The Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP), Professor Isaac Boadi, has cast doubts on Ghana’s democratic credentials following the violence that rocked the elections in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency.
In a note sent to selected media outlets, the IERPP boss condemned the mayhem that was visited on some key opposition New Patriotic Party’s kingpins during the election.
“We all witnessed how some thugs descended on Hawa Koomson, Chris Nana Lyod and a few NPP party members for no justifiable reasons. We also saw unprovoked attacks on some media persons at some of the polling stations. These must be condemned in no uncertain terms” he stated.
Touching on how such violent skirmishes affect the democratic credentials of the country in the eyes of the international community, the Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, UPSA, emphasized that the government must take steps to avert similar incidents in future.
“Such acts dent Ghana’s image internationally. In this day and age, why should elections held in just 19 polling stations bring about such violence against political opponents?
The Mahama government must take pragmatic steps to prevent these from reoccurring”
He cautioned against a repetition of the violence in Ablekuma North as the two main political parties are set to slug it out in the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
“Ghana’s international image will sink further if measures are not adopted to ensure a violence free elections in Akwatia. The county cannot afford to experience such a reprehensible situation in the by-election yet to be held in Akwatia. It’d be an embarrassment for the government and the country if we are unable to maintain peace and order in Akwatia”
“Ghana, over the years, has been seen as a beacon of peace, stability and democracy. What has happened at Ablekuma North has the potential to erode this enviable reputation of the country. Let us all, in unison, condemn the attacks and violence in Ablekuma North and pledge to do better going forward” Professor Boadi emphasized in his concluding remarks.
