The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has issued a strong condemnation of widespread acts of violence, intimidation, vote buying, and serious security failures that marred the Ablekuma North Constituency election rerun held on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Joseph Oti Frimpong, the Coordinator of the CODEO Secretariat, expressed grave concern over what it described as incidences of vote buying, serious lapses in security, intimidation, and violence.”
“Although the Coalition did not deploy observers to any of the 19 polling stations, our keen observation of proceedings through reports on traditional and social media revealed that while election officials and logistics were duly present, and the commencement of polls was timely, the voting process was marred by incidences of vote buying, serious lapses in security, intimidation and violence at some polling stations.”
Joseph Oti Frimpong, the Coordinator of the CODEO Secretariat
For Joseph Oti Frimpong of particular concern was the targeting of poll workers, voters, journalists, and two female politicians, some of whom were reportedly assaulted at polling stations.
The Coalition condemned the incidence of violence and intimidation against poll workers, voters, journalists and two female politicians.
While acknowledging the Ghana Police Service for quickly interdicting the officer allegedly involved in the assault of a journalist, CODEO called for the arrest and swift prosecution of all those involved in the violent acts.
The Coalition urged the public and media houses that captured evidence of the violence to share these materials with the police to aid investigations.
Inflammatory Rhetoric
Beyond the physical violence, CODEO also criticised the inflammatory rhetoric of senior members of the two dominant political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in the wake of the incidents.
According to the Coalition, such provocative statements reflect a broader unwillingness by political actors to learn from the damaging effects of electoral violence in the Fourth Republic.
“This behaviour is even more egregious given that the country is recovering from a difficult 2024 elections and transition, partly marred by electoral violence. This toxic political culture must be stamped out of competitive politics, otherwise it will one day overwhelm all of us and destabilize Ghana’s young democracy.”
Joseph Oti Frimpong, the Coordinator of the CODEO Secretariat
The Coalition further raised red flags about the performance of the Ghana Police Service during the rerun.
Despite the heavy deployment of officers, CODEO said there were glaring security gaps that emboldened thugs and unauthorised individuals—some appearing to be political vigilantes—to infiltrate polling stations, some in unlicensed vehicles, and disrupt proceedings without intervention.
In a particularly alarming account, CODEO revealed that at St. Peter’s Society Polling Station in Odokor, police officers reportedly stood aside as a group of thugs forced their way into the premises and physically attacked party agents and two female politicians.
CODEO described this inaction by the police as a continuation of troubling patterns seen during the 2024 elections and warned that such posturing signals the weakening of law enforcement in Ghana’s democratic process.
“The emasculation of the Police Service is a clear and present danger that must be fully addressed by all stakeholders”.
Joseph Oti Frimpong, the Coordinator of the CODEO Secretariat
Call for Action
To this end, the Coalition called on President John Mahama and the Police Council to exercise their constitutional authority under Article 202(2) to direct the Inspector General of Police to institute a formal inquiry into the conduct of officers during the Ablekuma North rerun.
CODEO emphasised that this investigation must be thorough and prompt, with clear remedial actions implemented ahead of the upcoming bye-election in Akwatia.
In its concluding remarks, CODEO urged all election stakeholders—the Electoral Commission, political parties, security agencies, and the judiciary—to reflect critically on the Ablekuma North incidents and work collaboratively toward lasting reforms.
The Coalition emphasised the need to combat election-related violence, dismantle political vigilantism, and restore the independence and professionalism of the Ghana Police Service.
“CODEO will also continue to monitor the elections space, contribute to constructive discourse and advocate for electoral standards that ensure a peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections”.
Joseph Oti Frimpong, the Coordinator of the CODEO Secretariat
Founded in 2000 under the auspices of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), CODEO is the country’s largest and most credible domestic election observation body.
Comprising 41 member organisations from civil society, religious groups, and professional bodies, CODEO remains a vital watchdog and advocate for democratic integrity in Ghana.
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