The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has raised serious concerns regarding the actions of the police and the overall effectiveness of law enforcement during the recent parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North on Friday, July 11, 2025.
The coalition warned that this situation represents a “clear and present danger” to the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
This statement comes in the wake of a disturbing incident at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling centre, where police officers reportedly remained inactive while unidentified macho men entered the premises to disrupt the voting process.
Among those caught in the chaos were former MP for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson, and the parliamentary candidate for the NPP, Nana Akua Afriyie.
Additionally, two journalists and the NPP’s deputy national organiser, Chris Lloyd Asamoah, were also victims of the attack by these assailants.
In a pointed statement issued on Monday, July 14, CODEO criticised the Ghana Police Service for their failure to protect voters, polling officials, and party representatives, despite a significant police presence in the area.
“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.
Furthermore, CODEO highlighted the alarming sight of unauthorised individuals, suspected to be political vigilantes, moving freely around polling centres, some even using unlicensed vehicles, which contributed to an environment of fear and intimidation.
Given the high-stakes nature of this election and its urban context, CODEO voiced that the situation is particularly worrying.
“This posture of the police was observed during the 2024 elections and transition,” CODEO recalled, warning that the continued “emasculation” of the Ghana Police Service could erode public confidence in democratic processes and threaten national security.
In response, CODEO is urging President John Mahama and the Police Council to utilise their powers under Article 202(2) of the 1992 Constitution for immediate intervention.
“This must be done urgently to ensure clear remedial actions are taken ahead of the upcoming bye-election in Akwatia,” CODEO stressed.
The coalition also called upon political parties, the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the judiciary to seriously consider these developments and take substantial steps to combat election violence, political vigilantism, and threats to the independence of law enforcement.
“The failure to act now could undermine Ghana’s young democracy and endanger future electoral processes,” the coalition concluded.