The Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on July 11, 2025, was marred by violence at several polling centers. Armed men, allegedly political thugs, stormed St. Peter’s polling station at Odorkor, attacking former MP Mavis Hawa Koomson. Footage shows her being thrown to the ground and violently assaulted before security intervened. NPP candidate Nana Akua Afriyie and a party agent were also attacked, sustaining facial injuries.
In a separate incident, journalist Agyekum Banahene was assaulted by a police inspector at Church of Pentecost Polling Station 2 while covering the elections. The officer slapped and pushed the journalist despite being informed of his identity.
The Ghana Police Service has interdicted the officer and referred the matter to the Professional Standards Bureau.
Meanwhile, Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly condemned the violent incidents and criticized the NDC for failing to uphold their commitment to democratic principles, as violence betrays the values they pledged to promote when they assumed power in 2024.
The incidents have sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about political violence, journalist safety, and election security.
By Bawa Musah
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