Ablekuma North Violence Has Sparked Fear Ahead of Akwatia By-Election – Security Expert Warns of Heightened Tension

Security Expert Nana Osei Ofori has warned that the recent violence during the Ablekuma North electoral rerun has instilled fear among voters in Akwatia, where a by-election is expected soon.

Speaking on the Ghana Se Sen morning show with Kwame Tanko on Lawson TV/Radio, he cautioned that the ripple effects of the chaos could lead to heightened political tension in other parts of the country if not addressed urgently.

Ofori expressed serious concern about the level of violence witnessed at just 19 polling centers in Ablekuma North, including reports of a man being forcefully ejected from his home due to political clashes.

He described the situation as deeply troubling and a sign that Ghana’s democracy is under serious threat. “Ghana is sitting on a time bomb,” he said.

He also blamed the Ghana Police Service for failing to respond swiftly to the violence. “The police should have arrested the attackers immediately.

Delaying action and issuing statements only after tensions cool down is unacceptable,” he argued.

Commenting on the political dimensions of the incident, Nana Osei Ofori described remarks made by former Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as “dangerous.”

Bawumia had condemned the violence and called on President John Mahama to act, adding that the NPP “will remember” if nothing is done. Ofori warned that such statements risk inflaming political divisions.

He urged the police to be better prepared, well-resourced, and proactive to prevent a repeat of such violence in future elections.