Minister for Defence Calls for Calm Amid Parliamentary Re-Run in Ablekuma North
Minister for Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah, has urged constituents to maintain calm as the Electoral Commission (EC) carries out a parliamentary re-run in 19 polling stations across the Ablekuma North constituency. Accompanied by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, Dr. Boamah toured several polling centers, highlighting the importance of a violence-free electoral process. He referenced the infamous by-election in Ayawaso West Wuogon in 2019, emphasizing the need to avoid any repeat of such events. “This is a civil exercise, not a war,” he declared firmly. “What we experienced at Ayawaso West Wuogon should never happen again. People should be able to exercise their franchise in peace.” His remarks came in light of unsettling incidents earlier in the day at the St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor, where voting was temporarily halted. Unidentified assailants arrived in a pickup truck, clashing with voters and law enforcement officers, resulting in chaos and reportedly assaulting former Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson. In response to the unrest, Dr. Boamah reassured the public that the Ghana Police Service was well-equipped to tackle any acts of violence or electoral irregularities, stating confidently, “Any challenges that arise will be addressed by the Police. Trust that they will act.” In a show of commitment to the electoral process, security has been reinforced at polling stations, with the EC working closely with law enforcement to restore calm and ensure the safe continuation of voting. As the rerun unfolds, the Ablekuma North constituency is under heightened scrutiny, with stakeholders urging restraint and respect for democratic principles during this critical period. Calls for a peaceful and orderly election resonate across the political spectrum, alongside the commitment to safeguarding the rights of voters to participate in the democratic process without fear. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief of Staff Visits Ghana Gold Board, Praises Efforts in Gold Trade Regulation
In a bid to strengthen ties with the nation’s key institutions, Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Julius Debrah, recently paid a working visit to the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD). The visit was part of his initiative to familiarize himself with the agency’s operations and to express the government’s gratitude for its vital contributions to the mineral sector. During his time at GOLDBOD, Mr. Debrah took a moment to commend the management and dedicated staff for their hard work in regulating and promoting responsible gold trade within Ghana. He emphasized the agency’s essential role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the gold industry, which is crucial for maintaining the nation’s integrity and reputation on the global stage. “I want to thank all of you for your continued service to the nation. Your efforts in safeguarding Ghana’s gold resources are commendable, and I wish you the very best in your work going forward,” Mr. Debrah said during his address to GOLDBOD personnel. The visit also provided an opportunity for direct engagement with the staff, allowing Mr. Debrah to listen to their concerns and discuss potential strategies to enhance the agency’s efficiency and overall impact in the sector. Reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting GOLDBOD, the Chief of Staff assured the team that their missions are crucial not only for Ghana’s economic development but also for bolstering its international reputation in the gold trade. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chaos at Ablekuma North re-run as macho men disrupt voting centre
Tensions escalated during the parliamentary re-run in the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday, July 11, 2025, when a group of unidentified macho men stormed a polling centre, disrupting the voting process and throwing the area into chaos. Eyewitnesses reported that the men arrived in a coordinated manner and began causing confusion, forcing some voters and electoral officials to flee for safety. The incident briefly halted the exercise at the affected centre, raising concerns about voter intimidation and the safety of the electoral process. Security personnel at the scene quickly intervened to restore order and protect the integrity of the election. It remains unclear who deployed the men or what their motives were. The Electoral Commission has yet to issue an official statement on the disruption, while political party agents and observers have condemned the act and called for heightened security across all polling stations. The rerun, involving 19 polling stations, is being held to determine the final outcome of the December 7, 2024, parliamentary election, which was previously marred by security-related delays in parts of the constituency. Chaos at Odorkor Methodist 1 Polling Station: Voting suspended amidst reports of assaults. Source: Classfm
No Military Deployment for Ablekuma North By-Election – Defence Minister Assures
The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has assured Ghanaians that the military will not be deployed for today’s crucial by-election in the Ablekuma North Constituency, with security operations being handled exclusively by the Ghana Police Service. In a press briefing on election morning, Dr. Boamah stressed that this decision aligns with the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and upholding democratic principles during electoral processes. “The painful memories of the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence in 2019 and the tragic loss of eight lives during the 2020 general elections remain fresh in our minds,” Dr. Boamah stated. “These incidents serve as stark reminders of the consequences we must avoid at all costs.” “There will be absolutely no military deployment today,” the Minister declared emphatically. “The Ghana Police Service has repeatedly demonstrated its professionalism and competence in managing election security.” “This by-election represents more than just choosing a parliamentary representative – it’s an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s democratic maturity,” Dr. Boamah noted. The election has drawn national attention following the NPP’s official boycott and their candidate’s decision to participate regardless, creating heightened political tension in the constituency. As voting commences, all stakeholders await to see if Ghana can successfully conduct a peaceful by-election and set a positive precedent for future electoral processes Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Aggressive Police Officer Interdicted Over Assault on Journalist
The Ghana Police Service has taken swift action following a viral video showing a uniformed officer assaulting a journalist during the parliamentary election re-run in Ablekuma North Constituency. Apexnewsgh reports The officer, believed to be of inspector rank, has been withdrawn from election duties and interdicted. The matter has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for a full investigation. The Police Service assured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation, promising to provide updates as the process unfolds. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, drew public outrage and calls for accountability. Media advocacy groups and civil society organizations have condemned the attack and called for justice for the assaulted journalist, Mr. Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of Kasapa FM. The Police Service’s statement read, “The officer concerned has been withdrawn from the ongoing election duty at Ablekuma North and, in line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been interdicted and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Bawumia Backs NPP’s Ablekuma North Candidate with GH₵410,000 Despite Party Boycott
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 NPP presidential candidate, has injected GH₵410,000 into the campaign of parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie ahead of tomorrow’s high-stakes re-run in Ablekuma North – despite the party’s official boycott of the process. The financial boost comes as Nana Akua defiantly contests Friday’s election in 19 polling stations, maintaining she already won the seat decisively in last December’s parliamentary elections. “This re-run will only confirm the mandate the people of Ablekuma North gave me seven months ago,” the embattled candidate declared at a final rally. “Dr. Bawumia sees this as supporting the party’s broader interests,” revealed a source close to the former Vice President. “He believes in Nana Akua’s case and wants to ensure all legal avenues are properly exhausted.” The re-run, ordered by the Electoral Commission after security disruptions during December’s collation, covers: 19 contentious polling stations Areas representing over 6,000 registered voters Locations where Nana Akua claims she already secured victory Her NDC opponent, Sheila Ewurabena Aubyn, trails by just 48 votes in the official recount, making tomorrow’s vote potentially decisive. Political observers note the unusual situation creates a delicate balancing act for the NPP, which risks appearing divided while trying to maintain its parliamentary majority. As voters prepare to head to the polls, all eyes remain on whether Nana Akua’s go-it-alone strategy – backed by Bawumia’s significant support – will pay off or backfire spectacularly in this unprecedented electoral showdown. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ablekuma North Braces for Nail-Biting Election Re-Run as EC Confirms 48-Vote Margin
The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed a heart-stopping 48-vote difference between the two leading candidates in Ablekuma North constituency following a high-stakes re-collation of December’s disputed results, setting the stage for tomorrow’s crucial election re-run. In a dramatic joint exercise involving EC officials and representatives from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), the final tally showed NPP’s Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie clinging to a slender lead with 32,512 votes against NDC’s Sheila Ewurabena Aubyn’s 32,464 votes. The re-run, scheduled for Friday across 19 previously disputed polling stations, promises to be a make-or-break moment in one of Ghana’s tightest parliamentary contests. With over 6,000 registered voters in these areas, the outcome could dramatically alter the current standings. “Every single vote will count in this election,” EC Chairperson Jean Mensa told journalists. “We’ve put in place all necessary measures to ensure a smooth, transparent process that will finally resolve this constituency’s representation.” The 19 affected polling stations, mostly in the constituency’s flashpoint areas, were initially excluded from the final count due to security concerns during the December polls. With Ghana’s political spotlight firmly fixed on Ablekuma North, the EC faces intense scrutiny to deliver a flawless process. Political analyst Dr. Kwame Asante observed: “This re-run isn’t just about Ablekuma North – it’s become a litmus test for our electoral system’s ability to resolve disputed outcomes conclusively.” As voters prepare to return to the polls, both campaigns have made final appeals for calm, while the nation waits to see whether the NPP’s narrow lead will hold or if the NDC can stage a comeback in this cliffhanger contest. Source: Apexnewsgh.com