Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has reiterated government’s firm stance against political violence, assuring the public that those responsible for the violent disruptions during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun will face prosecution—regardless of political affiliation.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series at Jubilee House on Monday, July 14, Mr. Muntaka confirmed that video evidence of the incident had been submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for immediate investigation and action.
“I have spoken to the IGP firmly on all the happenings of Ablekuma North, and the videos have been forwarded to him,” he stated. “We’ve instructed him to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to book.”
The Minister underscored that the government will not tolerate vigilantism or shield any offenders. “We are not going to condone wrongdoing, whether it involves people from within our party or from outside,” he stressed, pointing to the government’s determination to uphold the rule of law under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.
The violence erupted on Friday, July 11, during a rerun of the parliamentary election in 19 polling stations across the constituency. The election was necessary after the results of the December 7, 2024, general election were nullified due to irregularities, including the destruction of collation documents.
For over six months, Ablekuma North had remained without representation in the 9th Parliament.
The chaos began when a group of unidentified men—described by eyewitnesses as well-built and aggressive—stormed the Odorkor Methodist Polling Centre, assaulting officials and disrupting the voting process.
Among the victims was former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
Security was quickly reinforced in the area, and the Electoral Commission resumed voting under tight police protection. The exercise concluded with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, narrowly defeating the New Patriotic Party’s Nana Akua Afriyie.
During his remarks, the Interior Minister also highlighted the provisions of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), reminding political actors and the general public of the legal consequences associated with political thuggery.
“It is a scar on all of our consciences that as a people who have practised democracy for over three decades, we still can’t hold elections without violence,” he lamented.
Mr. Muntaka praised top government officials, including Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, for swiftly condemning the violence, noting a shift from the silence that previously accompanied such incidents.
Addressing reports of an assault on a journalist covering the election, the Minister disclosed that the police officer involved had been identified and would be held accountable.
“We know where he is, we know where we can find him, and we can easily go after him,” he said. However, he acknowledged that some of the civilian perpetrators remain elusive. “Some of them vanish from the system, but we are committed to ensuring they are not beyond the reach of the law.”
Mr. Muntaka also appealed to the public to play a proactive role in preserving peace and order.
“We must all contribute our quota to ensuring that we live peacefully with one another—regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, or social status,” he urged.
The Government Accountability Series is a platform that allows ministers to update citizens on developments in their respective portfolios.
Mr. Muntaka used the occasion to reaffirm the Interior Ministry’s mandate to safeguard public safety, enforce the law, and maintain national peace and security.
