The Ghana Police Service has launched a criminal investigation following violent incidents during a parliamentary re-run election in Accra’s Ablekuma North constituency, with one police officer facing charges for assaulting a journalist.
In a statement released by the Accra Regional Police Command,officials confirmed that multiple videos depicting assaults and disturbances at polling stations on July 11 are under review. The Command said it has obtained statements from complainants and witnesses and is pursuing additional leads, with arrests expected in the coming days.
One of the most serious incidents involves a uniformed officer caught on video physically attacking a journalist at a polling center. The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, has been interdicted and now faces criminal charges related to the assault, police said.
“We are committed to holding accountable any person found to have engaged in acts of violence, intimidation, or misconduct during the election,” the statement, signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, read. Police are urging the public to provide further evidence through official emergency hotlines.
The July 11 re-run was ordered after the initial parliamentary results for Ablekuma North were annulled due to procedural irregularities. The election was intended to restore public trust in the electoral process but was marred by renewed allegations of police brutality and voter intimidation.
Victims of the violence have been issued medical report forms to assist with treatment and further investigations, police noted.
The case has intensified scrutiny on Ghana’s security presence at polling centers, with civil society groups calling for stronger accountability and reforms ahead of future elections. Police officials say the investigation will proceed “without fear or favour.”
