Violence, clashes and ballot box drama marred some constituency executive elections of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) across the country on Saturday, with suspected thugs snatching a ballot box, supporters exchanging blows and voting being called off in one constituency.
At Teshie in the Ledzokuku Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, supporters clashed over who should be allowed to witness the counting of ballot papers, sparking tension at the polling centre.
The situation took a more troubling turn at Sefwi Akontombra in the Western North Region, where suspected thugs reportedly snatched a ballot box from police protection after voting had ended.
Police officers fired several warning shots in an attempt to control the situation, but the individuals reportedly made away with the ballot box.
In the Odododiodio Constituency, a police officer had to whisk a ballot box to safety amid rising tension and an attempt by some individuals to snatch it.
The exercise was also rocked by a bitter disagreement over the counting procedure in the Tema East Constituency, where some aspirants resisted a proposal to pool ballots from all polling stations for a collective count.
The proposal was made by Kempes Papa Nii Ofosu Ware, a former Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive and the incumbent NDC Tema East Constituency Chairman.
Hajia Samara, the NDC regional representative, directed that the ballots be counted collectively, saying the arrangement was intended to prevent divisions within the constituency and preserve unity among party members.
However, some aspirants rejected the proposal, triggering confusion over how the ballots should be counted.
Calm was eventually restored after Hajia Samara announced that the ballots would be counted according to individual polling stations. Counting subsequently began under the revised arrangement.
At Wassa Amenfi East Constituency, the exercise ended abruptly after confusion over the number of polling stations designated for the elections.
The election was expected to cover 217 polling stations, but the number reportedly rose to 230, sparking disagreements among supporters of the various candidates.
The disagreement escalated into violence, with supporters engaging in fisticuffs, forcing the cancellation of the exercise.
Winners
Despite the disturbances, the elections produced new constituency executives in several parts of the country, with some incumbent chairmen retaining their positions.
In Greater Accra, the Ablekuma North Chairman, Harry Akoto, retained his seat with 1,067 votes against Clifford Mensah Adjei’s 922.
In Lawra in the Upper West Region, Joseph Bati retained the chairmanship for a second term with 281 votes, narrowly defeating James Lonteng, who secured 272.
The communications officer contest ended in a tie, with Simon Dery Sobrkyile and Stephen Gandaanuo each polling 230 votes. The matter is expected to be referred to the party’s national headquarters for direction.
In Adaklu in the Volta Region, the former Constituency Secretary, Hayford Amenuvie, was elected chairman with 236 votes, defeating Charles Agbesi, who polled 192, and Reverend Fred Agbogbo, who received 47. Eugene Akpatsa won the Secretary position with 253 votes against Habel Segbe Agbee’s 220.
In Akatsi South, Anthony Kojo Owusu secured a third term with 786 votes, defeating Anthony Solo Adotevi, who polled 406.
The New Juaben South Chairman, Salassie Amuzu, also retained his position with 738 votes, ahead of Charles Boakye, who obtained 663.
Other elected chairmen included Paul Oblie Laryea in Odododiodio, Kwame Mborale Supply in Bimbilla, Alexander Sackey in Sekondi, Frank Gavor in Ayawaso West Wuogon, Haruna Abukari in Salaga North, Hasum Osman in Dome-Kwabenya and Ahorlu Ferguson Kwabla in Ketu South.
In the Akan Constituency in the Oti Region, Eric Kwadwo Apeadu was elected chairman. The constituency recorded a turnout of 1,049 out of 1,069 registered delegates, representing about 98 percent.
In the Effia Constituency in the Western Region, Seidu Adams also retained the chairmanship after securing 265 votes, defeating Hameed Kwesi Williams, who polled 248 votes, Azalekor Edward Senam, who obtained 228 votes. Stephen Kwabena Aminamah secured 112 votes, and Samuel Arthur received 17 votes.
By Ernest Kofi Adu