Ayariga Dismisses Severity of Ablekuma North Election Violence

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has characterized recent violence during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun as “child’s play,” contrasting it with his experiences in Bawku Central.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, the Bawku Central MP addressed the Minority’s calls for an investigation into the July 15 clashes:

“I’ve endured persistent gunshots preventing me from leaving my home during elections not this minor scuffle at Ablekuma. This is children playing,” Ayariga stated, referencing pre-election violence in his constituency.

His remarks followed verified incidents at the rerun:

• Assaults on MP Mavis Hawa Koomson (NPP) at St. Peter’s polling station

• Viral footage showing NPP’s Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah beaten by unidentified assailants

• Temporary suspension of voting at multiple locations

The Minority Caucus maintains demands for a probe, warning that normalization of electoral violence threatens democratic processes. Ayariga’s dismissal highlights divergent perceptions of political violence within Ghana’s legislature, occurring under President Mahama’s NDC administration.