A law lecturer at the University of Ghana has said that the by-election disturbance which occurred in Ayawaso West Wuogon district exactly one year ago today was “the most shameful act in the country’s political history.”

Dr Abdul Baasit Aziz Bamba said, “This is the first time in the history of the fourth republic that we have open, reckless and shameful display of state-sponsored political violence.”

Addressing people at La-Bawaleshie Friday morning to mark one year since the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, the academic said it is time the country ensures such a hideous act does not happen again. 

The by-election which was held on January 31, 2019, was marred by a shooting incident at the residence of Mr Kwasi Delali Brempong, the NDC candidate, which resulted in injuries to 18 persons.An observer at one of the polling stations was also assaulted.

At the La Bawaleshie School Park, the NDC MP for Ningo Prampram, Mr Samuel Nartey George, who was observing the elections, was allegedly assaulted by some unidentified persons.The incident also resulted in the opposition party directing its agents to withdraw from the various polling stations.

Commenting on the unfortunate incident and the action that followed it, Dr Bamba said, “This is a case where people armed with weapons funded by the taxpayers money wielded state power to unleash violence on the very people they have a constitutional duty to protect.”

Also present at the event was former President John Dramani Mahama; editor-in-chief of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jr; and MP for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, who was a victim of an assault on the day of the by-election.