Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha GbandeDeputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has dismissed as “blatantly false” and “politically motivated” accusations by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who linked him to violent disturbances during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.
The rerun, held on Friday, July 11, descended into chaos when unidentified macho men stormed the St. Peter’s Polling Centre, physically attacking New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Nana Akua Afriyie, former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, and a journalist.
In a sharply worded press statement on Saturday, July 12, Gbande said he was “shocked” by Afenyo-Markin’s claims that he orchestrated or encouraged the violence.
He categorically denied any involvement, insisting he had no part in, nor any knowledge of, the incident.
“I unreservedly condemn every lawless act and urge the police to conduct full and impartial investigations,” Gbande stated.
He also called out Afenyo-Markin, accusing him of irresponsibility unbecoming of a legislator and a lawyer, describing his conduct as a “reckless disregard for truth and ethical standards.”
Gbande confirmed that he was indeed in the constituency, but only as part of the NDC’s regular election monitoring team. He stressed that he was not present at the polling station at the time of the incident involving Hawa Koomson.
He explained that he arrived at the scene later, only after being contacted, and helped facilitate her transportation to a medical facility.
While condemning the violence, Gbande also reaffirmed his belief in upholding Ghana’s democratic values, urging stakeholders to resist efforts to politicise electoral misconduct.
“I remain undeterred in my work and will continue to discharge my duties with honesty and conviction,” he concluded.
Gbande further disclosed that he has referred Afenyo-Markin’s allegations to his legal team for review, warning that the spread of falsehoods undermines Ghana’s democratic fabric.
“Disinformation and character assassination threaten the foundation of our democratic discourse,” he said, stressing the urgent need for political maturity anchored in “truth, accountability, and the rule of law.”
As investigations continue, Gbande expressed confidence in the Ghana Police Service to thoroughly probe the matter and hold the real perpetrators accountable.
