Minister for Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah, has appealed for calm and peaceful participation as the Electoral Commission (EC) conducts a parliamentary re-run in 19 polling stations across the Ablekuma North constituency.

The Minister, who toured several polling centres with the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, emphasised the need for a violence-free process, drawing attention to the infamous Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in 2019 as a stark reminder of what must be avoided.

“This is a civil exercise, not a war,” Dr. Boamah stated.

“What we experienced at Ayawaso West Wuogon should never happen again. People should be able to exercise their franchise in peace.”

His comments followed disturbing scenes earlier in the day at the St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor, where voting was temporarily suspended after unidentified thugs stormed the premises in a pickup vehicle.

The group clashed with voters and police officers, and former Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, was reportedly assaulted during the incident.

Dr. Boamah assured the public that the Ghana Police Service was fully prepared to address any acts of violence or irregularities, saying, “Any challenges that arise will be addressed by the Police.

Trust that they will act.”

Security has since been reinforced, and the EC, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has taken swift steps to restore calm and ensure the safe continuation of the electoral process.

The Ablekuma North rerun is being closely monitored by stakeholders amid heightened tensions, with calls for restraint and respect for democratic principles echoing across the political divide.