NESTF Assures Readiness to Resolve Ablekuma North Collation Dispute

The Chair of the National Election Security Task Force (NESTF), Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has reaffirmed the Task Force’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and lawful conclusion to the protracted Ablekuma North parliamentary collation dispute.

Speaking at a high-level meeting on Thursday between officials of the Electoral Commission (EC) and security agencies, Mr. Yohuno emphasized the need for calm and cooperation among political actors as the EC prepares to complete the collation of results from three outstanding polling stations in the constituency.

“Today, we gather at a critical juncture,” he said. “Unfortunately, Ablekuma North has become a flashpoint of confrontation, with both NDC and NPP candidates declaring victory, leading to rising tensions. The eye of the nation—and indeed the world—is upon us.”

He stressed that while security agencies are not responsible for collating election results—a task solely mandated to the EC—they are prepared to create a secure environment for the process to proceed without intimidation or disruption.

“Our role is to secure the process, not to decide its outcome,” he said. “Our presence will be visible but not provocative. We will act swiftly but not recklessly and remain neutral both in appearance and action.”

Mr. Yohuno further warned against any attempts to distort the process through threats or violence, pledging that NESTF personnel would be deployed with firmness and restraint.

He noted this exercise is a test case for Ghana, sayong “The outcome will influence public confidence in future electoral processes. Let’s not only protect the ballot boxes but also believe in the system. Let’s protect lives but the the spirit of democracy.”

Deputy Commissioner of Operations at the EC, Samuel Tettey, also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to the security services for their support throughout the electoral process.

He noted that while 12 constituencies initially faced challenges during the December 7 polls, 11 have since been resolved, leaving only Ablekuma North.

He added that the EC is fully prepared to finalize the collation with the necessary support from the police, following several prior consultations on how to proceed.

The meeting was also attended by the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), as well as representatives from various security agencies.

All stakeholders echoed calls for calm, urging the public and political parties to act with restraint in the interest of national unity and democratic integrity.

The EC is expected to announce a definitive timeline for the collation of the remaining polling station results in the coming days.

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