As preparations intensify for the upcoming Akwatia by-election scheduled for September 2, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the Ghana Police Service to take swift and decisive action against individuals implicated in the violent incidents that occurred during the Ablekuma North electoral process.
This appeal was made during a high-level meeting between the Ghana Police Service and representatives of various political parties, convened to ensure that the Akwatia by-election is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
Following the meeting, the National Organiser of the NPP, Mr. Henry Nana Boakye, stressed that for public confidence in the electoral process to be restored, the Police must demonstrate their resolve by arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the violence in Ablekuma North. According to him, despite the availability of video evidence and widespread images identifying the alleged perpetrators, there has been limited progress in holding them accountable.
“We highlighted the fact that individuals connected to disturbances in Ablekuma North are well-known, their images and videos are in circulation, yet no significant action has been taken. Although a communiqué indicated that two persons had been arrested, there has been no clear update on whether they were arraigned before court or placed on remand. We pressed strongly on this issue during the meeting,” Mr. Boakye explained.
He further disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police assured party representatives of the Service’s commitment to addressing the matter and even hinted that further arrests could be expected shortly. However, Mr. Boakye emphasized that assurances alone were insufficient, stressing the need for visible action to build trust.
“The Ghana Police Service must instill confidence by showing that the Ablekuma North situation is being handled decisively. If we are to trust in their assurances ahead of the Akwatia polls, then we must see firm measures taken against those who violated the law,” he added.
Meanwhile, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) also used the platform to raise concerns about electoral security. The party’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Mr. Rashid Tanko-Computer, urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to strengthen security protocols at polling stations. He argued that only persons with proper accreditation should be permitted access to the inner perimeter of polling centers, regardless of their political status or former positions in government.
Mr. Tanko-Computer warned that lax security had contributed to the chaos witnessed in Ablekuma North and cautioned against its recurrence in Akwatia.
“We remain fully committed to the peace plan and the assurances that have been put in place, but we cannot ignore the conduct of individuals who attempt to disrupt the process. The incidents at Ablekuma North serve as a reminder that preventive measures are crucial. Even high-profile figures must not be allowed to flout the rules. Once you lack accreditation, you should have no business at the polling station,” he stated.
He recalled that during the Ablekuma North election, tensions escalated partly because individuals entered polling areas with harmful items, including pepper spray, which triggered widespread concern and panic. According to him, strict enforcement of access rules is necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard voters.
As the September 2 by-election draws closer, both major political parties have expressed their readiness to participate while urging security agencies and the Electoral Commission to enforce rules without fear or favor.
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHz will continue to monitor developments closely and provide timely updates to the public on security arrangements and the overall preparedness of stakeholders for the Akwatia by-election.
STORY BY: KENNEDY AMPONSAH NTI
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHZ
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