The Greater Accra Council of State election on Tuesday, February 11, was briefly thrown into turmoil after one of the aspirants, Musah Ziyad, attempted to enter the polling room with a group of people, only to be blocked by the police. The standoff quickly escalated, creating a chaotic scene. In the midst of the commotion, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo was seen fleeing through an exit door.
Despite the brief disturbance, order was eventually restored, and the election proceeded without further incident.
A total of 58 delegates are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine the region’s representative on the Council of State. The Electoral Commission (EC) is overseeing the process, and according to Mrs. Gladys Pinkrah, the EC’s Greater Accra Regional Director, the election is continuing smoothly despite the earlier disruption.
Thirteen candidates originally entered the race, including notable figures such as Afotey-Agbo Joseph Nii Laryea, Sampson Seyram Kwadzo Agbemabiese, and Redeemer Worwui, among others. However, three candidates—Obed Nyarko, Albert Borketey Naawu, and Musah Ziyad—have since withdrawn, narrowing the field to 10 contenders.
This election follows a similar incident in the Ashanti region, where voting was suspended after a group of individuals allegedly stormed the polling area, destroyed election materials, and assaulted journalists.
The Council of State, an advisory body established under Articles 89 to 92 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, provides counsel to the President in the execution of his duties.
