The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has condemned acts of violence, vote-buying, and intimidation that marred the rerun parliamentary election in the Ablekuma North Constituency, calling for immediate investigations and accountability.
Although CODEO did not deploy observers to any of the 19 polling stations during the July 11, 2025, election, it monitored the process through media reports and accounts from stakeholders.
The coalition noted that, while polling materials and officials were in place and voting commenced on time, the exercise was severely undermined.
“The voting process was marred by incidents of vote-buying, serious lapses in security, intimidation, and violence at some polling stations,” CODEO stated in a press release issued on Monday, July 14.
Attacks on Election Officials, Journalists, and Politicians
CODEO condemned reported assaults on election workers, journalists, and two female political figures during the rerun exercise.
“The Coalition condemns the incidence of violence and intimidation against poll workers, voters, journalists, and two female politicians,” the statement read.
While commending the Ghana Police Service for promptly interdicting an officer accused of assaulting a journalist, CODEO called for further action.
“The Coalition urges the police to move with alacrity to apprehend and prosecute all persons involved in the acts of violence.”
Political Party Actors Criticised
CODEO criticised the conduct of members from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing their actions as reckless and detrimental to Ghana’s democratic progress.
“It is clear that political party actors are unwilling to learn from the many years of election-related violence and the numerous victims it has produced in the Fourth Republic,” the statement said.
The coalition also condemned the use of “incendiary and provocative language” by political operatives, warning that this feeds into a dangerous culture of impunity.
Police Conduct Under Scrutiny
One of CODEO’s gravest concerns centred on the role of security forces in the incidents.
“The most worrying observation was the actions of police officers guarding the gate to the St. Peter’s Society Polling Station in Odokor, who basically stepped aside as thugs forced their way into the polling station to assault agents and two politicians,” the Coalition stated.
CODEO urged President John Mahama and the Police Council to invoke their constitutional authority under Article 202(2) to launch an official inquiry into the police’s handling of election security during the rerun.
“The emasculation of the Police Service is a clear and present danger that must be fully addressed by all stakeholders,” CODEO warned, especially with another by-election in Akwatia on the horizon.
A Call for National Reflection and Reform
In its conclusion, the coalition called for broad-based reflection and decisive reforms.
“We call on all stakeholders, particularly political actors, security agencies, the Electoral Commission, and the judiciary, to reflect on these developments, implement the necessary reforms, and take decisive action to address the problems of election violence, political vigilantism, and the independence of the Ghana Police Service.”
CODEO’s statement serves as a sobering reminder of the risks posed to Ghana’s democracy if election-related violence and lawlessness are not promptly and decisively addressed.