Hawa Koomson, NPP Candidate Attacked in Ablekuma North Rerun Chaos

Former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, was among several individuals attacked during violent scenes that marred the parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency on Friday, July 11, 2025.

The incident occurred at the St. Peter’s polling station, one of 19 centres involved in the rerun ordered by the Electoral Commission (EC) following disputes over the December 7, 2024, general elections.

According to reports by Accra-based media outlet Channel One News’ reporter Jude Duncan, a group of unidentified “macho men” stormed the polling centre in a coordinated manner, unleashing chaos that saw New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie and a female party agent brutally assaulted. Both sustained visible facial injuries.

Eyewitnesses described the attackers’ arrival as calculated and intimidating, causing panic among voters and temporarily halting the voting process. The situation prompted swift intervention by security personnel to restore order and resume voting.

The NPP’s candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, who defied her party’s official boycott of the rerun, remained determined to participate in the contest, insisting she won the original election and intended to prove it at the polls.

Former Minister Hawa Koomson, who had come to support Afriyie, was also caught in the melee. Her presence at the station coincided with the attack, sparking widespread condemnation across political and media circles.

Despite the tension and physical confrontations, electoral officials pushed forward with the rerun, aiming to bring closure to the months-long representation vacuum in the constituency.

The violent incident has deepened concerns about political violence and security in Ghana’s electoral processes, especially as the nation continues to wrestle with post-election grievances and tensions.

Authorities have yet to identify or arrest the assailants, though investigations are reportedly underway. Political observers and civil society groups are calling for swift justice and enhanced protection for candidates and voters alike.