Electoral Violence: We are heading to a dangerous point if we continue like this

Media personality Ola Michael, has slammed the rise in political violence in the country, cautioning that Ghana’s democracy is on a dangerous slide.

He said this in reaction to reports of violence during the recent Ablekuma North parliamentary reruns, which saw several journalists and political figures assaulted.

Ola Michael highlighted a viral video which saw the former Awutu Senya East MP, Hawa Koomson, being violently assaulted, noting that she was singled out.

“Look at the video, she was standing there, and someone jumped on her like Spiderman. She wasn’t alone; there were other people there. So why was she the target?

Addressing Hawa Koomson, Ola Michael asked, “You yourself, what were you doing there?”

He emphasised how political figures are further escalating the unrest, “We are seeing people from the NPP saying that they would pay back when they come into power.”

Reflecting on the cycle of political violence, he stated, “It happens to one party, and when the party comes to power, they perpetuate it on the other party.”

He further warned of potentially dire consequences, saying, “If we continue like this, we will get to a point where we will destroy our democracy and the military will take over.”

Ola Michael urged parties involved to recognise the breaking point and declare an end to such cases of violence, especially during elections.

“I think it should get to that point where we say enough is enough,” he said.

Ola Michael’s remarks echo growing concerns from civil society and political leaders.

Meanwhile, the National Peace Council has condemned the development, labelling it as a threat to Ghana’s stability.

Former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia also described the violence as “disturbing” and unworthy of Ghana’s democracy.

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