The Ablekuma North violence continues to dominate Ghana’s political and security discourse as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised sharp concerns about how justice is being handled in the aftermath of the clashes.
The party’s National Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for swiftly investigating and prosecuting some suspects, but insisted that more accountability is needed.
“I have sighted a press release by the regional public affairs unit of the Ghana police service to the effect that some eight(8) persons have been convicted after pleading guilty to their involvement in the Ablekuma North election violence.”
Henry Nana Boakye
Boakye noted that the arrests followed direct calls by the NPP to the IGP, urging that those responsible for the disturbances—allegedly involving members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)—be prosecuted without delay.
Although he welcomed the swift prosecutions, Boakye expressed strong concern over the decision to grant bail to the convicted individuals.
He argued that allowing self-confessed offenders temporary freedom before sentencing set a troubling precedent, especially when compared to the continued detention of journalists, social media users, and other citizens who remain in remand despite being presumed innocent.
He further argued that the violence had involved far more than the eight persons convicted so far.
“However, videos available show that about twenty(20) persons were involved in the regrettable violence during the Ablekuma North Elections, and we expect investigations to continue and all of them brought to face justice.”
Henry Nana Boakye
Boakye’s remarks reflect a wider frustration within the NPP over what they see as selective justice.
The issue also sparked broader concerns among Ghanaians who are questioning how the justice system balances fairness with the need to protect citizens from politically motivated violence.
Meanwhile, the Accra Regional Police Command has confirmed the names of the accused persons: Mohammed Abubakari, 32, a Private Security Officer; Tijani Mahamudu, 38, a Driver; Prince Dzakpasu, 39, a Businessman; Anas Mohammed, 42, an Estate Developer; Mohammed Hamda, 35, a Mechanic; Darko Otibu Samuel, 33, a Businessman; Musah Muntari, 46, a Station Manager; and Ali Saeed alias Bomba, 43, a Businessman.
“All eight accused persons pleaded guilty to charges of Conspiracy to Commit Crime, to wit: Assault, and Assault contrary to Sections 23(1) and 84 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The case has been adjourned to 29th August 2025, and each accused person was granted bail in the sum of GHC80,000.00 with one surety.”
Accra Regional Police Command
Military Presence In Akwatia Amid Ablekuma North Violence Saga
Turning his attention to the Akwatia by-election, Nana Boakye reiterated his confidence in the IGP’s earlier assurance that the police would handle security independently without military support.
“The IGP gave a firm commitment that 5,000 police personnel would be deployed for the Akwatia elections and that the police would not need the presence or the intervention of the military in the Akwatia by-elections.
“Regrettably, we have sighted military presence in and around Akwatia from Sunday 24th August till today 27th August.”
Henry Nana Boakye
Boakye stressed that safeguarding elections falls under the constitutional mandate of the police and urged the service to remain resolute in carrying out this duty.
He cautioned that bringing in the military could further inflame an already tense situation, insisting that the police must take full charge of maintaining peace and order in the Akwatia polls.
The NPP leader highlighted Ghana’s recent decline in the 2025 Global Peace Index, noting that the country’s slip by six places was a troubling sign.
He cautioned that any additional unrest, “especially one sponsored by the ruling government,” could further damage Ghana’s reputation for stability.
His statement reflects growing fears that political violence, if not checked, could damage Ghana’s democratic reputation and economic stability.
Analysts note that Ghana’s image as a beacon of democracy in West Africa is closely tied to its ability to conduct peaceful, transparent elections.
As the Akwatia by-election approaches, both parties are under scrutiny not just from voters but from civil society groups, international observers, and the general public.
The Ablekuma North violence has already cast a shadow over the political season, and how authorities handle both the prosecutions and security arrangements in Akwatia could determine the credibility of the polls.
For now, the NPP is calling for justice to be fully served in the Ablekuma North case and for the military to stay clear of Akwatia.
The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its readiness to maintain law and order, but questions remain about whether political actors will allow them to do so without interference.
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