NPP’s Chris Asamoah Beaten at Ablekuma North Polling Station During Rerun

Brutal Assault on NPP Deputy National Organiser Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah at Odorkor’s St. Peter’s Polling Station During Parliamentary Rerun

In a disturbing turn of events that has shaken Ghana’s political landscape, Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, the Deputy National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was violently attacked during a parliamentary rerun at St. Peter’s Polling Station in Odorkor. This polling station is located within the Ablekuma North constituency in the Greater Accra Region. The incident, which occurred on Friday during a crucial parliamentary rerun across 19 polling stations, has sparked national outrage and calls for immediate investigation and justice.

Chaos Erupts During Parliamentary Rerun in Ablekuma North
The rerun was scheduled to ensure the credibility and fairness of the electoral process following disputes in earlier voting rounds. However, what was intended to be a peaceful and democratic exercise turned chaotic when a group of unidentified individuals stormed the polling station. Eyewitnesses reported that these individuals appeared to be deliberately targeting people believed to be associated with the New Patriotic Party.

According to reports and eyewitness accounts, the situation rapidly escalated into violence. The attackers launched a brutal assault on several NPP members and supporters, with Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah being the most high-profile victim. His violent beating was captured on video and has since gone viral on various social media platforms, triggering public condemnation and raising serious concerns about election security and political intolerance in Ghana.

Viral Video Shows Brutal Assault on NPP’s Chris Asamoah
The viral video circulating online paints a harrowing picture of the violence. In the footage, Mr. Asamoah is seen trying to escape the onslaught. Unfortunately, he is quickly overpowered by a group of assailants who pin him to the ground and subject him to a series of vicious punches and kicks. The video has not only outraged Ghanaians across the political divide but has also raised red flags within the international community regarding the safety of political figures and the sanctity of electoral processes in Ghana.

The attackers, who some eyewitnesses allege are affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), fled the scene before security forces could intervene. However, no arrests had been confirmed at the time of this report, and police investigations are said to be underway.

Other Political Figures Also Targeted
Chris Asamoah was not the only political figure targeted during the unrest. NPP parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Nana Akua Afriyie, also faced intimidation and physical threats during the melee. Former Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, who was present at the scene in support of her party, was likewise caught up in the chaos. Though not physically assaulted to the extent Mr. Asamoah was, their presence became flashpoints for further tension among the agitated crowd.

Disruption of Voting and Its Implications
The violent outbreak at St. Peter’s Polling Station caused a temporary halt to the voting process, leading to widespread confusion and fear among voters and election officials. Several constituents reportedly left the polling station without casting their ballots due to concerns over their personal safety. Electoral Commission officials were forced to suspend operations until calm could be restored, potentially affecting voter turnout and the overall integrity of the rerun results.

Political analysts have warned that such incidents could undermine public trust in Ghana’s electoral process. With Ghana widely regarded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, the events at Odorkor threaten to tarnish this image and raise questions about election preparedness and the role of security forces in safeguarding democratic institutions.

Calls for Investigation and Accountability
In the aftermath of the attack, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party has called on the Ghana Police Service and other relevant authorities to launch a swift and thorough investigation into the incident. The party insists that those responsible for the violence must be held accountable to prevent a recurrence and to uphold the rule of law.

Party officials have also appealed to the Electoral Commission and election observers to take note of the incident and ensure that such occurrences are addressed through systemic reforms and improved security protocols during elections.

Human rights organizations, civil society groups, and members of the general public have also voiced their concerns. Many have condemned the political violence and called for peaceful dialogue and mutual respect among Ghana’s political parties ahead of the 2024 general elections.

A Wake-Up Call for Ghana’s Electoral System
The brutal assault on Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace during election periods, even in relatively stable democracies like Ghana. As the country gears up for its next general elections, the government, political parties, and security agencies must work collaboratively to ensure that all citizens—regardless of their political affiliation—can participate in the democratic process without fear of violence or intimidation.

The events in Odorkor must not be allowed to fade from the public discourse. Instead, they should serve as a catalyst for robust reforms and a renewed commitment to protecting Ghana’s democratic gains. The nation—and the world—will be watching closely to see how the authorities respond to this serious breach of peace and democratic order.