The Minority in Parliament has condemned what it describes as the most serious assault on Ghana’s democracy since the return to constitutional rule, following the violent disruption of the parliamentary rerun election in Ablekuma North on Friday, July 11, 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the Minority said the coordinated attacks on political figures, party agents, and journalists, coupled with what they described as the shameful celebration of the violence by senior government officials, marks a dangerous turning point in the country’s democratic journey.
“The events of Ablekuma North, and the government’s response to them, will determine whether we continue as a democratic nation or descend into the chaos of state-sanctioned political violence,” the statement read.
According to the Minority, the violence was calculated and coordinated, with attacks carried out at multiple polling stations including St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church in Odorkor, Awoshie DVLA polling station, and Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School polling station.
The Minority detailed that Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, former MP, was physically assaulted, while NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie sustained facial injuries requiring medical attention. Former MP for Okaikwei South, Darkoa Newman, a female party agent, voters, and electoral officials were also attacked, forcing many to flee in terror.
They further accused thugs dressed in brown uniforms of impersonating security personnel at Awoshie DVLA polling station, describing it as a calculated attempt to deceive voters and officials, and said some were arrested when they failed to provide identification.
The statement also criticised senior government officials, particularly Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw, CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, and Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, for what it called their shameful justification and celebration of the violence.
“The most disturbing aspect of the Ablekuma North violence is not just the brutality itself, but the deliberate endorsement and celebration of these attacks by senior government officials,” the Minority said, citing a Facebook post by Basintale referring to the attacker of Hon. Hawa Koomson as “the Flying python.”
The Minority further questioned the role of the Ghana Police Service in the violence, expressing concern over their failure to protect electoral participants and alleging possible complicity by some officers, including Chief Superintendent Lumor Frederick Senanu.
Calling the Ablekuma North violence part of a “disturbing pattern” of electoral violence, the Minority demanded the immediate dismissal of Dr. Hanna Bissiw and Malik Basintale from their government positions, the prosecution of all perpetrators, a comprehensive police investigation, and a public condemnation from President John Mahama.
They warned that Ghana stands at a crossroads and urged the President to choose between protecting democratic institutions or tolerating violence against opposition figures, stating that his response will define his legacy.
“The Minority has made its choice. We stand firmly with democracy, with the rule of law, and with the constitutional order that has served our nation well. We will defend these principles with unwavering determination until justice prevails and democratic governance is restored,” the statement concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
