Tensions flared during the parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency on Friday, July 11, when a group of unidentified macho men stormed St. Peter’s polling centre, disrupting the process and creating chaos.
The New Patriotic Party’s candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, was severely assaulted, Channel One News’s Jude Duncan reported. Former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson was also assaulted by the Macho men who stormed the polling station.
Eyewitnesses reported that the men arrived in a coordinated manner, causing panic among voters and electoral officials. Their sudden presence led to confusion and a temporary halt in the voting process as security personnel moved in to restore order.
Despite the increased security deployment to maintain calm across the affected polling stations, the Police failed to maintain order.
The rerun, taking place in 19 polling stations, was organized by the EC to resolve a longstanding electoral dispute dating back to the December 7, 2024, general elections. The exercise aims to restore parliamentary representation to a constituency that has been without an MP since last year.
Meanwhile, political tensions remain high as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) officially boycotted the rerun, although its candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, defied the party’s directive and is actively participating in the contest.