Mampong Constituency Secretary Alhaji Malik Adjei has outlined tensions that characterised the polling station elections in the constituency in the Ashanti Region. He explained that the exercise was initially structured to proceed in an orderly manner following engagements with security authorities and party stakeholders.
According to him, the regional, municipal and divisional police leadership held meetings with competing factions ahead of the elections. He stated that the engagements were aimed at agreeing on procedures to ensure transparency and minimise misunderstandings among the various groups involved.
He indicated that the constituency elections committee, together with a regional representative, convened a joint session with all stakeholders to finalise operational guidelines for the process. From his account, the meeting brought together representatives of all factions to establish a common framework for the conduct of the polls.
Alhaji Adjei explained that it was agreed that voter registers generated from the party’s management system would be distributed to polling station executives. He noted that this measure was intended to allow eligible voters to verify their details ahead of voting.
On missing names, he stated that consensus was reached that eligible voters would not be excluded due to discrepancies in the register. He said affected individuals were to be manually captured at polling stations.
“In fact, the understanding was that every person who had filed nominations and qualified for the process should be given a fair opportunity to participate in a transparent election without any form of exclusion or obstruction.”
Alhaji Malik Adjei
He added that all complaints arising from the process were to be directed through a designated committee for resolution. According to him, this arrangement was designed to ensure orderly handling of disputes and to protect the integrity of the exercise.
Alhaji Adjei further noted that ten election committees were constituted to supervise the polling station elections across the constituency. He explained that each committee comprised at least three members, with police personnel deployed to provide security support.
He indicated that constituency officers were assigned alongside the committees to oversee proceedings at designated polling stations. From his explanation, the structure was intended to ensure balanced supervision while adhering to electoral coverage guidelines.
On concerns raised during the exercise, he stated that the constituency elections committee, the regional representative and other stakeholders have identified alleged breaches of agreed procedures. He noted that a formal report has been subsequently submitted to the regional steering committee for further consideration.
Alhaji Adjei said the process began on a calm note before disruptions emerged at several polling centres. He explained that the first incident occurred at T. I. Ahmadiyya Junior High School, where electoral materials were allegedly taken during a confrontation involving some individuals.
He stated that groups moved between polling stations, disrupting proceedings and affecting the conduct of the elections. According to him, the situation escalated to the extent that security personnel deployed at various locations faced resistance while attempting to restore order.
He added that the disruptions spread to several other centres, significantly affecting the completion of the exercise and these incidents led to the suspension of activities at multiple polling stations pending further directives.
Security Intervention And Party Disputes Influence Electoral Tensions In Mampong
Alhaji Malik Adjei indicated that the structure was established to supervise proceedings and ensure compliance with agreed electoral guidelines.
He explained that multiple committees were deployed with representation from party officials and security personnel. According to him, each team was assigned specific polling stations to maintain order and accountability.
He noted that the arrangement involved structured deployment to ensure full coverage of polling stations without exceeding prescribed limits. He added that oversight responsibilities were distributed to prevent concentration of authority within a single group.
He stated that early progress gave way to disruptions that affected several centres during voting. From his account, incidents intensified when groups allegedly moved between polling stations interfering with electoral materials and processes.
He indicated that security personnel encountered resistance while attempting to restore order at affected locations. In his description, the situation created operational difficulties for both police officers and election supervisors on the ground.
Reports from affected areas suggested that some individuals moved between stations with the intention of disrupting proceedings. Allegations also emerged regarding the involvement of unidentified groups in the disturbances.
Alhaji Adjei stated that the pattern of disruption necessitated calls for a detailed investigation into the conduct of the exercise. He added that concerns were formally submitted to regional authorities responsible for overseeing the electoral process.
He further noted that stakeholders expect he regional leadership to provide direction on the next steps following the partial suspension of activities. According to him, restoring confidence in the process remains central to resolving the dispute.
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