Former Vice President Bawumia
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on President John Dramani Mahama and the current NDC administration to take swift and decisive action against those responsible for the violent disturbances that disrupted the parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North on Friday, July 11.
The call comes in response to a chaotic incident at the St. Peter’s Polling Station, where a group of unidentified men believed to be hired thugs stormed the area, disrupting the voting process. The attackers allegedly assaulted NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie and former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson.
Speaking shortly after the incident, Dr. Bawumia expressed outrage and demanded accountability from the government.
“What we have to be clear about is that the people who have perpetrated these acts have been caught on video. I call on the president to take action and all the people in charge of this country, the administration, to take action to bring the perpetrators to book. This is the only way we can deter this in future,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia further warned that if the current administration fails to act, the NPP will ensure justice is served.
“We have seen them. And let me assure you, if they are not held accountable, we will not forget. Justice will be served, no matter how long it takes.”
The Electoral Commission has yet to comment on the disruptions at the polling station.
The former Vice President said that the perpetrators will be punished if nothing is done by the Mahama government.
“We have seen them, and let me assure you that should they not be brought to book, we will not forget. They will be brought to book no matter how long it takes. We will not forget what has happened.”
The incident, which led to a temporary suspension of voting at the polling station, caused panic among voters and election officials. Despite increased security deployment, law enforcement was unable to prevent the violence or immediately control the situation.
The Electoral Commission organised the rerun in 19 polling stations following unresolved disputes stemming from the December 7, 2024, general election. The constituency has been without parliamentary representation since then.
The NPP officially boycotted the rerun; however, Nana Akua Afriyie defied the party’s directive and is participating in the race.
Her decision has heightened tensions in the area, making Friday’s violence all the more politically charged.