Mavis Nkansah- Boadu
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Afigya Sekyere East, Mavis Nkansah-Boadu, has condemned the acts of vandalism and violence that marred the Council of State elections in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
The MP described the events as “unacceptable” and called for immediate action to ensure that such disruptions do not undermine the country’s democratic process.
In a statement released yesterday, Ms. Nkansah-Boadu referenced Article 89 of the Constitution, which mandates the election of regional representatives to the Council of State, who play a crucial advisory role to the President.
According to her, the elections, held nationwide on February 11, were marred in the Ashanti Region by violent disruptions at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council premises, where thugs assaulted Electoral Commission (EC) officials, leading to severe injuries that required hospitalisation.
The MP noted that the violence also targeted police officers, media personnel, and bystanders, with several properties being damaged.
She said as a result of the disturbances, the EC was unable to declare a winner, despite one candidate securing 49 out of the 86 votes cast.
Ms. Nkansah-Boadu pointed out that the election process was halted as the chaos unfolded.
“The violence we have witnessed in recent days is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” she said, reflecting on the broader trend of election-related violence that has tarnished the country’s recent democratic processes.
She again condemned the attacks on Electoral Commission officials, the unlawful takeover of state agencies, and other forms of lawlessness that undermine Ghana’s democratic values.
The MP called on all Ghanaians to strongly denounce violence as a means of resolving political differences, asserting that such acts betray the principles of democracy and the trust the nation has worked hard to build.
“We must work together to prevent further violence and restore peace in our nation,” she stated.
Ms. Nkansah-Boadu outlined clear steps for restoring peace and ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
She called for the full enforcement of the rule of law, urging that all perpetrators of violence be brought to justice.
She also emphasised that the EC and the Police Service must carry out their duties with courage and impartiality, free from fear or favour.
Additionally, she urged all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, to promote peace and understanding.
The MP expressed her disappointment over the Electoral Commission’s decision to call for a re-run of the election in the Ashanti Region, despite there being a clear winner.
She called on the Police Service to step up security measures to ensure that the re-run takes place without further disruptions.
MP Nkansah-Boadu reminded Parliament and all Ghanaians of the country’s proud history of peaceful power transitions, emphasising that any act of electoral violence is an affront to the rule of law and Ghana’s democratic legacy.
“We must take an unequivocal stand against such acts, ensuring that those who seek to subvert democracy through violence are met with the full force of the law,” she intimated.
The MP also called on all citizens, political leaders, security forces, and civil society groups to reject violence in all forms and commit to safeguarding Ghana’s peace, stability, and democratic integrity.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House