Renowned Gospel musician Minister OJ has shared his opinion on how elections violence,associated killings and disruptions can be curbed in Ghana.

Joining panelists on UTV's United Showbiz on Saturday, July 12, the Minister asserted that every problem is best solved by the people who cause it—making reference to Westerners who began the slave trade in Africa.

He noted that when they realized it was wrong, they put a stop to it.

In the same way, since politicians are the perpetrators of these acts of violence, he believes they are the best people to bring them to an end.

He insists that politicians tend to manipulate people for their selfish interests. Hence, the cases of violence meted out on people, especially on election days.

“The issue of political violence, politicians are the ones who started it, and they are the only ones who can end it easily.

“Politicians do not work with people; they use them. They will confuse, convince and use you. Look at the videos coming out. Why didn't anyone attack the candidates? Only the party supporters were affected,” he stated.

His comments come in the wake of the recent violent incidents that erupted during the Ablekuma North parliamentary reruns on July 11, 2025, which saw journalists, political party executives and former politicians being assaulted.

He continued that, the attention Ghanaians give to these politicians who lead and instigate these violent acts should be cut off. Once they realise this, they'd put a stop to it.

“The moment the people stop paying attention to these politicians and stop following them around, they will stop,” he added.

He also called for a strong national response to crime and violence, stating, “A nation cannot be seen as timid when it comes to crime; it has to be brutal in handling it.”

He recommended the need to empower institutions like the NCCE to embark on education and awareness programs to psych the youth on the dangers of being used by politicians during elections.

What happened?

OJ's comments come on the back of violence that erupted during the Ablekuma North election rerun on Juky 11.

At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

A journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, was also slapped by a police officer.

The Ghana Police Service has interdicted one of its officers who was caught on camera slapping a journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, during the rerun election at Ablekuma North.

In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

The officer concerned has been withdrawn from the ongoing election duty at Ablekuma North.

The rerun election, held on July 11 across 19 polling stations, saw several alarming incidents.

At some polling stations, unidentified individuals, described as “thugs” assaulted political figures, including Hawa Koomson, former Awutu Senya East MP, and the NPP’s Deputy National Organiser, Chris Lloyd.

Following the reports, various stakeholders, including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Minority Caucus in Parliament, and local journalists have called for thorough investigations, prosecution of perpetrators, and full protection for voters and officials.

Listen to OJ from 2:28