University of Ghana Professor Ransford Gyampo has denounced the assault on former Awutu Senya East MP Hawa Koomson during the July 11 Ablekuma North by-election rerun, while questioning her presence at the polling center.
Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on July 12, Gyampo asserted: “Hawa Koomson shouldn’t have been allowed near the voting centre given her past history,” referencing prior election-related controversies involving the former official.
However, Gyampo unequivocally condemned the physical attack, stating: “Regardless of her action, two wrongs don’t make a right. We cannot take laws into our own hands… otherwise, we’ll perpetuate a bad cycle.” His remarks reflect deepening concerns over recurring electoral violence despite Ghana’s democratic credentials.
The incident occurred amid broader chaos during the parliamentary rerun, which saw:
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Journalists and observers assaulted despite heavy police deployment
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Reports of machetes and firearms at polling stations
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Accusations of vote-buying and intimidation tactics
Gyampo’s intervention follows Vice President Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s call to end electoral hostility and NPP communicator Patrick Awuku’s criticism of security failures.
The Ghana Police Service continues investigating multiple incidents from the by-election, which the ruling NDC ultimately won.
