Tensions flared in Ablekuma North today as residents and political observers accused the Adentan Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Lumor Frederick Senanu, of masterminding violent disruptions during the Electoral Commission’s supervised rerun of the parliamentary election in the constituency.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the police officer facilitated attacks on sitting Member of Parliament and former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, as well as several other known New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters at various polling stations.
According to reports from the ground, individuals believed to be hired thugs stormed multiple voting centres, allegedly under the direction of the police commander.
Journalists covering the election process were also reportedly assaulted. One media practitioner, whose name is yet to be disclosed, was said to have been physically attacked while filming confrontations between party supporters and individuals linked to the disturbances.
Some residents claim the officer’s involvement in local land disputes in Adentan has given him ties to gangs of land guards, elements of which they suspect were used to intimidate voters and disrupt the rerun process.
“This man has turned himself into a warlord in a police uniform,” one aggrieved resident told reporters. “His partisan posture today has completely exposed him. We are calling on the IGP to remove him immediately before more damage is done.”
The allegations come amid heightened political sensitivity following the closely watched rerun in Ablekuma North.
The Electoral Commission has yet to issue a formal statement on the disturbances, though polling was reportedly delayed at several centres due to the chaos.
Many have also taken to social media, accusing Chief Superintendent Senanu of being a sympathiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), suggesting his actions were politically motivated to undermine the ruling NPP’s chances in the rerun.
The Ghana Police Service has not officially responded to the growing calls for disciplinary action, but pressure is mounting on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Yohunu
Ahead of 2028 elections, to investigate the allegations thoroughly and ensure accountability.
Civil society organisations and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) are also expected to weigh in, particularly over the alleged attacks on media professionals performing their duties.
This latest development adds to the growing concern over political neutrality and professionalism within the security services ahead of the 2024 general elections.
