Security concerns marred the re-run of the Council of State election in the Ashanti Region as one individual was arrested for attempting to breach security protocols at the voting venue. The suspect reportedly tried to force their way into the voting area despite strict police barricades meant to maintain order.
The re-run was necessitated by chaotic scenes during the initial election last week, which ended abruptly when a group of thugs attacked Electoral Commission (EC) officials and destroyed ballot papers and other materials. Following these violent disruptions, the election venue was relocated from the Regional Coordinating Council to the Prempeh Assembly Hall in a bid to enhance security and restore confidence in the process.
Security at the new venue was significantly reinforced to prevent any repeat of last week’s events. A total of 86 delegates were expected to vote to elect the Ashanti Region’s representative on the Council of State. However, the arrival of 39 voters in a bus caused brief tensions, prompting heightened scrutiny from election officials.
High-profile individuals, including Kennedy Agyapong and former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, were barred from entering the voting area due to a lack of accreditation. This was part of stringent measures to ensure only authorized individuals participated in the process. Despite some attempting to force their way in, security personnel held firm, avoiding further disruptions.
Observers hope that the election re-run will conclude without further incidents, allowing the Ashanti Region to secure its representative on the Council of State without controversy.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
