Ghana’s parliamentary Minority has strongly condemned the violence that erupted during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, warning that it poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic principles.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, the Member of Parliament for Atiwa West, Asante Laurette Korkor, described the events of Friday, 11 July as “the most serious assault on Ghana’s democracy since the return to constitutional rule.”
“This is not merely about electoral irregularities,” Ms Korkor said. “This is about whether Ghana will tolerate the systematic destruction of democratic norms by those entrusted with protecting them.”
The Minority claims the violence was organised and targeted, affecting political figures, party agents, and journalists.
Among the incidents cited were impersonations of security personnel, voter intimidation, and physical assaults at polling stations. At one station—Asiedu-Jadu Memorial School—clashes reportedly broke out between suspected NDC thugs and police officers, leading to chaos and fear among voters.
One of the most serious incidents involved an alleged attack on Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, Deputy National Organiser of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to the Minority, the attack underscores the coordinated nature of the violence.
“This wasn’t random,” Ms Korkor said. “It was a calculated attempt to undermine democratic processes and intimidate NPP leadership.”
Government figures criticised
The Minority also criticised what it described as “dangerous rhetoric” from individuals associated with the government and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
They singled out remarks by Dr Hannah Louisa Bissiw, NDC National Women’s Organiser and CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, who reportedly said, “violence begets violence”—a comment the Minority says amounts to justifying the attacks.
Also under fire were social media comments from Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency and Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC. He allegedly referred to an assailant as “the flying python” and announced he would lead a so-called “5K Air Force”—remarks the Minority called “a new low in Ghana’s political discourse.”
Call for accountability
The Minority has urged the government to take immediate and decisive action, warning that how the situation is handled will shape the future of Ghana’s democracy.
“The events of Ablekuma North and the government’s response to them will decide whether Ghana continues as a democratic nation or descends into the chaos of state-sanctioned political violence,” Ms Korkor said.
