Violence threatens run-off presidential elections

Barely ninety minutes after the run-off presidential elections began between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), reports of some violence have began tickling in. At the Ablekuma North constituency in the Greater Accra Region, armed men dressed in military uniforms have been reported to be roaming around polling stations intent on creating violence and disrupting the voting process in the area.

In an interview with JOY FM, the NPP Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Mr. Kwamena Bartels said at approximately 0500 hours GMT, reports reached him that a busload of people alleged to be NDC party functionaries were going around the constituency and beating up people who had queued early in the morning to vote.

He added that he managed to arrest of two of the men, who he sent to the Police Station. Mr Bartels added that immediately after that incident, reports had reached them again that some soldiers were causing confusion in the area. He added when he got to the scene, he attempted talking to the men who were in military uniforms.

However, they begun firing their rifles and assaulting people in the area. Mr. Bartels added that he was beaten up, assaulted with rifle butts and stabbed in the chest. He added that two young men who were close by received gunshot injuries in the arm and the leg.

He added that although there were no way of immediately ascertaining the identity of the armed men, some people in the neighborhood have identified some of the men as Army Commandos who live in the area. As at 0915 hours GMT, reports filed in by JOY FM Correspondents stated that voting is yet to begin in some of the polling stations in the constituency as a result of the confusion in the area.

In Tamale, the JOY FM’s correspondent Dan Nubah said some armed men came to the Gukpegu/Sabongida constituency, threatening to disrupt the voting process. He added that the men, who were not dressed in uniform or party apparel, were however sent away by a police officer on duty at one polling station.

He added that the NPP officials in the area have however alerted their colleagues at other polling stations to be on the look out for any group of individuals who might be intent on causing havoc.

He added apart from that incident, voter turnout is reported to be encouraging and going on well.