“This Isn’t the Democracy We Want” – Bawumia Condemns Violence in Ablekuma North Rerun

Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly condemned the violent incidents that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on Friday, July 11, describing them as a threat to Ghana’s democratic values.

Speaking to the media following reports of clashes, assaults, and voter intimidation at multiple polling stations, Dr. Bawumia said the events unfolding in the constituency were “disturbing and unacceptable.”

“This is not the democracy that we want to see in Ghana,” Bawumia stated. “Our supporters are being attacked by thugs in the presence of police who have been unable to protect them.”

NPP Officials Attacked

• The former Vice President detailed that several NPP members were assaulted during the chaos, including:
• Nana Akua Afriyie, NPP parliamentary candidate
• Mavis Hawa Koomson, former MP for Awutu Senya East
• Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, Deputy National Organiser

He noted that many of the victims were women, expressing grave concern about the growing pattern of political violence and the inability of law enforcement to maintain order.

“Our candidate, Akua Afriyie, has been attacked. Hawa Koomson has been attacked. Our deputy national organizer has been attacked. So many of them—many women—have been attacked,” he said.

Warning Against Impunity

Dr. Bawumia warned that the perpetrators of these assaults have been captured on video and must face justice. He issued a stern caution to the government and security agencies:

“If they are not prosecuted, we will not forget. The NPP will pursue justice no matter how long it takes.”

He further warned that if such acts go unpunished, political parties may be forced to resort to self-defence, a development that could threaten Ghana’s peace and democratic stability.

Flashpoints of Violence

The most violent episodes occurred at:

• Odorkor Methodist Church polling station, where Hawa Koomson allegedly used pepper spray during a confrontation
• St. Peter’s polling station, where armed thugs reportedly attacked journalists and party agents, leaving Akua Afriyie and others injured

Background of the Rerun

The Electoral Commission (EC) ordered the rerun in 19 out of 37 disputed polling stations following verification issues that marred the December 2024 general elections. Voting in the remaining 19 is expected to determine the final outcome.

The Ablekuma North constituency has been without a Member of Parliament since December, making the stakes of the rerun particularly high.

Dr. Bawumia called on President John Mahama, the EC, and the IGP to act swiftly, restore confidence in the electoral process, and ensure the protection of voters and party officials moving forward.