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The St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor, which is part of the Ablekuma North constituency, saw a dramatic increase in tensions when a group of unidentified “macho men” stormed the premises in a coordinated manner, arriving in a pickup truck with multiple motorbikes.
The assault caused panic among voters, electoral officials, and security forces. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers overpowered the security detail and attacked a number of political figures, including former MP and former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson.
Before officers intervened, she was reportedly stomped in the chest and groin area.
A female party agent and NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie were among the other victims; both were reportedly hurt in the chaos.
A thug pushed and slapped a JOYNEWS journalist later in the morning.
Voting was temporarily suspended in a number of polling places after officials failed to promptly restore order despite a more robust security presence.
Following a protracted standoff following the general elections on December 7, 2024, the Electoral Commission planned the rerun across 19 voting locations. However, the heightened tensions in the region have led to fresh criticism of the commission.
The attack’s motivation is yet unknown. Election watchdogs and civil society organizations are calling for accountability, and the Electoral Commission has announced investigations.
The assault of a GHOne TV journalist who was repeatedly smacked by an officer during the disturbance is also being looked into by police.
Since then, the officer has been submitted to the Police Professional Standards Bureau and placed under detention.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
