The issue of election security dominated conversation during the Ablekuma North parliamentary re-run, as Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Hon. Samuel Awuku, called for calm while raising suspicions of misconduct by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Awuku emphasized that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is determined to adhere strictly to lawful conduct and avoid any disruptions that could jeopardize the credibility of the electoral process.
He explained that the party’s focus has been on self-restraint, even in the face of provocation. According to him, this is evident in the orderly behavior displayed by NPP agents and supporters across polling stations.
He stressed that those tasked with protecting the sanctity of the electoral process—the state and, by extension, the NDC government—must also be held accountable.
“Don’t let us believe the rumors we are hearing that the last few hours towards the end of polls will be when the violence will be at its peak. We’ve gone almost through half of the day, and we believe that it’s been relatively peaceful.
“But we do not trust the NDC in this process. Let me be very honest, I don’t trust them in this process. And that is why we are vigilant.”
Hon. Samuel Awuku
He pointed to the presence of known NDC operatives at the Methodist Church polling station as a cause for concern.
While acknowledging that the NPP could mobilize its own operatives in response, he maintained that the party had chosen instead to comply with electoral rules.
According to Awuku, the NPP will assist in providing additional support to ensure the safety and comfort of its members and candidates at polling stations.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to respecting the law and cooperating with law enforcement. “As citizens, we also will do our part,” he added.
NPP Urges Security Over NDC ‘Macho Men’
Meanwhile, the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, also raised concerns about election security.
She criticized what she described as the intimidating presence of NDC-aligned “macho men” at various locations, particularly around the Methodist Church polling station.
Her frustration arises from the location’s history as a flashpoint for violence, notably during the 2024 elections.
“But luckily, the police command has been able to deploy a lot of policemen here. But I feel with the Methodist Church polling station here, it’s not enough. And this is the same place the NDC constituency organizer tore the pink sheets and everything and burnt everything.”
Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie
Accordingly, she noted that the Methodist Church location requires more reinforcement to deter any repeat of past misconduct.
Despite the tensions on the ground, Afriyie expressed satisfaction with the level of voter engagement among supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
She reported that turnout had been encouraging throughout the day, with a steady stream of voters arriving at polling centers. “But they are trying to intimidate them.”
She also expressed optimism that the electoral process would ultimately be just and peaceful, crediting divine intervention. “But I know justice will prevail… God is alive. And God will never disgrace the widow.”
The events unfolding in Ablekuma North continue to reflect broader tensions between the country’s two main political parties.
While the police presence has helped to mitigate some of the tension, both NPP leaders and candidates are calling for heightened vigilance and impartial enforcement of election laws to protect voter integrity.
As voting proceeds and attention remains fixed on polling stations such as the one at the Methodist Church, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the process concludes peacefully or if lingering suspicions translate into actual conflict.
The outcome will serve as a significant test of Ghana’s election security framework, particularly in contentious constituencies.
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