Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, has called for restraint and peaceful conduct as the Electoral Commission holds a rerun of parliamentary elections across 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency.
Speaking during a tour of several polling centers on Thursday, Dr. Boamah warned against a repeat of the violence that marred the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election—an incident that drew widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.
“This is a civil exercise, not a war,” Dr. Boamah said. “What we experienced at Ayawaso West Wuogon should never happen again. People should be able to exercise their franchise in peace.”
The Defence Minister was accompanied by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, as the two assessed security conditions on the ground following a violent disruption earlier in the day at the St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor.
Voting at the center was temporarily suspended after a group of unidentified men arrived in a pickup vehicle and clashed with voters and police personnel. Among those reportedly assaulted during the melee was former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
Authorities say the situation has since been brought under control, with security agencies and the Electoral Commission working jointly to resume and secure the voting process.
Dr. Boamah assured voters that the Ghana Police Service would respond decisively to any disturbances or irregularities. “Any challenges that arise will be addressed by the Police. Trust that they will act,” he said.
The rerun was ordered following reported irregularities during the initial election in the constituency. Security has since been reinforced at all polling stations involved in the process.
The Ablekuma North election rerun is being closely watched as a bellwether for electoral integrity ahead of Ghana’s 2028 general elections.
