Photo:Mustapha Gbande
Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has firmly rejected accusations by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin suggesting he played a role in orchestrating violence during the rerun of the Ablekuma North parliamentary primary in 19 polling stations on Friday, 11 July.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Gbande described Afenyo-Markin’s allegations as “false, reckless, and politically motivated”, asserting that they were intended to defame his character and distract from more pressing issues affecting Ghana’s democracy.
“I categorically deny any involvement in, or prior knowledge of, any of the incidents he referred to,” Gbande said. “The assertion by the Minority Leader is false… Such conduct from a trained lawyer and senior member of the legislature reflects a disregard for truth and the ethical standards expected of public office holders.”
Context and Timeline
The rerun in Ablekuma North, necessitated by irregularities in earlier balloting, was marred by tension and incidents of confrontation, including an altercation reportedly involving former Member of Parliament and former Minister for Special Development Initiatives, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
Gbande confirmed that he was present in the constituency that day as part of what he described as “routine electoral monitoring” — a responsibility commonly discharged by party executives during such internal elections. He, however, emphasised that he was not at the polling centre when the clash occurred.
According to him, it was only after he was informed of the altercation that he went to the scene, where he says he “intervened to de-escalate the situation” and ensured Hawa Koomson received medical attention by dispatching his driver to convey her to the hospital.
Call for Investigations
Gbande has called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct “full and impartial investigations” into the events surrounding the electoral disturbances and urged the Electoral Commission to enhance safeguards that preserve the integrity of such processes and protect political actors.
“I urge the Electoral Commission and relevant authorities to strengthen mechanisms that protect electoral integrity and safeguard the dignity of political actors during such exercises,” he said.
Legal Recourse and Political Culture
The NDC official has referred the public remarks made by Afenyo-Markin to his lawyers for further advice, indicating the possibility of legal action. He criticised what he termed “disinformation and character assassination,” warning that such tactics erode public trust in the democratic process.
“It is essential that we preserve a political culture rooted in truth, accountability, and the rule of law,” Gbande stated, adding that he remains “committed to promoting peace, fair participation, and responsible leadership.”
The Ablekuma North rerun has become emblematic of the internal pressures within Ghana’s main political parties as they prepare for the 2026 general elections. Analysts have warned that the conduct of party leaders during internal elections could set the tone — for better or worse — for the national political season ahead.
Gbande’s response marks the latest development in what is shaping up to be a contentious pre-election environment. His insistence on due process and his firm rebuttal of what he sees as an attempt at reputational damage may well set the tone for how such allegations are handled as political temperatures rise.
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