By King Amoah
On February 11, a disturbing incident occurred at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council during the counting of ballot papers for the Member of Council of State elections.
The electoral process, which is crucial for selecting a representative for the Ashanti region at the presidency, was abruptly disrupted by a group of unidentified thugs who stormed the venue and seized ballot papers, causing widespread chaos.
Witnesses reported that the thugs, appearing without provocation, aggressively dismantled the counting process, destroying a significant number of ballots and fostering an atmosphere of fear and disorder. The violence was palpable, with multiple media personnel present at the scene, including a correspondent from Ghanaweb and reporters from Angel FM, sustaining injuries as they attempted to cover the unfolding situation.
As the chaos erupted, emergency services were summoned, and the injured media workers were taken to the hospital, where they received treatment and have since been discharged. However, despite the heavy police presence at the scene, no arrests were made, raising questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in managing the incident.
In the wake of the violence, various local residents speculated on the motives behind the unruly behavior of the thugs. Some linked the incident to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), suggesting a coordinated effort to manipulate the electoral outcome in favor of their preferred candidate.
However, no concrete evidence has substantiated these claims, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty and controversy.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, expressed his concern over the incident and announced that the Regional Coordinating Council will convene an emergency meeting to investigate the matter. The council aims to identify those responsible for the disruption and determine appropriate actions going forward, including the announcement of a reelection date for the Member of Council of State polls.
The public remains eager for a police response regarding the incident, particularly concerning the failure to apprehend any suspects despite the apparent lawlessness that occurred in plain sight. The lack of accountability only serves to heighten the anxiety and distrust within the community, as citizens question the safety of their electoral processes.
As the investigation unfolds, the call for justice and security in Ghana’s electoral framework cannot be overstated.
Stay tuned as further developments arise in this concerning situation.
