Supporters aligned with various parties are sharing disturbing accounts from the ongoing parliamentary rerun election in the Ablekuma North Constituency. The election, expected to involve approximately 6,000 eligible voters, is being contested between Awurabena Aubyn and Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie.

Tensions have escalated, raising concerns that the violence and unrest could significantly impact voter turnout.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused alleged hoodlums linked to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of violent conduct. In response, the NDC claims that Hon. Hawa Koomson, the former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, was physically assaulted and pushed to the ground by unidentified men at a polling station.

Unconfirmed reports also indicate that unidentified individuals attacked security personnel, the NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and Hawa Koomson at the St. Peter’s polling station. Chaos ensued as these unidentified assailants disrupted the process at the Ablekuma North rerun centre.

Electoral Commission (EC) officials are preparing to resume voting at the Odorkor Methodist polling station after a temporary halt. Although voter turnout is currently low, historical trends show that many voters typically arrive around 3:00 PM. Voting is scheduled to close at 5:00 PM.

A journalist from EIB Network was reportedly assaulted by a police officer. The journalist is said to be experiencing severe pain in his left eye after being slapped. The police inspector responsible has since been interdicted.

Voting has resumed but is characterized by disorder, including stampedes, pushing, and shouting.

NPP candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, accompanied by other party leaders, has visited the polling centres and addressed the media. She stated that nearly all 19 polling stations are experiencing chaos due to the presence of political thugs. She urged her supporters to remain calm and turn out in large numbers to vote.

Dennis Miracle, Director of Elections for the NPP, asserted that despite the brutal assaults on some of their polling agents, the party remains resolute. He called for the police to strengthen security efforts immediately, citing a highly volatile environment on the ground.

Footage circulating on social media appears to show a woman believed to be Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie spraying what is suspected to be pepper spray at one of her alleged attackers.

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Observers and civil society organizations have condemned all forms of electoral violence, especially the activities of vigilante groups referred to as the "blue and green armies," which are reportedly associated with the NPP and NDC respectively.

There is a strong call from the public and stakeholders to end political thuggery and ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process. The situation continues to unfold, and many are watching closely for further developments.