Busia Institute condemns violence in Ablekuma North Parliamentary rerun

The Busia Institute for Rural and Democratic Development (BIRDD) has expressed concern over the violence that marred the recent rerun of 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency in the Greater Accra Region. 

In a statement signed and issued last Monday by its Executive Director, Anane Agyei, the BIRDD said the incident casts a dark shadow over the country's democratic credentials and erodes public trust in institutions.

“Such impunity not only weakens the legitimacy of our electoral processes but also threatens Ghana's hard-won international reputation as a beacon of democratic stability in Africa,” it said.

It also condemned the acts of violence and lawlessness that were recorded during the election.

“When elections are tainted by violence, they cease to be democratic exercises—they become battlegrounds,” it said.

Swift action

The Busia Institute therefore called on the Inspector General of Police, the Electoral Commission and all relevant security agencies to take swift and impartial action to bring the individuals responsible to book without delay.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of these heinous acts, and we commend the courage of journalists who continued their duties under perilous conditions,” it said.

It urged the government, civil society and the donor community to invest in preventive peacebuilding and civic education, particularly in electoral hotspots.

These proactive measures, the Busia Institute said, are critical to averting violence in future elections, adding that failure to act decisively now risks reversing the country’s democratic gains and dragging the nation into an avoidable crisis.