The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for the thugs involved in the chaos that erupted during the Council of State election in the Ashanti Region, after heavily built thugs, known locally as “machomen,” invaded the premises and disrupted the process.
Reports indicate that unidentified men stormed the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) just as voting had concluded peacefully and the counting was underway. The assailants destroyed ballot papers and engaged in physical altercations with election officials.
The attack reportedly left several people injured, including journalists, forcing the process to be halted while security personnel attempted to restore order.
The law enforcement agency said in a statement on Tuesday, 11 February:
The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for a group of thugs who stormed the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and disrupted today's Council of State Regional Elections in Kumasi. Police are currently reviewing all available footage to identify and arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The Ashanti Region’s Council of State election is highly competitive, with 86 delegates expected to cast their votes for one of 12 candidates. The contenders include Nkansah Boadu Ayeboafo, Rose Hamilton, Frederick Adjei, Nana Yaw Akuoko, Alexander Nti, Nana Gyedu Kumanin IV and Nana Kusi Ampofoh II. Others in the race are Angel Yirenkyi, Nana Foriwaa Adwoa, Daniel Anarfi Yeboah, Bismark Adjei and Yaw Owusu Obimpe.
Earlier in the day, minor tensions were also recorded in the Greater Accra Region, where police blocked one of the aspirants, Musah Ziyad, from entering the polling room with some individuals. However, calm was later restored, allowing the election to proceed smoothly.