The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has issued a stern warning over what it describes as grave lapses in security and law enforcement during the July 11 parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North, stating that the events pose a “clear and present danger” to Ghana’s democracy.
In a statement released Monday, July 14, CODEO condemned the Ghana Police Service for what it called a failure to protect voters and polling officials, despite the presence of a heavy police contingent at polling centres.
The outcry follows a violent incident at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station, where police officers allegedly stood by as unidentified individuals stormed the centre, disrupted voting, and assaulted political figures.
Victims included former MP for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson; the NPP parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie; the NPP’s deputy national organiser, Chris Lloyd Asamoah; and two journalists covering the election. CODEO said these attacks occurred “in plain view” of law enforcement, without any meaningful intervention.
According to CODEO, unauthorised individuals suspected to be political vigilantes were seen loitering near polling centres, some in unlicensed vehicles, creating an atmosphere of intimidation.
The group described the situation as “especially troubling” given the urban nature of the constituency and the high-stakes contest involved.
“The security lapses observed during this election rerun—despite the visible police presence—raise very serious questions about the state of the Ghana Police Service,” the statement read.
The coalition called on President John Mahama and the Police Council to invoke their powers under Article 202(2) of the 1992 Constitution to take swift remedial action.
CODEO also urged all political actors, the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the judiciary to critically reflect on the incident.
“The failure to act now could undermine Ghana’s young democracy and endanger future electoral processes,” CODEO warned, adding that urgent reforms are needed ahead of the upcoming Akwatia bye-election.
