Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly defended her party’s recent parliamentary victory in Ablekuma North, dismissing allegations of intimidation and electoral misconduct.

Her comments come in response to accusations from some New Patriotic Party (NPP) members, who claimed the NDC “bullied” its way to securing the seat, long considered an NPP stronghold.

In the rerun held on Friday, July 11, NDC candidate Ewurabena Aubynn emerged victorious in a closely contested race.

Appearing on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Dr. Bisiw-Kotei rejected the claims as baseless and an affront to the voters.

“When they say we bullied our way, it will be like people didn’t vote, and we pushed and counted ballots that didn’t exist. I mean for you [NPP] to say that somebody bullied their way in a democratic dispensation where we all participated, then I don’t really know what they mean.

“I think that it’s also an insult to the electorate in Ablekuma. They queued, some went to work, and hurriedly came back to vote.”

She continued, “They voted on December 7, 2024, and their will didn’t reflect in whatever results were declared. There was a rerun and they spoke again, so I don’t think that is fair for anybody to say that they or we bullied our way to victory.”

The rerun was marred by chaotic scenes, including an incident at the St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station, where unidentified men reportedly overpowered police officers and assaulted several people, including former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson.

Viral videos from the scene showed Koomson using pepper spray as tensions escalated between party supporters and unknown assailants. Calm was eventually restored, and the voting process continued.

The Electoral Commission later declared Ewurabena Aubynn the duly elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North.

“I acted in self-defence” – Hawa Koomson justifies use of pepper spray

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