scene of further outrage when a journalist with the EIB Network, Banahene Agyekum, was reportedly struck by a police officer while carrying out his duty of reporting the election proceedings.
Adding to the atmosphere of chaos and intimidation, men clad in brown uniforms, falsely presenting themselves as security officers, were apprehended at Awoshie DVLA after failing to provide any form of legitimate identification. The Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School 1 polling station witnessed violent confrontations erupt between NDC loyalists and the very police officers tasked with maintaining order, further escalating the already tense situation.
The Deputy National Organiser of the NPP, Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, also reportedly fell victim to the violence, allegedly being assaulted by NDC supporters.”
Afenyo-Markin expressed his profound dismay at what he perceives as the “blatant complicity” of the Ghana Police Service at the Ablekuma North constituency. He contends that officers stood idly by, failing to intervene despite receiving prior warnings, including explicit threats publicly issued by Malik Basintale during a pre-election rally.
“The Ghana Police Service’s inaction in the face of these thugs’ disruptive and violent rampage is utterly unacceptable,” he declared.
Afenyo-Markin also castigated the Ministers of Interior and Defence, labeling their presence at select polling stations as nothing more than a deceptive public relations exercise.
“Their staged appearance was a mere charade, a pathetic attempt to feign concern while actively concealing their egregious inaction and deep complicity in this shameful thuggery,” he charged with indignation.
The Minority leader raised serious questions regarding the Electoral Commission’s decision to conduct a rerun across 19 polling stations, pointing out that this contradicted earlier assurances which indicated that results from only three polling stations were necessary for the collation process.
“This sudden and unexplained shift to a widespread rerun breeds deep suspicion of political interference and severely erodes public trust in the very institutions designed to safeguard our democracy,” Afenyo-Markin asserted.
He also lamented the continued disenfranchisement of the constituents of Ablekuma North, who have been without a parliamentary representative since January 7, 2025.
The Minority demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into all reported incidents of assault and impersonation. They also called upon the Inspector General of Police to ensure the deployment of adequate security measures for the protection of the NPP candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie.
The Caucus issued a stern warning to the NDC, urging them to cease all further acts of provocation. They also called upon civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to closely monitor the unfolding developments in the constituency.