A member of the NDC Legal and Communications Team, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, has criticised the Ghana Police Service for its handling of the violent incidents that marred the parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency, saying the security agency has serious questions to answer.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, July 14, Adawudu condemned both the chaotic scenes at polling centres and the conduct of some police officers, including the assault on a journalist.
“For me, the police have questions to answer, especially when even a senior police officer had to slap people. I think that the police need to up their game,” he stated.
His remarks follow violent scenes during the rerun held on Friday, July 11, at various polling centres, including St. Peter’s Methodist Church and North Odorkor Polling Station 2.
At the St. Peter’s Methodist Church, a group of unidentified macho men stormed the voting centre, disrupting the process and assaulting political figures, including NPP parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie and former Fisheries Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in a highly coordinated fashion, causing panic among voters and leading to a temporary suspension of the exercise. Security personnel intervened to restore calm and resume the voting process.
However, the Police Service is being blamed for failing to effectively manage the situation.
Adding to the concerns about security lapses, a police officer reportedly assaulted a GHOne TV journalist at the North Odorkor Church of Pentecost Polling Station 2.
According to Citi News’ Fauzu Masawudu, the incident occurred when the journalist, Agyekum Banahene, attempted to access the inner perimeter to cover the elections.
Banahene explained that the officer ordered him to leave, despite other journalists being present. When he refused, citing his journalistic duty, the officer allegedly slapped him.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the media and civil society actors, who argue that the safety of journalists and adherence to press freedom were compromised.
