On January 17, 2025, the Electoral Commission of Ghana, through a press statement signed by Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations, provided an update on the collation of polling station results for the Ablekuma North Constituency.
The statement detailed the series of events that led to delays in finalizing the results for the constituency, citing security concerns and disruptions caused by party supporters. The press release began by referencing the High Court’s directive issued on January 4, 2025.
“The order of the High Court mandated the Ghana Police Service to provide the Electoral Commission security to conduct the collation of Polling Station results for the outstanding Constituencies.”
Electoral Commission
The initial collation process for Ablekuma North commenced on January 8, 2025, at the Commission’s old head office. However, the exercise could not be completed as results from three out of the 281 polling stations were still outstanding. After the incomplete collation on January 8, the Commission scheduled the continuation of the exercise for January 17, 2025, at 8:00 am.
The Commission formally wrote to the Ghana Police Service requesting security for the continuation of the collation process.
“On the day the collation was expected to take place, the Commission was alerted by the Police that per the intelligence available to them the exercise should be put on hold.’’
Electoral Commission
Despite the advisory from the police, there was no augmented security presence at the old head office, which left the premises vulnerable to disruptions. Supporters of a political party invaded the Commission’s old head office, leading to the destruction of property, including furniture and louver blades. The supporters, who were on motorcycles, also stormed the new corporate head office, issuing threats.
“The environment had become unsafe as a result of the invasion, instilling fear in the staff and causing all staff members to flee.’’
Electoral Commission
Identification of Perpetrators and Police Intervention
The Electoral Commission identified the perpetrators as supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by the party’s Greater Accra Regional Organizer.
Furthermore, the statement noted the presence of two men in military uniforms, who were part of the group that invaded the premises.
“We call on the Police to swiftly bring the perpetrators to book by identifying, arresting and prosecuting them. Video footages are available showing the faces of the perpetrators of these heinous acts.’’
“We call on the Government to engage the Ghana Police Service to ensure that the Commission is provided adequate security to enable us to go to the Office and carry out our functions in a safe and secure environment.’’
Electoral Commission
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission assured the public of its commitment to finalizing the collation of results for Ablekuma North and ensuring that the constituency is duly represented in Parliament. The Commission also reiterated its need for cooperation from the police to achieve this objective.
This press release underscores the challenges faced by the Electoral Commission in its efforts to uphold electoral integrity in the face of security threats and disruptions.
The Commission’s call for swift police action and government intervention highlights the critical need for a safe and secure environment to complete the collation process for the Ablekuma North Constituency.
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