Security analyst, Professor Kwesi Aning, has issued a warning in response to the violence that rocked the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, stating that Ghana’s democracy is “on a knife’s edge”.

Speaking on JoyNews Newfile on Saturday, Prof Aning said the increasing use of violence as a tool in electoral contests is threatening the very foundation of the nation’s democratic credentials.

“Our democracy is now on a knife’s edge, given the increasing franchising of violence and the use of violence as a tool,” he stated. “So we are going nowhere.”

He criticised what he described as a cycle of empty promises and unimplemented recommendations, suggesting that authorities are merely addressing symptoms rather than tackling the root causes of political disorder.

“Promises will be made, statements will be issued, but we will never be prepared,” he added. “Much like the fight against galamsey, they are only tinkering with what we see.”

Some disturbances involving unidentified vigilante groups led to the temporary suspension of voting in certain areas on Friday, July 12, prompting police intervention to restore order.

Eyewitnesses reported that a group of unidentified men arrived at the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in a pickup truck and launched an attack, assaulting several individuals, including former Awutu Senya East MP, Hawa Koomson, who was allegedly kicked to the ground before officers stepped in.

Two journalists one from JoyNews and another from TV3 were also assaulted while covering the unfolding violence.