Akwatia by-election: 5,500 police officers deployed amid political tensions
The Ghana Police Service is set to deploy 5,500 officers to the Akwatia constituency in preparation for the upcoming by-election on September 2, 2025.
This aims to ensure robust security in light of the political tensions surrounding the vacant parliamentary seat.
The by-election comes in the wake of the passing of former New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP, Ernest Kumi, which has sparked intense competition between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP.
Recent comments from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who criticised the NDC’s choice to contest the seat, have added to the already charged atmosphere.
This deployment marks one of the largest security mobilisations in Ghana’s electoral history, underscoring the commitment of law enforcement to preempt any incidents of violence or intimidation.
The last comparable operation was during the 2024 general elections, which unfortunately experienced isolated acts of violence despite a strong security presence.
Addressing the press, COP Vans Baba Gariba, the Director of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, indicated that their mission is to protect voters, not to instil fear.
He assured the public that “The personnel will be engaged in community engagements to assure the electorates that they should not fear; they should all come out and cast their votes and exercise their rights as good citizens”.
This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at building public trust and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
Alongside the extensive deployment at polling stations and electoral areas, the police have also established strict access controls at the collation centre
Only accredited individuals will be allowed entry during the vote counting, a crucial step designed to prevent disturbances and safeguard the integrity of the election results.
This precautionary measure aims to avert the violence that has marred previous by-elections, where a smaller security presence failed to deter confrontations between opposing party supporters.