The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has expressed grave concern over incidents of violence, intimidation, and vote buying during the Ablekuma North Constituency election rerun held on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Although CODEO did not deploy observers to the 19 polling stations involved, reports from traditional and social media highlighted significant lapses in security, including attacks on voters, journalists, and two female politicians.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Joseph Oti Frimpong, CODEO commended the Ghana Police Service for interdicting an officer allegedly involved in the assault of a journalist but urged swift investigations and prosecution of all perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.
The coalition also criticised inflammatory comments from leading members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), warning that such toxic political rhetoric undermines Ghana’s democratic development.
CODEO raised specific concerns about the role of security personnel during the violence—particularly at the St. Peter’s Society Polling Station in Odorkor—where thugs reportedly stormed the centre without resistance.
The group called on President John Mahama and the Police Council to institute an inquiry into the conduct of police officers involved and to take urgent steps to secure the integrity of future elections, including the upcoming by-election in Akwatia.
CODEO reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for electoral reforms that promote peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections in Ghana.
Source: AdomOnline
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