Ewurabena Aubynn, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, has issued a strong condemnation following the violent assault on Mavis Hawa Koomson during the constituency’s rerun election on July 11, 2025. The incident has raised serious concerns over the integrity and safety of Ghana’s electoral processes.
Aubynn’s Clear Denunciation of Election Violence
Speaking in the wake of the incident, Aubynn stated: “I think we should be able to conduct elections devoid of violence.” She rejected any attempt to justify the attack, emphasizing the importance of protecting democratic principles GhanaWeb+1.
Incident Background and Context
- During the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, unidentified assailants violently disrupted proceedings, notably targeting former MP and minister Hawa Koomson, along with other political figures and journalists
- A video of the assault on Koomson circulated widely on social media, sparking national condemnation. In response, Aubynn expressed sympathy for all victims and offered an unreserved apology on behalf of the constituency, despite not recognizing the attackers or their motives
Ewurabena Aubynn’s Apology and Reflection
Aubynn said:
“Regardless of who was attacked, I think electoral violence should be ruled out of our process. I’m sorry this had to happen to my fellow female colleague… I couldn’t identify those individuals in the footage. It appeared retaliatory”
Broader Political and Security Concerns
- The incident underscores concerns over Ghana’s persistent electoral violence, despite legislative efforts such as the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999) MyJoyOnline.
- Civil society advocates and media networks argue for improved pre-election security protocols and swift accountability for perpetrators, to deter future infractions and uphold democratic norms.
Implications for Democracy and Election Management
- The assault on Hawa Koomson, at a church-based polling station, challenges public confidence in electoral safety and the neutrality of state security agencies.
- Political actors and electoral authorities are now under pressure to implement robust measures to enforce non-violence and safeguard every participant—from officials to press workers.
Source: My News Ghana
