Minority Walks Out of Parliament Over Electoral Violence Concerns Before 2025 Mid-Year Budget Presentation

Ghana’s Minority in Parliament walked out ahead of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, protesting alleged electoral violence during the Ablekuma North by-election rerun.

In a bold move that caught national attention, Ghana’s Minority Caucus in Parliament walked out moments before the Finance Minister presented the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review. Their action was a direct protest against what they described as unchecked acts of electoral violence during the recent by-election rerun in Ablekuma North.

The rerun, conducted in 19 polling stations within the constituency, has become the center of political controversy following allegations of intimidation and violence. The Minority believes these developments threaten Ghana’s democratic integrity.

Addressing Parliament just before leading the walkout, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh raised deep concerns over the growing pattern of politically motivated violence.

“Electoral violence is increasingly rearing its ugly head in our fledgling democracy,” he noted. “What happened in Ablekuma North is a clear warning sign.”

While expressing respect for the Speaker of Parliament, Dompreh clarified that the walkout was not intended as a slight to parliamentary authority but rather a stand for democratic values.

“Mr. Speaker, with all due respect, this is not about you. It is about our nation’s democratic future,” he explained. “Until the violence and threats to our lives are addressed, we cannot participate in today’s proceedings.”

Despite their exit, the Speaker acknowledged the seriousness of their concerns, stating that discussions on electoral violence could be tabled for another day.