The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has expressed concern over alleged ‘security lapses’ during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun, despite the deployment of police personnel to provide security.

In a statement dated Monday, July 14, 2025, CODEO condemned the acts of violence and other incidents that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun held on Friday, July 11, 2025.

The organisation expressed concern over the infiltration of unauthorized persons into polling centers despite a heavy police presence, stating that such breaches tarnish the image of the Ghana Police Service and raise serious questions about its operational effectiveness.

“Further, the security lapses observed during this election re-run and in spite of the heavy deployment of security personnel raises very serious questions about the state of the Ghana Police Service.

“Given the high-stakes nature of this exercise in a densely populated area, it was shocking that unauthorized persons (who looked like party vigilantes) were allowed to roam around in vehicles, some unlicensed and enter polling station areas without any interception. Groups of individuals were also allowed to mass up creating an intimidating atmosphere for poll workers, voters and the general citizenry,” the statement signed by Joseph Oti Frimpong, the Coordinator of CODEO Secretariat read.

CODEO placed particular emphasis on the incident at the Methodist Church in Odorkor, where thugs reportedly invaded the polling center and assaulted former Awutu Senya East lawmaker Mavis Hawa Koomson.

The organisation strongly condemned the police for what seemed as their apparent inaction, criticising their passive posture as the assailants stormed the premises unchecked.

“The most worrying observation was the actions of police officers guarding the gate to the St Peter's Society Polling Station in Odorkor, who basically stepped aside as thugs forced their way into the polling station to assault agents and two politicians,” it said.

The statement continued, “This posture of the police was observed during the 2024 elections and transition. The emasculation of the Police Service is a clear and present danger that must be fully addressed by all stakeholders.”
In light of the events, CODEO has urged President John Dramani Mahama and the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to launch an investigation into the conduct of police officers stationed at the gate during the attacks.

The organisation asserted that decisive actions following such a probe would help prevent similar incidents in future elections.

“CODEO calls on President John Mahama and the Police Council under the Article 202 (2) of the Constitution, to exercise its powers of Control and Direction of the Inspector General of Police to institute an inquiry into the recent actions of police officers in the handling of police duties involving political actors. This must be done urgently to ensure clear remedial actions are taken ahead of the bye-election in Akwatia,” it added.

MAG/AE

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