Accusations of Manipulation Cloud NDC’s Narrow Victory
ACCRA — The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has erupted in protest following a tense parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency, where the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) eked out a razor-thin victory. With just a 209-vote difference separating the candidates, NPP officials have branded the outcome a “robbery” and alleged deliberate interference aimed at tilting the scales.
Fredrick Green, Constituency Secretary for the NPP, lashed out during a fiery interview on Channel One Newsroom, accusing both the Electoral Commission and unnamed elements within government of orchestrating what he called a “strategic manipulation” of the electoral process. According to Green, voter intimidation and the disruptive presence of vigilante groups marred the legitimacy of the rerun in 19 polling stations.
“We’ve been warning this would happen—and it did. The EC and the sitting government pulled every string to rob us of victory. Is this the democracy we want in Ghana?” Green stated, citing scenes of unrest and alleged coercion.
The rerun concluded with the EC declaring Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC as MP-elect with 34,090 votes, narrowly defeating the NPP’s Akua Afriyie, who secured 33,881.
Despite the strong rhetoric, Green presented no verifiable evidence to back up claims of vote rigging or government interference. Observers have noted that the NPP’s campaign leaned heavily on speculative messaging—particularly accusations that the NDC sought additional seats to push constitutional amendments favoring President Mahama’s return and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy—rather than on a clear policy platform.
Nevertheless, the NPP has pledged to accept the results “in good faith,” reaffirming its commitment to Ghana’s democratic principles and the rule of law.
