The Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has pledged that those responsible for the violent clashes during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun will be held accountable, without regard to political alignment.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, July 14, the Minister disclosed that video footage capturing the disturbances has been submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for urgent investigation.
“I’ve had a strong discussion with the IGP about the Ablekuma North incident. The video evidence is now with him, and we’ve directed immediate action to be taken to bring the offenders to justice,” he stated.
“We will not protect anyone involved in this misconduct—whether they belong to our party or another. Wrongdoing will be dealt with decisively.”
The Government Accountability Series offers a platform for ministers to engage the public and share updates on sectoral developments. Mr Mohammed-Mubarak used the opportunity to reiterate his ministry’s unwavering dedication to upholding peace and lawfulness across the country.
“Our Ministry is fully committed to taking advantage of every opportunity to implement its mission, drive its agenda, and promote the safety and security of all citizens,” he affirmed.
He further reminded the public of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), stressing that acts of political violence will not be entertained.
“I urge all of us—including myself—to reflect on the provisions of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act. We must be vigilant and act responsibly in our political engagements,” he cautioned.
Describing the violence as a blemish on Ghana’s democratic credentials, the Minister said, “It’s troubling that after over 30 years of democratic governance, we still witness violence during elections. This must not be our norm.”
He commended senior officials for publicly denouncing the violence. “The response from leadership has been commendable. Unlike in the past, nearly all top officials have condemned the incident. The Vice President, who is currently acting in the President’s absence, has made her position clear.”
On the reported assault of a journalist during the polls, Mr Mohammed-Mubarak confirmed that the police officer in question has been identified. “We know his whereabouts and can apprehend him at any time,” he said.
He acknowledged, however, that tracking down all the perpetrators won’t be easy, as some have managed to evade law enforcement.
Nonetheless, he assured the public that justice will prevail: “We will not let this pass. The full force of the law will be applied.”
The Minister concluded with a call for national unity and peaceful coexistence. “We all have a role to play in safeguarding peace—irrespective of our gender, faith, ethnicity, or social standing,” he said.
