The Kumasi Bloc of Parliamentarians has condemned what they described as disgraceful and undemocratic actions that characterised an otherwise peaceful counting of votes for the election of the Regional Council of State representative in the Ashanti region.
They are subsequently demanding that a swift action be taken by law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in this criminal act, immediate resumption and completion of the electoral process to ensure that the will of the people is respected, and a firm stance from the government and all relevant authorities to prevent such incidents from recurring in future elections.
In a release yesterday, signed by Francis Asenso-Boakye the MP for Bantama, who is the Chairman and Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Esq, the Secretary the Ashanti MPs called on “…well-meaning Ghanaians to stand against such reckless attempts to subvert democracy. Our electoral processes must be free, fair, and peaceful, and we will not tolerate any efforts to undermine the rule of law.”
Reports say that some thugs violently snatched the ballot box to disrupt the process at the premises of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, when one of the contestants had secured 49 out of 84 votes, with counting still underway.
The men, upon realizing that one contestant had won, forcefully halted the process, plunging the election into chaos, vandalizing Electoral Commission (EC) materials and physically assaulting journalists covering the election. The unexpected attack created panic among electoral officials, observers, and voters, forcing an abrupt halt to the voting process.
This brazen attack on our democratic process is, the Ashanti MPs intimated, is not just an assault on the integrity of the elections but a direct challenge to the peace and stability of our region. Such lawless behaviour has no place in our democracy and must be met with the full force of the law.
In another development, Members of Parliament (MPs) from the city have come together under a unified front, led by the Chairman of the group, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, MP for Bantama, a ground-breaking move to help accelerate the development of Kumasi and its surrounding areas.
As their first major activity, the MPs visited Suame Magazine, a key industrial and commercial hub that recently suffered devastating fire outbreaks. The infernos resulted in the destruction of several businesses, loss of livelihoods, and significant economic setbacks for traders and artisans in the enclave.
Among the MPs in attendance were Hon. John Darko, Esq., MP for Suame; Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Esq., MP for Manhyia South; Hon. Vincent Assafuah, Esq., MP for Tafo; and Hon. Mike Aidoo, MP for Oforikrom.
During the visit, the MPs expressed their sympathies to the affected individuals and assured them of their commitment to advocating for support and solutions to prevent future occurrences. They emphasized the urgent need for periodic public education on fire safety and strict enforcement of fire prevention measures by city authorities.
Speaking to the media yat the site, Hon. Asenso-Boakye highlighted the importance of proactive measures to safeguard lives and properties. “The recent fires at Suame Magazine are a wake-up call for all of us. As representatives of the people, we are committed to working with the relevant authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Fire safety education and strict enforcement of regulations must be prioritized to protect businesses and livelihoods,” he stated.
The MPs also called on city authorities to enhance fire response infrastructure, including the provision of more fire hydrants and improved accessibility for fire services in major trading centers. They pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to develop policies that would promote sustainable urban development, economic growth, and improved living conditions for the people of Kumasi.
This initiative marks a new chapter in Kumasi’s development efforts, as the city’s MPs in a renewed and united effort to focus on a common goal—ensuring progress, safety, and prosperity for the people they serve.
