Ablekuma North Rerun Descends into Chaos as Hawa Koomson, Others Assaulted
A parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North turned violent on July 11, 2025, when a group of unidentified assailants stormed the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor, Greater Accra. The attackers, described as “macho men,” arrived in a coordinated manner with a pickup truck and several motorbikes, sowing panic among voters, electoral officials, and security personnel.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants overpowered security forces and targeted several political figures, including former Awutu Senya East MP and ex-Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson. Disturbing video footage captured Koomson being knocked to the ground and allegedly stomped on before police intervened. Other victims included NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie and a female party agent, both of whom sustained injuries, with reports of facial swelling. A GHOne TV journalist and a JoyNews reporter were also assaulted during the chaos, with the latter slapped and pushed by a thug.
The violence temporarily halted voting at the polling station, one of 19 in the constituency where the rerun was ordered by the Electoral Commission (EC) to resolve disputes from the December 7, 2024, general elections. Despite enhanced security measures, authorities struggled to restore order immediately. The Ghana Police Service has since deployed additional personnel, and investigations into the attacks, including those on journalists, are underway. Two individuals posing as security personnel were arrested near the Awoshie DVLA polling station, according to Graphic Online.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with conflicting accounts emerging. Some reports suggest Koomson’s refusal to leave the polling station after being instructed by police may have escalated tensions, while others, including NDC’s Rashid Tanko-Computer, criticized her conduct as provocative. The EC faces mounting criticism over its handling of the rerun, with civil society groups and electoral watchdogs calling for accountability to prevent further violence.
