The Ashanti Regional branch of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has once again failed to elect new executives following a chaotic disruption at the election grounds, where a group of unidentified thugs reportedly stormed the venue, forcing officials to suspend the process indefinitely.
The second attempt at electing regional NASPA leaders, held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the CLOGSAG Auditorium in Kumasi, was expected to be a decisive moment after a similar effort in April collapsed. However, the event quickly descended into disorder after unresolved disputes over the mode of voting sparked tensions among delegates and aspirants.
The election process had already been delayed due to disagreements between the current executives—who insisted on using an electronic voting system—and aspirants, who strongly advocated for a manual process, citing transparency and concerns over potential vote manipulation.
“We are not against technology,” an aspirant stated. “But any voting system must be trusted and understood by all. Pushing electronic voting without agreement or proper stakeholder education is suspicious.”
Amidst the heated exchanges, tension escalated further when a group of young men believed to be hired thugs forcefully entered the auditorium. Their aggressive behavior and intimidating presence caused fear among delegates and disrupted the already fragile proceedings.
Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere as chaotic and unsafe. “People started running out. Chairs were being moved, people shouting. It was clear we were no longer safe,” one delegate from the Sekyere Central District said.
Election officials, under pressure and unable to guarantee the safety of participants, promptly suspended the process. No new date was announced, and many delegates left the venue visibly upset and disappointed.
This marks the second time in less than two months that the Ashanti Region has failed to elect new NASPA leaders. The first attempt in April was cancelled due to administrative and technical setbacks. With this latest disruption, frustrations among national service personnel have reached a breaking point.
“This is not just incompetence—it’s sabotage,” another aspirant said. “The current executives are doing everything to cling to power. Twice we’ve come to Kumasi, spent our own money, and gone back with nothing.”
Delegates who traveled from remote districts expressed similar concerns, accusing the leadership of disrespecting their time and efforts.
“The election has become a joke. We came here with hope, only to be met with confusion, intimidation, and zero results,” a delegate from all districts lamented.
In the wake of the incident, several aspirants and delegates are calling on the Ashanti Regional Police Command and the National Service Scheme (NSS) to take immediate steps to investigate the intrusion, ensure security in future elections, and restore confidence in NASPA’s leadership processes.
Officials from the Ashanti Regional NSS Directorate, who were present at the scene, have appealed for calm and pledged to engage all stakeholders to address the impasse.
As of now, NASPA in the Ashanti Region remains without elected executives. Many service personnel fear that the prolonged leadership vacuum could disrupt planned programs and weaken the association’s ability to advocate for their welfare.
Stakeholders across the region are urging the national NASPA secretariat to intervene and ensure that the next election is not only peaceful and transparent but also credible and free from external interference.
