The Minority in Parliament has issued a scathing condemnation of the violence that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, describing it as a direct assault on Ghana’s democratic foundations.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, July 16, Member of Parliament for Atiwa West, Asante Laurette Korkor, described the events of Friday, July 11, as “the most serious assault on Ghana’s democracy since the return to constitutional rule.”
She warned that the incidents represent more than isolated electoral misconduct.
“This is not merely about electoral irregularities,” she stated. “This is about whether Ghana will tolerate the systematic destruction of democratic norms by those entrusted with protecting them.”
According to the Minority, the violence in Ablekuma North was organised and coordinated, with attacks targeting political figures, party agents, and journalists.
“The coordinated attacks, followed by the shameful celebration of this violence by senior government officials, mark a dangerous turning point that demands immediate and decisive action,” Korkor said.
Systematic Violence Alleged
The Minority recounted several incidents, including impersonation of security personnel, voter intimidation, and physical assaults.
“At Asiedu-Jadu Memorial School polling station one, NDC thugs engaged in direct confrontations with police officers, creating a chaotic environment that endangered voters and electoral officials,” she said.
One of the most alarming incidents, according to the Minority, was a physical attack on Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, Deputy National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“This attack on a senior party official revealed the systematic nature of the violence. These were not random acts but coordinated attacks on NPP leadership and democratic institutions,” she added.
Condemnation of Government Officials’ Comments
The Minority further criticised statements from government-affiliated figures, claiming these amounted to endorsements of the violence.
“Dr Hannah Louisa Bissiw, National Women’s Organiser of the NDC and CEO of the Mineral Development Fund, made perhaps the most damaging comment when she said, ‘violence begets violence,’ suggesting the brutal attacks were somehow justified,” Korkor said.
She also referenced social media posts by Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency and Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC, who allegedly celebrated an attack on former MP Mavis Hawa Koomson.
“Basintale’s description of the assailant as ‘the flying python’ and his declaration that he would be in charge of the ‘5K Air Force’ represents a new low in Ghana’s political discourse,” she said.
Call for Action
The Minority warned that the government’s reaction to these events will determine the trajectory 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,” Korkor concluded.
The statement adds to mounting pressure on authorities to investigate the violence and ensure accountability for those involved.
