The Minority Caucus has called for the immediate establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate what it describes as a “premeditated and coordinated” campaign of violence during the Ablekuma North rerun on July 11.
In a petition signed by the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei said the election, meant to restore representation to the people of Ablekuma North, was instead “gravely undermined” by acts of brutality, intimidation, impersonation of security forces, and physical attacks on opposition figures, electoral officials, and journalists.
“These coordinated attacks, occurring across multiple polling stations—including St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, Awoshie DVLA, and Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School—point to a premeditated and organised campaign to subvert the democratic process,” the Caucus stated.
They cited specific incidents, including the assault on former Minister and MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and former MP, Dakoa Newman.
“Mavis Hawa Koomson… was physically assaulted and demeaned publicly,” the petition said. Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie “suffered facial injuries that required medical attention.”
Thugs dressed in “brown security-like uniforms” were also seen impersonating law enforcement officers and violently clashing with police. At one polling station, the impersonators were unable to produce IDs when questioned by real officers, the NPP MPs stated.
The petition revealed that Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, Deputy National Organiser of the NPP, was “brutally attacked” as part of what they describe as a “systematic effort to target opposition leadership.”
Media workers were also attacked. A JoyNews reporter and a journalist from GHOne TV were both assaulted, with one allegedly beaten by a uniformed police officer, the Minority MPs said.
The Minority Caucus did not spare public officials. They condemned what they called the “public glorification of violence” by two senior state officers, Dr Hanna Bissiw, CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, and Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, both of whom are also opposition party officials.
“These public endorsements of brutality against political opponents and journalists fundamentally contradict the values of the rule of law and peace that underpin democratic governance,” the statement said.
They demand the immediate dismissal of Dr. Bissiw and Mr. Basintale, prosecution of all perpetrators, and a full-scale probe into the conduct of the Ghana Police Service, particularly the role of Chief Superintendent Fredrick Lumor Senanu.
They further warned of diplomatic and legal consequences. The petition notes that the violence could violate international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“These developments are likely to raise alarm among members of the international community,” it stated, noting that such acts could trigger diplomatic concerns, travel advisories, and damage investor confidence.
The Caucus emphasised that Ghana’s reputation as a democratic leader in the sub-region was under threat.
“What occurred in Ablekuma North is not an isolated incident,” they said. “It follows similar violent episodes that accompanied the 2024 general elections.”
They concluded by stating that failure to act would amount to complicity and would threaten the very foundations of the Republic’s democratic order.
“An inquiry backed by law and led by conscience will not only safeguard the sanctity of future elections but will serve as a moral and institutional reckoning,” the Minority stressed.
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