The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has condemned the violence that rocked La Bawalashie in Accra during Thursday’s by-election.

The UNDP said in a statement released on Friday that such “brazen acts of violence” undermine Ghana’s democracy.

“Ghana as a pillar of stability in the sub-region, must not become complacent. 

"We call on all to avoid violence and the use of inflammatory language that could further increase tensions,” UNDP said in the statement published in full below.

Men dressed in black polo shirts and khaki trousers stormed the La Bawaleshie Primary School polling station on Thursday morning where voting was ongoing to elect a new MP.

The men, believed to be working for the governing party, are alleged to have fired gunshot and even slapped Ningo-Prampram NDC Legislator, Samuel George, who in a video, appeared to be questioning them.

Police say six people were injured in the violence.

The NDC reacted to the violence by withdrawing from the by-election, accusing the NPP and President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of deliberately intimidating voters and their polling agents.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Photo: One of the bystanders injured as a result of the shooting.

The Ayawaso West Wuogon seat became vacant following the death of NPP Legislator, Emmanuel Boakye Agyarko last year.

Read UNDP’s reaction to the violence in the press statement below.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been following the ongoing bye-election in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, with keen interest, as this is a further illustration of the democratic process that is imbedded in Ghana.

However, our attention has been drawn to media reports of violence and a shooting incidence by unidentified armed men at the La Bawalashie Presby JHS polling station during the bye-election, leading to the injury of at least six people.

We strongly condemn such impunity and brazen acts of violence which undermine Ghana's hard-earned democracy and peace. Ghana as a pillar of stability in the subregion, must not become complacent. We call on all to avoid violence and the use of inflammatory language that could further increase tensions.

Signed

Ms Gita Welch Resident Representative (a.i)