The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has expressed deep concern over the conduct of security personnel and the general state of law enforcement during the parliamentary rerun held on Friday, July 11, 2025, in the Ablekuma North Constituency, warning that the situation poses a “clear and present danger” to Ghana’s democracy.
This follows a violent incident at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling centre, where police officers reportedly stood by as unidentified men stormed the venue and disrupted the voting process.
Among those assaulted during the disruption were former MP for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson, and the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Nana Akua Afriyie. Two journalists and the NPP’s deputy national organiser, Chris Lloyd Asamoah, were also attacked by the same group of assailants.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, July 14, CODEO condemned the Ghana Police Service for failing to protect voters, polling officials, and party agents, despite the heavy deployment of security personnel to 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.
CODEO further noted that unauthorised individuals, suspected to be political vigilantes, were seen moving freely in and around polling centres, some in unlicensed vehicles, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
The group described the situation as especially troubling given the high-stakes nature of the election and the urban setting in which it took place.
“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 threaten national security.
The coalition is therefore urging President John Mahama and the Police Council to invoke their powers under Article 202(2) of the 1992 Constitution to take immediate action.
“This must be done urgently to ensure clear remedial actions are taken ahead of the upcoming bye-election in Akwatia,” CODEO stressed.
Additionally, the coalition called on political parties, the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the judiciary to reflect on these developments and take concrete measures to tackle 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.