The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly contested the Electoral Commission’s (EC) move to rerun 19 polling station elections in Ablekuma North, describing the decision as both “unlawful” and “disingenuous.”
This challenge, the party insisted, is based on existing court orders and previous collation exercises that, in its view, render the EC’s latest action unwarranted.
At a press conference in Accra, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua addressed the media, expressing the party’s disbelief over what he characterized as a sudden change in the EC’s stance.
He highlighted that during a meeting with the commission on July 1st, NPP representatives Evans Nimako and Ebenezer Nartey “vehemently opposed” the commission’s decision.
“It cannot be that after extensive discussion, the EC painted the picture as if the parties then agreed to their movement. The NPP reps at the meeting opposed the Electoral Commission’s position, and that was our position at the meeting.”
Justin Frimpong Kodua
He recalled that on January 4, 2025, the High Court in Accra ordered the EC to carry out its constitutional mandate and finalize polling station activities in four key constituencies—Ablekuma North, Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South.
Specifically, the EC was tasked with completing collation in 64 out of 281 polling stations in Ablekuma North, under security provided by the Inspector General of Police.
However, Kodua regrettably noted that the collation was not completed and attributed this to persistent interference, alleging that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) deliberately disrupted polling processes in the constituency on multiple occasions.
He referenced a January 17 press release from the Electoral Commission itself, which cited attacks on its premises and staff by alleged NDC supporters, led by their Greater Accra regional organiser.
The release stated that EC officials were forced to flee as the situation became increasingly dangerous.
He went further to name the NDC’s Ablekuma North polling station organiser, Adamu Musah Kalamu, as a “gang leader” responsible for some of these actions.
Kodua alleged that Kalamu had been “rewarded” with the role of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ablekuma North by President John Mahama, despite being rejected by assembly members in his confirmation process.
EC’s Ablekuma North Rerun, Unnecessary
The NPP’s central claim is that the Electoral Commission has already collated results from 59 of the 62 polling stations previously ordered by the court.
These exercises, which took place on December 12 and early January, were witnessed by representatives of both major political parties and EC officials. Kodua questioned why the EC would now claim that those results lacked verification.
“So, what is the EC telling us now? You come back to tell us that your presiding officers didn’t verify these cases. This is totally disingenuous and a mockery of our democracy.”
Justin Frimpong Kodua
According to the party, the only polling stations remaining to be collated are Pentecost Church (Penobua II), Light of Gospel Miracle Chapel (Penobua II), and Glory Land Hotel (Penobua IA).
However, the EC’s new letter identifies 19 polling stations for a rerun—a move the NPP noted contradicts its earlier statements and defies legal protocols.
The NPP further raised concerns over the credibility of the Electoral Commission’s list, pointing out that the Glory Land Hotel (Penobua IA) was conspicuously absent from the 19 polling stations identified for a rerun.
“Where is the Glory Land Hotel, Penobua, IA, if the polling station code is C-161205A? Because we all know that they have not collated the results in that polling station.”
Justin Frimpong Kodua
He argued that the EC’s justification for the rerun—allegedly due to unverified carbon copies—is a flawed premise. Of the three remaining stations identified by the court, only two are listed in the EC’s 19 polling stations now slated for rerun.
The exclusion of the third polling station, Glory Land Hotel, raises suspicions about the commission’s consistency and motives.
The NPP also stated that they wrote to the EC on June 3, 2025, seeking clarification and a plan to conclude the polling exercise.
The EC responded on June 11, affirming that only three polling stations were outstanding and that the delay was due to the need for police security.
Kodua emphasized that this official stance contradicts the latest announcement and must be clarified.
“The commission cannot change its position. We will now find out what has caused them to change their position. Has there been any compromise? Has there been any assurances from the government to the electoral commissioner that it is making a statement?”
Justin Frimpong Kodua
Kodua concluded by reaffirming the NPP’s position that the EC does not possess the legal mandate to initiate a rerun. Under Ghanaian law, only a competent court can order such an action. He maintained that the EC’s decision not only lacks legal grounding but also risks undermining democratic governance.
“Clearly, this number 19 police station by the EC is only an afterthought and is seen to be completely rejected. No law gives the EC the authority to order a rerun of the election.”
Justin Frimpong Kodua
With the Ablekuma North elections looming, the NPP’s strong resistance against the Electoral Commission’s actions in the constituency sets the stage for further legal and political battles, as questions mount over electoral transparency, institutional independence, and adherence to the rule of law.
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