The December 7 general elections in Ghana, which secured John Dramani Mahama’s return to the presidency with 56.55% of the valid votes (6,328,397 votes), have been marked by disputes over several parliamentary seats.
These controversies involve allegations of irregularities, procedural errors, and violence, creating uncertainty in 12 constituencies.
Disputed Constituencies
1. Suhum
- Declared Winner: Frank Asiedu Bekoe (NPP)
- Results: Bekoe received 16,855 votes, defeating Prince Kwadwo Addo Tabiri (NDC), who garnered 15,259 votes.
- Dispute: The NDC alleges discrepancies during a recount and plans to challenge the results legally.
2. Akwatia
- Declared Winner: Ernest Kumi (NPP)
- Dispute: The NDC’s Henry Yiadom Boakye has criticized the EC for undermining electoral credibility, fueling tensions in the constituency.
3. Fanteakwa North
- Initial Declaration: Haruna Apaw-Wiredu (NDC)
- Final Declaration: Kwame Appiah Kodua (NPP)
- Dispute: The EC admitted to making the initial declaration under duress, prompting a recount that reversed the results, sparking anger among NDC supporters.
4. Techiman South
- Declared Winner: Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah (NPP)
- Dispute: NDC supporters, led by Christopher Beyere Baasongti, alleged irregularities and stormed a police command, destroying election materials. The chaos has prompted calls for a recollation of results.
5. Ahafo Ano North
- Declared Winner: Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh (NPP)
- Dispute: The NDC’s Kwasi Adusei has threatened legal action, citing procedural irregularities.
- Seats Declared Illegal by the Electoral Commission (EC)
1. Dome Kwabenya
- Declared Winner: Elikplim Akurugu (NDC)
- Dispute: The EC described the declaration as illegal, citing mob interference. The NPP’s Mike Oquaye Jr. is demanding a recount.
2. Tema Central
- Declared Winner: Ebi Bright (NDC)
- Dispute: NPP’s Charles Forson has accused the EC of mishandling the process and plans to contest the results in court.
3. Okaikwei Central
- Declared Winner: Baba Sadiq (NDC)
- Dispute: The EC revealed the results were declared under duress, and the NPP’s Patrick Boamah has vowed legal action.
4. Ablekuma North
- Declared Winner: Ewurabena Aubynn (NDC)
- Dispute: Allegations of irregularities and violent clashes between NPP and NDC supporters have marred the constituency’s results.
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