Police Probe Arson Attack On Ablekuma Ballot Boxes

The Ghana Police Service says it has commenced investigations into the alleged arson attack at the Kwashieman Cluster of Schools in Accra.

The fire outbreak on Monday razed down the school building, housing ballot papers and other election material for Ablekuma North.

Also, the Library, Computer laboratory of the school has been burnt into ashes, though the flames were doused by the Ghana National Fire Service.

STATEMENT

The following is a full statement issued by the police and the promise to delve into the issue;

The Ghana Police Service, in partnership with the Ghana National Fire Service, is investigating a fire outbreak that occurred in the early hours of today, 17th December 2024 at the Kwashieman Cluster of Schools, where the Ablekuma North Constituency ballot boxes are housed.

We wish to assure the public that any individual or group of individuals found responsible for this incident will be arrested and brought to face justice.

We urge the public to remain calm as the investigation into the incident continues.

Meanwhile, the 132 suspects arrested across the country in connection with the post-election disturbances are still going through the due process of the law.

Out of this number, 45 suspects have been remanded into custody, 71 are on police enquiry bail, and 16 are on court bail.

EYEWITNESS

Meanwhile, a Citinewsroom report said an eyewitness living near the school reported seeing thick smoke and flames engulfing the building, shortly after the fire started.

The story said the GNFS was promptly notified and Alex King Nartey, the Fire Service’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed in a livestream on Facebook, that fire officers arrived quickly and were able to bring the blaze under control.

“Information we have gathered indicates that the school was used to store ballot boxes and that is why we are still here and the flames have been subdued.

“We salvaged all the buildings and were left with just one that we worked so hard to ensure that the fire did not reignite.

“Officers from Anyaa, Headquarters and from Circle came to ensure that the situation was brought under control.”

BACKGROUND

The parliamentary race in the Ablekuma North constituency emerged as one of the most closely watched contests following the December 7 general elections.

Ablekuma North is among the 12 disputed constituencies across the country, as the outcome remains under contention and a recount has been ordered.

The NPP’s candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie and the NDC’s candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, have both claimed victory in the election, despite the Electoral Commission (EC) initially declaring the seat for the NDC candidate.

Following this, the EC has since reversed its declaration, calling the earlierdeclaration illegal and announced plans to conduct a recollation exercise for the constituency.

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