The OneGhana Movement has issued a scathing condemnation of the violence that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun held on Friday, July 11, 2025, calling for the immediate arrest, prosecution, and punishment of all perpetrators.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Senyo Hosi, Director of the civic movement, OneGhana, said individuals involved in the violent acts — many of whom have been identified in multiple viral videos — must not be allowed to escape justice.
“This is not the time for weak warnings or selective enforcement. The rule of law must apply fully and without fear or favour,” Hosi declared.
He said those seen threatening lives, destroying property, and operating in coordinated groups must be prosecuted under the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019, which prescribes 15 to 25 years’ imprisonment for such crimes.
Electoral violence a national threat
The movement described the pattern of political violence — seen in 2020, 2024, and now again in 2025 — as a worsening threat to Ghana’s democracy.
According to Hosi, the violence in Ablekuma is not isolated but follows a recurrent pattern of politically sanctioned vigilantism, orchestrated by political foot soldiers with the tacit or active support of party leadership.
“Ghana is no closer to breaking this cycle. Instead, the country stands at the edge of a political precipice,” Hosi warned.
Police accused of complicity and abuse
The statement also expressed deep concern over the conduct of some officers of the Ghana Police Service during the violent episodes.
OneGhana cited disturbing instances of police inaction, and in some cases, direct participation in assaults on civilians and journalists.
The image of a uniformed officer slapping a journalist in broad daylight, along with reports of pepper spray being used on media workers, was described as a shameful violation of law enforcement ethics.
“This is not an isolated failure. It reflects a deep, institutional erosion of credibility,” the group noted.
OneGhana argued that the Ghana Police Service, as currently structured, is politically subservient, citing its lack of operational independence and vulnerability to partisan influence.
Renewed call for independent oversight
While acknowledging the Interior Minister’s recent announcement of plans to establish an Independent Police Complaints Commission within six months, OneGhana insisted the body must be truly independent and empowered to investigate misconduct across all security services, including the military and intelligence agencies.
“Ghana’s democracy will only be safe when every security agency operates under lawful, independent, and accountable authority, free from partisan capture,” said Hosi.
The group reiterated its demand for an Independent Security Services Complaints Commission, which would insulate the country’s law enforcement institutions from political manipulation.
Four key demands
In conclusion, the OneGhana Movement outlined four urgent demands:
An immediate and transparent investigation into the conduct of police officers deployed to Ablekuma North.
Accountability for all individuals, in or out of uniform, who perpetrated or abetted violence.
A public update on the Ayawaso West Wuogon Commission’s recommendations from 2019, which remain largely unimplemented.
Expedited implementation of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, ensuring it is equipped to function without partisan interference.
OneGhana urged citizens, the media, and civil society to demand answers and remain unrelenting in the fight for accountability and democratic integrity.
“The silence of institutions in the face of injustice is complicity. Ghana must not wait for another tragedy before acting,” the statement concluded.
