NPP Vows Strict Sanctions as Violent Disruptions and Court Injunctions Mar Constituency Elections in Bantama and Assin South

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has pledged to take decisive disciplinary action against members involved in election-related violence following a wave of disturbances during its constituency executive elections. In the Bantama constituency of the Ashanti Region, the voting center at the Kumasi Cultural Centre was declared a crime scene by the Ghana Police Service after a violent confrontation on July 11, 2026. Heavily built men disrupted the process, resulting in the destruction of electoral materials, the assault of officials, and the arrest of three individuals, including constituency organiser Shaibu Bamba and a polling station chairman identified as Abu. One election official was hospitalized, prompting the Ashanti Regional Police Command to initiate a full investigation into the breach of order.The Bantama chaos occurred despite a Kumasi High Court injunction intended to halt the proceedings for ten days due to disputes among party executives over voter eligibility. While the Electoral Commission (EC) withdrew its oversight in compliance with the court order, regional party executives authorized the election to proceed independently. This led to significant friction, with some delegates questioning the legitimacy of the process. Despite the earlier disruption and the absence of the EC, the election eventually resumed under heavy security from the police and the party’s National Security Taskforce, with over 1,800 delegates expected to cast their ballots. Key figures, including incumbent Organiser Nana Boakye Danquah, emphasized the need for unity despite the controversy.The unrest was not isolated to Bantama. In the Sekyere East Constituency, gunfire erupted at a polling station, leading to the arrest of media personality Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah following reports of incitement and violence. Meanwhile, in the Central Region, the Assin Fosu High Court successfully blocked the Assin South constituency elections. An interlocutory injunction was served just as delegates gathered to vote, following a lawsuit by aggrieved members alleging violations of the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines. The sudden postponement left many delegates frustrated, with many warning that these unresolved internal conflicts could jeopardize the party's performance in upcoming national elections.Responding to the nationwide disturbances, NPP Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed stated that the party would not shield any member found culpable of criminal conduct. He emphasized that the party is awaiting formal reports from the Ghana Police Service before initiating internal disciplinary measures, which could include suspension or disqualification from holding party office. "Criminal records will be relevant in assessing the suitability of any member for party leadership," Mohammed noted, stressing that the party remains committed to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law through strict adherence to its internal code of conduct.The escalating tensions have also drawn sharp reactions from local stakeholders and traditionalists. The Concerned Youth of Bantama petitioned the Ashanti Regional Police for increased security, specifically citing public statements by certain individuals that they claim contributed to the unrest. In a dramatic turn of events, a supporter identified as Kwame Poku was captured in a viral video invoking traditional deities against those who disregarded the court injunctions. As the NPP looks toward the 2028 general elections, the party leadership faces the daunting task of resolving these deep-seated internal grievances and addressing political vigilantism to ensure a unified front in its traditional strongholds.