Its Normal To Be Slapped In A Tense Environment – NDC’s Mustapha Gbande

Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has sparked controversy by stating that it is “normal” for a journalist to be slapped during elections, drawing parallels to an incident involving Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who allegedly assaulted a police officer without consequences.

Speaking in the wake of violent clashes during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, Gbande dismissed concerns over the attack on a journalist, saying:

“This is not the first time. The Minority Leader, Afenyo-Markin, slapped a police officer recently. Nothing has happened yet, so that is why another thing will happen. When we finish the election, all these matters will be addressed.”

He further justified the violence as an inevitable part of Ghana’s electoral environment, stating:

“These are hazards of the environment… If you are in an election, no matter what comes, there will be scratches. These ones are normal for the season.”

High-Stakes Rerun in Ablekuma North

The July 11, 2025, rerun in 19 polling stations follows months of dispute after the Electoral Commission (EC) failed to declare a winner in the December 7, 2024, elections. The contest is between:

• Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie (NPP)

• Ewurabena Aubynn (NDC)

The NPP initially boycotted the rerun but was forced to participate after a High Court dismissed their injunction application.

Conflicting Claims of Victory

• The NDC claims confidence in winning, citing their “marvelous performance” in governance over the past six months.

• The NPP’s Akua Afriyie insists she won the original December 7 vote and will prevail again.

Before polls opened, the EC announced that Afriyie led by 48 votes, with 6,836 voters expected to cast ballots.

Growing Concerns Over Election Violence

Gbande’s remarks have drawn criticism, with civil society groups condemning the normalization of electoral violence. Analysts warn that such rhetoric risks further destabilizing Ghana’s democracy.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com