Ghana’s Interior Minister, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has issued a firm warning that all electoral infractions recorded during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun will be treated as criminal offenses, regardless of the individuals involved.
Speaking in an interview with GHOne News on Friday, July 11, while voting was still ongoing in the constituency, the minister stressed the government’s commitment to upholding law and order throughout the electoral process.
“All infractions during the Ablekuma North rerun will be treated as criminal offenses, and anyone found flouting the law, irrespective of who they are, will be dealt with accordingly,” Minister Muntaka asserted.
The minister’s warning comes in the wake of widespread reports of violence, intimidation, and chaos at several polling stations during the rerun, which was conducted across 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North due to issues from the December 2024 general elections.
At the Odorkor Methodist Church polling station, a confrontation involving former Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, led to a dramatic scene. Eyewitnesses allege she discharged pepper spray amid a dispute, causing panic and a temporary suspension of voting at the station.
The situation escalated further at the St. Peter’s polling station, where a group of unidentified men—believed to be political thugs—attacked polling agents and journalists. Among those injured were:
• NPP parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie
• A female polling agent
• Mavis Hawa Koomson, who also reportedly sustained injuries during the melee
The attacks disrupted voting temporarily until security forces intervened and restored order.
Minister Muntaka reaffirmed that no one will be shielded from prosecution, stating that the Ministry of the Interior is collaborating with security agencies to investigate the incidents and bring all perpetrators to justice.
“Ghana’s democracy cannot be held hostage by acts of violence. We will ensure that those responsible face the full rigour of the law,” he said.
Despite the chaos, the Electoral Commission (EC) successfully completed the rerun. Ewurabena Aubynn, the candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been declared Member of Parliament-elect for the Ablekuma North Constituency after securing a narrow victory.
The rerun became necessary after verification and collation issues affected results from the December 2024 parliamentary elections.
Follow Hyping Ghana News for ongoing coverage and updates on the Ablekuma North electoral fallout and legal proceedings.
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