Ablekuma North: Don’t Succumb to NDC Pressure – Seth Acheampong Urges EC

Former Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Acheampong, has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) not to yield to what he calls political pressure from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following the EC’s announcement of a parliamentary rerun in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency.

Responding to the EC’s recent decision, Acheampong questioned whether the Commission reversed its earlier stance to Parliament due to intimidation from the NDC—a party he claims has previously attacked the EC’s credibility.

“Not long ago, the NDC Chairman claimed the EC was incompetent. I’m unsure if such comments caused the Commission to lose its resolve, prompting this sudden change. I find it puzzling,” he stated.

His remarks follow the EC’s July 2 press release, signed by Deputy Chair of Operations Samuel Tettey, confirming a rerun of the Ablekuma North parliamentary election in 19 polling stations. The decision came after a meeting with representatives of both the ruling NDC and opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The dispute traces back to the December 7, 2024, general elections. The NDC disputed results from 37 polling stations, arguing that the scanned Pink Sheets used for collation were unverifiable and allegedly submitted by the NPP. They demanded a full rerun in all affected stations.

However, the NPP maintained that only three polling stations had pending results and insisted both parties had verified the scanned sheets. The EC later explained that original Pink Sheets had been destroyed after party supporters stormed the collation centre, leaving them no choice but to rely on digital copies.

Although the EC has said the rerun in the 19 polling stations is meant to address the controversy and rebuild trust, critics like Acheampong believe the Commission is showing weakness by bowing to external pressure.

“If the NDC is bent on removing you, they’ll find a way, no matter what. So stand firm and act responsibly,” Acheampong cautioned.

The rerun is scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025. The EC has pledged to uphold transparency and fairness, while the Ghana Police Service has been assigned to ensure peace and security during the exercise.