Africa-Press – Ghana. The Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned the acts of alleged lawlessness and violence that marred the parliamentary rerun election in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency.
The Caucus accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating the alleged violence, with senior party officials allegedly complicit in the thuggery.
A statement issued by Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader and copied to the Ghana News Agency has said.
According to the statement, the NDC thugs, led by Deputy National Communications Officer, Mr Malik Basintale and Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande, allegedly incited and directed acts of violence, disrupting the electoral process and depriving the people of Ablekuma North of their constitutional rights to parliamentary representation.
“We condemn the acts of lawlessness and violence that have marred the parliamentary rerun election,” the statement quotes Minority Leader Osahen Afenyo-Markin as saying.
“These actions continue to erode the democratic process and deprive the people of Ablekuma North of their constitutional rights,” it added.
The Caucus highlighted several incidents of lawlessness, including the physical assault of Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, and other notable figures.
“A police officer was also accused of slapping a reporter from EIB Network while he was covering the election.
“The Ghana Police Service must swiftly investigate the assaults…and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The Inspector General of Police must deploy adequate security to protect voters, the NPP candidate, journalists, and electoral officials,” it added.
The statement also expressed concern about the Electoral Commission’s decision to conduct a rerun in 19 polling stations, which the Caucus viewed as inconsistent with earlier assurances.
“The sudden shift to a rerun, without adequate explanation, raises suspicions of political interference and undermines public confidence in our electoral institutions,” it stated.
The Caucus called on the NDC to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that incite violence and create an atmosphere of insecurity.
It also urged civil society, the media, and the international community to closely monitor the situation and support efforts to uphold Ghana’s democratic credentials.
“The people of Ablekuma North deserve a peaceful, transparent, and fair electoral process. We will not relent in our pursuit of justice and representation for the people…,” it noted.
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