Ghana’s image as a peaceful, democratic state has once again come under sharp scrutiny following the disgraceful and violent scenes that characterised the Ablekuma rerun elections. What was supposed to be a simple democratic exercise turned into a battleground of chaos, fear, and intimidation, leaving many Ghanaians disillusioned and the country’s democratic integrity badly bruised with savage and chaotic scenes of brutality.
It is absolutely unacceptable that in 2025, a nation globally hailed for its democratic credentials cannot conduct a simple rerun election without violence and controversy. What transpired in Ablekuma today is a stark reminder that our democracy is under siege, not by foreign invaders, but by our own political class, who have consistently undermined the sanctity of the electoral process with impunity.
Let no one play any game of political equalisation and say similar incidents transpired under the previous government and nothing happened. It’s true that if you forgive a murderer, you are encouraging murder. That’s why all those behind this disgraceful act must be brought to book, regardless of their political affiliations. Ghana cannot afford to continuously reward impunity with silence or partisan defence. The law must take its full course, no matter who is involved.
The president’s directive to investigate previous election-related violence must now be extended to the events of today. State security agencies and constitutionally mandated institutions like the Electoral Commission must be allowed to function independently and without political interference. Our democracy cannot thrive if politicians continue to pull the strings behind closed doors, manipulating institutions that are supposed to serve all Ghanaians equally.
The scenes from Ablekuma, brutality, intimidation, and blatant disregard for electoral procedures, were not only embarrassing but dangerous. There is no doubt that many eligible voters were disenfranchised due to the chaotic environment. Voter apathy, already on the rise, will only worsen if people begin to associate elections with threats to their lives and safety.
What message are we sending to the international community and future generations when a simple rerun becomes a blood-stained affair? Ghana deserves better. Our people deserve better. We cannot continue to recycle the same electoral violence and expect a different outcome. The time for rhetorical condemnations is over. We need firm punitive action against all those who orchestrated or participated in this disgrace.
If today’s rerun of a single constituency election could descend into such lawlessness, one shudders to think of what awaits us in the 2028 general elections. Are we breeding a generation that fears the ballot box more than the bullet?
The incident at Ablekuma must be condemned unequivocally by all well-meaning Ghanaians, civil society organisations, and the international community. We must call for swift and independent investigations, and more importantly, ensure justice is served to restore confidence in our electoral system.
Democracy is not just about casting votes; it is about peace, fairness, and trust. Ablekuma has shown us that we are rapidly losing all three.
Ghanaians are watching!!!
FAB’s Gist
