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The collation centre at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the Electoral Commission (EC), designated for the Ablekuma North parliamentary election results, was vandalized by over 40 individuals alleged to be affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The attack occurred as media personnel and EC officials prepared for the resumption of the collation process.

Details of the Incident

Eyewitnesses report that the group stormed the premises, ordering everyone to vacate before destroying property, including louvre blades and doors. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but the incident has raised concerns about the security and integrity of the collation process in the constituency.

No arrests have been reported, and the authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

Background of the Collation Process

The collation of results for Ablekuma North has faced repeated delays and disagreements, with this being the sixth suspension. On January 8, 2025, Returning Officer Vincent Obeng resigned, citing frustration over disputes surrounding the verification of pink sheets. His resignation added to the already tense situation.

Obeng had announced that results from four of the remaining seven polling stations had been authenticated. However, disagreements over the results from three stations caused a stalemate. The constituency, with 281 polling stations, has seen 278 verified, leaving the last three as points of contention.

Key Issues and Party Stances

  • NDC’s Position: Musah Kalamu, the NDC’s Ablekuma North Constituency Organiser, opposed the use of scanned pink sheets for verification and called for a rerun in 62 polling stations where discrepancies were initially raised. Of these, 59 have been resolved, but three remain contentious.
  • NPP’s Position: The NPP, led by Evans Nimako and parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriye, expressed confidence in the results, emphasizing the need for transparency and a conclusive outcome.

Security Concerns and Next Steps

The Electoral Commission has confirmed the suspension of the collation exercise and expressed concerns over the vandalism incident. Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the EC’s Director of Training, described the resignation of Vincent Obeng as unfortunate and indicated that efforts would be made to engage him for a possible return.

Both the NDC and NPP are expected to participate in the resumed collation process, with the EC committing to a transparent and impartial resolution.

The Stakes

Ablekuma North remains the only constituency yet to declare its parliamentary results for the 2024 elections. The race between the NPP’s Nana Akua Owusu Afriye and the NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn is highly anticipated, with tensions running high as residents await the final outcome.

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