The Ashanti Regional Caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament has condemned what it described as a ‘blatant attack on democracy’ during the Council of State election in the Ashanti Region.
The MPs accused alleged National Democratic Congress (NDC) ‘thugs’, led by Ofori Boadu, alias Zuba, of violently disrupting the vote-counting process at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council.
According to the Caucus, Nana Nkansah Boadu was leading the election with 49 out of 86 votes when Zuba and his men allegedly stormed the venue, snatched the ballot box, and plunged the process into chaos.
At a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday, the Ashanti Caucus described the incident as a direct attack on Ghana’s democracy and demanded immediate action from law enforcement agencies.
“This is not just an attack on an election; it is an attack on democracy itself. We will not sit idly while the will of the people is subverted through violence and intimidation,” Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Chairman of the Ashanti Regional NPP Caucus declared.
The Caucus issued four urgent demands: Immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, including Zuba; Swift resumption of the electoral process to ensure a fair and transparent outcome; Rejection of Zuba for any government appointment in the Ashanti Region and increase security presence to prevent further electoral violence.
The Caucus called on civil society organizations, religious bodies, and traditional leaders to speak out against the violence.
“We urge all well-meaning Ghanaians to join us in condemning this lawlessness. If we allow this to go unchecked, it sets a dangerous precedent for future elections,” he warned.
The NPP MPs also took a swipe at the Mahama-led government, accusing it of failing to uphold the rule of law.
“The people of Ashanti will not bow to intimidation. We will defend democracy at all costs! Is this the democracy the NDC claims to uphold?” Ampratwum-Sarpong quizzed and vowed the Ashanti bloc will continue their fight for justice and accountability.
