Hawa Koomson Assaulted During Ablekuma North Re-Run

Tensions flared dangerously at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor—part of the Ablekuma North constituency during today’s parliamentary re-run, as chaos broke out following a violent invasion by a group of unidentified men.

Eyewitnesses described the attackers, often referred to locally as “macho men,” arriving in a coordinated fashion aboard a pickup truck and multiple motorbikes, striking fear into voters, election officials, and even security personnel.

Among those reportedly assaulted was Mavis Hawa Koomson, former Member of Parliament and former Fisheries Minister. Shocking video footage circulating online shows her being forced to the ground, where she was allegedly stomped in the chest and groin before police officers intervened.

The violence did not stop there. NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie and a female party agent were also injured in the melee. In a separate incident, a JOYNEWS journalist was slapped and shoved by an individual believed to be part of the disruptive group.

Despite an increased security presence, order could not be immediately restored. Voting had to be temporarily suspended at several polling centers across the constituency as a result of the mayhem.

The Electoral Commission, which organized today’s re-run in 19 polling stations due to unresolved issues from the December 7, 2024 general elections, now faces renewed scrutiny over its handling of electoral security.

Meanwhile, civil society organizations and election watchdogs have condemned the violence and are calling for swift investigations and accountability.

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed it is also probing a disturbing case involving a GHOne TV journalist, who was reportedly slapped multiple times by a uniformed officer during the commotion.

As investigations continue, the incident has cast a shadow over the re-run process, raising critical concerns about voter safety, press freedom, and the overall integrity of Ghana’s electoral environment.

Hon. Hawa Koomson, former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, attacked and pushed to the ground by unidentified men at a polling station in the Ablekuma North Constituency during the ongoing parliamentary rerun elections. pic.twitter.com/Z080k1sTHx

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) July 11, 2025

Source: GhOneTV