Former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson was reportedly assaulted at a polling center during the Ablekuma North election rerun.
Distressing video clips captured the moment she was knocked to the ground after allegedly being kicked in the chest and lower abdomen before police officers stepped in.
Other individuals caught in the chaos included the NPP parliamentary hopeful Nana Akua Afriyie and a female party operative, both of whom reportedly sustained injuries during the melee.
Police looked helpless and called for reinforcement as the number of “thugs” who had stormed the Methodist Polling center outnumbered them.
The former Fisheries Minister was seen in a video spraying a substance believed to be pepper spray at an agitated crowd, until one of the individuals lunged at her.
Later in the day, a Joy News reporter was allegedly also slapped and shoved by a suspected thug.
Although security presence had been increased, law enforcement struggled to immediately regain control, leading to a temporary suspension of voting in multiple polling stations.
The Electoral Commission, which had planned the rerun in 19 polling centers following a prolonged deadlock after the December 7, 2024 general elections, is now facing renewed scrutiny over the heightened tensions in the constituency.
The reason behind the attack remains unknown. The Electoral Commission has pledged to launch a full investigation, while civil society organizations and election observers are calling for transparency and accountability.
Police are also probing the assault on a GhOne TV journalist who was reportedly slapped by a uniformed officer during the disturbances.
That officer has since been interdicted and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau for disciplinary action.
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