The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has expressed serious concerns regarding the conduct of security personnel and the overall state of law enforcement during the parliamentary rerun held on Friday, July 11, 2025, in the Ablekuma North Constituency.
The coalition warned that these issues pose a “clear and present danger” to the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
The alarm was raised following a violent incident at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling centre, where police allegedly stood by as unidentified men stormed the venue, disrupting the voting process. Among those assaulted were former MP for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson, and the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Nana Akua Afriyie. The same group of assailants also attacked two journalists and Chris Lloyd Asamoah, the NPP’s deputy national organiser.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, July 14, CODEO condemned the Ghana Police Service for failing to ensure the safety of voters, polling officials, and party agents, despite a significant presence of security personnel in the area. “The security lapses observed during this election rerun—despite the visible police presence—raise very serious questions about the state of the Ghana Police Service,” the statement read, emphasizing the need for accountability.
CODEO further observed that unauthorized individuals, suspected to be political vigilantes, were seen moving freely in and around the polling centres, some traveling in unlicensed vehicles, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. The coalition expressed deep concern about this situation, especially given the high-stakes nature of the election and the urban environment in which it unfolded.
“This posture of the police was observed during the 2024 elections and transition,” CODEO recalled, warning that the continued “emasculation” of the Ghana Police Service could erode public confidence in democratic processes and jeopardize national security.
In light of these developments, CODEO is urging President John Mahama and the Police Council to act decisively under Article 202(2) of the 1992 Constitution to take immediate measures. “This must be done urgently to ensure clear remedial actions are taken ahead of the upcoming bye-election in Akwatia,” the coalition stressed.
Furthermore, CODEO called on political parties, the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the judiciary to reflect on these incidents and implement concrete measures to combat election violence, political vigilantism, and threats to police independence. “The failure to act now could undermine Ghana’s young democracy and endanger future electoral processes,” the coalition warned, highlighting the urgency of securing the electoral environment in the country.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
