Aflao election-related issues: All that we know

The border closure in Aflao in the Ketu South Constituency and the military presence have increased tension in the area, with some Togolese reportedly arrested for entering the country illegally.  Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition has dug into the issue and found the following:

1.       Suspicious vehicle sighting:
In the afternoon of December 6, 2024, residents of Aflao noticed a white pickup truck with multiple antennae near the Aflao Police Station. The vehicle, bearing a visible registration number GE1029-24, raised suspicions of an intent to disrupt internet connections.

2.       Residents confront occupants:
Residents approached the vehicle’s occupants to inquire about their purpose in the area. Allegedly, the occupants ignored their questions, prompting further concerns.

3.       NDC members Intervene:
The commotion drew the attention of two National Democratic Congress (NDC) members. They informed Sylvia Awuye, a journalist with Holy FM, that one of the occupants, who was armed, had allegedly threatened to shoot them.

4.       Police involvement:
As tensions escalated, a police officer arrived at the scene and escorted the vehicle’s occupants to the Aflao Police Station. During the process, one occupant dropped an ID card, revealing his identity as Joseph Sekyere, a security officer at the Presidency.

5.       Youth protest:
A group of irate youth gathered at the scene, burning tyres and also vandalising part of the vehicle. They demanded the occupants be brought out for questioning. The police directed the vehicle to the station for safety.

6.       Warning shots fired:
According to our sources, Joseph Sekyere allegedly fired multiple warning shots while being escorted, further heightening tensions.

7.       Military presence:
The incident drew military intervention, with personnel remaining in the area until around 2:30 a.m.

8.       Arrest of alleged Togolese nationals:
Earlier in the day, 29 Togolese nationals were reportedly apprehended at the Aflao Low-Cost Basic School. However, the Aflao Sector Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, Frederick Duodu, indicated that 36  alleged Togolese were arrested and screened with 25 confirmed to be Togolese.

9.       Claims of NDC’s report and immigration action:
NDC executives allegedly alerted the police and immigration authorities about the presence of the Togolese. The individuals were subsequently taken to the immigration office near the border. On a video circulating on X, residents are heard saying the group were in the country to vote. Our sources confirmed the claim. 

10.   Accounts from the alleged Togolese:
The detained individuals claimed to be from Baguida, a suburb of Lomé, Togo. They told our source they were in contact with the school’s (Aflao Low-Cost Basic) headmaster. The headmaster had reportedly informed them that his superior would provide further instructions on what to do and they would be paid CFA 25,000.

11.   NPP Candidate’s statement:
After casting his ballot, the NPP candidate for Ketu South, Samuel Wisdom Doe Haligah, has promised to address the matter.

12.   Calm returns

Our sources say calm has returned to the area. 

13. The Ghana Immigration Service has since repatriated the 25 Togolese.