Ablekuma North Rerun: 'It's disappointing we haven't heard from Mahama' - Dr Arthur Kennedy

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy, has condemned the escalating political violence in Ghana, warning that the country risks eroding its democratic credentials if leaders continue to justify brutalities with past grievances.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews and monitored by GhanaWeb on Monday, July 14, 2025, he condemned the violent incidents that marred the recent Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.

He described as deeply disappointing the silence of President John Dramani Mahama over the attacks, particularly the lack of arrests and official accountability.

“There haven’t been arrests, and I'm disappointed that we haven't heard anything from the president. We couldn't even do collation. It is really demoralising as a Ghanaian; it is really demoralising as a Ghanaian patriot.

“An eye for an eye will leave everybody blind. This going back to, ‘Oh, there was Talensi, and there was Ayawaso,’ and so we also decided to protect ourselves, yes, all sides have some truths, but is this how to build the nation?” he quizzed.

He urged political leaders across the divide to reflect on their actions and return to the values of national unity, peace, and reconciliation.

Dr Arthur Kennedy further criticised the re-emergence and normalisation of party-affiliated vigilante groups under different names.

“I do not think it is progress for Ghana for the NPP to go and form a vigilante group or an Azorka Boys or whatever.

“When you cut your tongue and chew it, you are not chewing meat,” adding that the silence of the presidency and failure to ensure justice were inconsistent with national development.

Notably, chaos erupted at the Odorkor Methodist Church polling station during the parliamentary rerun.

According to eyewitness accounts, thugs overwhelmed the security detail and physically assaulted several individuals, including the former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson.

She was reportedly shoved to the ground and stomped in the chest and groin before officers intervened to rescue her.

In addition to the attack on Hawa Koomsom, three other journalists who were covering the election were also assaulted during the rerun.

Meanwhile the interior minister, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has announced that individuals involved in the violent incidents during the parliamentary rerun will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of their political affiliations.

Speaking at the maiden Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, July 14, 2025, he confirmed that video evidence of the attacks has been handed over to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for immediate action.

“I have spoken to the IGP firmly on all the happenings of Ablekuma North, and the videos have been forwarded to him. We’ve instructed him to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.

JKB/AE

Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below: