Former Vice-President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to help establish a welfare fund dedicated to supporting party members who face critical needs while serving the party.

Dr Bawumia made this commitment on Sunday, July 14, during a visit to the Deputy National Youth Organiser of the NPP, Chris Lloyd, who is currently recovering from injuries sustained in a violent assault during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun last Friday.

“I want to see us set up a welfare fund that will provide critical support for our committed party members in difficult moments like this,” Dr Bawumia said during the visit to Mr Lloyd's residence in Accra.

Videos from the election day showed Mr Lloyd being attacked by a group of individuals. The assault occurred amidst chaotic scenes that disrupted the voting process at some polling stations.

Dr Bawumia expressed deep concern over the attack and commended Mr Lloyd for his dedication, saying, “We are proud of your courage and commitment to the party. You did not deserve what happened, and we stand by you.”

The former Vice-President also extended his sympathies to former Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, who was similarly assaulted at the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station during the same rerun. He visited her at her residence, reiterating his call for justice.

“These attacks must not go unpunished,” Dr Bawumia stressed. “The perpetrators must be brought to book. If we fail to act, it will only embolden such violence in future elections. We will not forget these acts.”

In addition to Mr Lloyd and Ms Koomson, Dr Bawumia also visited the NPP parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and party polling agents who were injured or traumatised by Friday’s incidents.

The Ablekuma North rerun was ordered by the Electoral Commission following disputes over results in the December 2024 general elections. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, emerged victorious, ending the NPP’s 28-year hold on the seat.

The rerun was marred by isolated incidents of violence, including assaults on party officials and journalists. The Ghana Police Service has pledged to investigate and prosecute those involved in the disturbances.