The fire that consumes your neighbour’s house will eventually destroy your own. The violence and impunity that have surfaced in Ghana’s key elections, by-elections, and reruns are a warning sign that the country’s democracy is at a crossroads, and leaders and citizens must work together to create a more peaceful and just society.
The violence against journalists during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun in Ghana is a serious concern about the growing risks faced by journalists in their quest to inform the public.
The brutal assault of media personnel, including JOYNEWS reporter Sally Martey, on July 11, 2025, highlights the precarious environment in which journalists operate and threatens the essence of democracy and press freedom in Ghana.
The incident was not an isolated one, with journalists Agyekum Banahene, former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, and a deputy National Organiser also facing violence.
The assault on the two journalists and the Deputy Organiser of the NPP is highly condemnable. These attacks on all these individuals, including media personnel, are unacceptable and undermine Ghana’s democratic process. It’s appalling that those responsible have not been brought to justice, sending a worrying signal about impunity.
The events in Ablekuma North are symptomatic of a larger pattern in Ghana, reflected in previous electoral cycles marred by violence. Reports of intimidation, threats, and assaults are becoming increasingly common, particularly during electoral activities when tensions run high.
Amid this backdrop, it is vital to analyse the broader political climate that breeds such animosity.
Nsawam-Adoagyiri’s MP and Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh, has made divisive remarks that exacerbate the already tense situation. His comments encouraging New Patriotic Party (NPP) members to confront National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters are quite alarming.
One may call him the architect of the carnage we just saw. Individuals such as these are not worthy of positions of leadership. He virtually condoned violence by openly urging NPP supporters to join party members to fight the NDC. To help them defeat the NDC person, an NPP member should back another NPP member to beat up an NDC member very well.
It is obvious that the NDC members will be similarly prepared to meet in equal measure after hearing this. How could a parliamentarian be so dishonourable?
These remarks create a poisonous atmosphere where violence is used as a means of political expression, thus they cannot be taken in a vacuum. Political leaders have an obligation to set an example of civil discourse and adherence to the law in a democracy. Instead of encouraging amicable dialogue, Annoh Dompreh’s remarks legitimise hostility.
It is also necessary to hold political parties and leaders responsible for their words and deeds. It is the moral duty of those in authority to oppose violence and encourage civil, nonviolent communication between opposing political groups.
It’s common knowledge that Mavis Hawa Koomson has been linked to multiple violent incidents in her constituency.
Given her history of violence and hostility, Hawa Koomson’s attendance at the Ablekuma North election rerun polling location seemed extremely unnecessary.
The police ought to have been more watchful and prevented her from entering. It’s unclear in what capacity she was there, but her presence with thugs and an alleged weapon suggests malicious intent. She should be condemned for using pepper spray on people. It was a surefire way to fail to let her in with such an entourage. Her acts, such as attacking other people, show a flagrant disrespect for the law and the election process.
The million-dollar question is why Hawa Koomson was treated differently from other prominent politicians who went to the polls.
The police must investigate her role in the violence and take necessary actions. It is terrible to go to a place like this with a weapon. Her behaviour undermines the democratic process and sets a bad precedent for future elections.
She will operate with impunity after getting away with everything. Since crime never expires, she must be held accountable. The impunity is getting out of control.
The commission report on past electoral violence in Ghana must be revisited and its recommendations implemented to prevent future incidents and ensure accountability. Without addressing previous recommendations, any new proposals will lack credibility.
Incidents such as those in Ayawaso West Wuogon and Techiman South exemplify the urgent need for thorough investigations and actionable outcomes. Stricter punishments for those engaged in electoral violence will serve as a deterrent, highlighting that anyone can fall victim to such acts and underlining the importance of a comprehensive response.
The Police appeared to be unprepared for the Ablekuma North rerun. They ought to put prevention above reaction, foreseeing and addressing such problems before they arise. Given that Akwatia’s by-election is coming up, the police need to be really proactive. It is past time for all police officers to be outfitted with body cameras. This will make their task much more effective.
Although Dr. Bawumia condemns the current act, he did not criticise it when he was vice president. His position as the head of the Security Council was intriguing. That is the height of hypocrisy.
Investigations into a number of violent incidents, including the 2020 Techiman South election shooting, have been reopened by President John Dramani Mahama. President Mahama underlined that his government will not let these cases end before the victims receive justice because it is essential to national reconciliation and institutional trust.
The gods punish those who do not punish the wicked. The lack of accountability for those responsible for violence and aggression in Ghana’s electoral process is a worrying trend. It is essential for the authorities to take swift action to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure that the democratic process is protected.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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