A viral video captured the disturbing scene showing the injured man bleeding profusely while being surrounded by concerned onlookers.

Witnesses suggest the altercation began when an alleged New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporter accused a National Democratic Congress (NDC) official of improperly relocating the voter register to an unauthorised area where voting was not taking place.

The attempt to resolve the issue quickly escalated into a physical scuffle.

Following the incident, the NPP supporter involved in the altercation was escorted to a nearby police station for questioning.

Odododiodio, historically a hotspot for election-related violence, has once again raised concerns about security during elections. Earlier in the day, reports emerged of faint ink on ballot papers, sparking fears of vote invalidation. The Electoral Commission (EC) responded swiftly, reassuring voters that all ballots would be accurately accounted for.

Electoral materials were observed being deployed from the Jamestown Police Station to various polling centers in the constituency.

At the City Engineers polling station, some voters have already taken their seats, eagerly waiting for the polls to officially open.

Other polling centers have also began recording turnouts, and others securing their slots with items.

The early turnout reflects the high stakes of this year’s elections, with citizens determined to make their voices heard.

Electoral Commission officials and security personnel are on the ground to ensure a smooth process.

The Odododiodio Constituency, known for its high voter engagement, is expected to witness brisk voting throughout the day.

In this regard, the election will come off as scheduled on Sunday, January 21.

The NDC indefinitely suspended the election after a disqualified aspirant, Michael Nii Yarboi Annan secured the injunction.

However, a statement signed by NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwettey, has assured all is set for the election.

The Functional Executive Committee of the NDC in November 2023 disqualified Mr Annan from contesting in the parliamentary election.

But the aspirant who is not pleased with the decision headed to court for an interlocutory injunction restraining the NDC from conducting the election until the issue is resolved.

ALSO READ:

• NDC postpones Odododiodio parliamentary election indefinitely

• Spio Garbrah eyes NDC running mate position

Below is the statement:

The frustration, he said stems from the challenges lawmakers are faced with in discharging their duties.

“I am leaving Parliament because I am frustrated. The political parties really do not protect the people they have in Parliament.

“You are subjected to so much pressure that, after a time, you lose interest because you don’t get the sort of environment to be able to harmonise the talents and competence you have,” he said in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM.

Aside from this, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmaker bemoaned the House is gradually losing prominent decision making figures.

“The attrition rate in Parliament is too high, and as such, people do not get the sort of experience they require to advance the work of Parliament. One of the gentlemen I admire so much since I entered that House in 2013 was Dr. Osei Assibey.

When I look at the work he does and how he comes out to analyse documents, I can see someone who spent time doing research to be able to ask the necessary questions. The late Dr. Akoto Osei was another when it came to drafting bills,” he stated.

According to him, Parliament requires expertise and experience, stating it was through that former Nadowli-Kaleo MP, Alban Bagbin, was able to ascend the seat as a Speaker in the eight parliament.

“Bagbin is succeeding as a Speaker because of the lengthy experience he has had as a member of parliament. If you look at his speakership, you will see some quality that is better than what we saw of other speakers who were not members of parliament, and it is clear for us to see.” he noted.

Nii Lante in October 2023 announced he will not be seeking re-election after three terms.

Three aspirants have so far filed their nominations to contest for the parliamentary slot and succeed him.

However, former NDC Greater Accra Chairman, Joseph Ade Coker, has warned the party risks losing the seat in 2024 if issues surrounding it parliamentary primary are not addressed.

ALSO READ:

• Nii Lantey Vanderpuye bows out of NDC’s Odododiodoo parliamentary race

• Nii Lantey Vanderpuye breaks silence on Ursula Owusu’s attack

According to Mr Laryea, he is poised to serve the people of his native land and meet their aspirations. 

Addressing the media after filing his nomination on Wednesday, October 11, the former lawmaker said he wants to develop the constituency.

He thus asked the delegates to vote for him in the elections scheduled for Tuesday, October 31. 

“With regard to my message to the delegates, my campaign was on three thematic areas which are education, empowerment of the youth and women and resourcing the party at the constituency level, and I have already started the implementation of some of these policies that I intend to introduce.”

“I believe that the good works that I have already started will speak for me on the 31st of October during the primaries. I am very positive that the delegates will give me the nod.”

Meanwhile, the incumbent MP for the constituency, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, will not return to Parliament after the expiration of his current term. 

Mr Vanderpuye did not file to contest in the primaries.

ALSO READ:

• Nii Lantey Vanderpuye bows out of NDC’s Odododiodoo parliamentary race

• You will be buried if… – Nii Lante to Koku Anyidoho

Mr Bannerman has officially submitted his nomination forms to compete in the NPP primary for the third consecutive time.

Speaking to the press following his nomination filing, Mr Bannerman confidently asserted that he possesses the substantial experience required to reclaim what he believes is a rightfully earned NPP seat for the party.

ALSO READ:

• KKD reacts to video of his son leading LGBTQ+ movement in UK
• KNUST student stabbed to death by friend over missing T-shirt
• Franklin Peters: Meet the father who embarked on the 10,000 km Accra to London journey in a Lexus with his son