General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Kwetey, has condemned the alleged assault on former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, during the rerun election in Ablekuma North, calling for restraint and accountability regardless of political affiliation.
“I’ll say this; whichever way, whether it’s NDC or NPP, it’s just absolutely not acceptable,” he told journalists on Friday, July 11, stressing that political violence must be condemned by all.
Kwetey acknowledged that tensions remain high in the area due to unresolved grievances from past elections, especially surrounding Hawa Koomson’s political conduct.
“A lot of people still have issues… what happened in Ayawaso West Wagon, what happened in Hawa Koomson’s election; holding thugs and threatening people… So naturally, people are angry about those things,” he noted. “But we both must learn in order to conduct ourselves peacefully.”
Responding to claims that the NPP candidate “deserved” the treatment, Kwetey said, “Her past is not one that we should encourage. Wielding guns in police stations is nothing good.” Nonetheless, he emphasized that past actions do not justify present violence.
He urged party supporters to stay focused on voting and avoid any form of provocation or retaliation. “It’s still hours to go… we are urging our people to make sure we come out to ensure we have enough numbers to take the seat.”
The rerun, supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC), follows the declaration of the December 2024 parliamentary results in the constituency as inconclusive. While results from 18 of the 37 disputed polling stations were certified, the remaining 19 required fresh voting to ensure electoral credibility.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) initially opposed the rerun, accusing the EC of bias in favour of the NDC. However, its candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, is participating after the Accra High Court dismissed her injunction application.
The EC has reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness, stressing that the rerun is essential to restore full parliamentary representation in Ablekuma North.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh