The Akwatia constituency in Ghana is gearing up for an important by-election on September 2, following the tragic passing of Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi. In light of the heightened political tensions surrounding the vacant seat, the Ghana Police Service has deployed a massive force of 5,500 personnel to ensure top-notch security during the electoral process.
The rivalry between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has made the Akwatia by-election a focal point of intense competition. Recent remarks from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticizing the NDC’s decision to contest the seat have only added to the pre-election anxiety.
The scale of this security deployment is one of the largest in Ghana’s electoral history, reflecting the authorities’ determination to prevent any form of violence or intimidation. This proactive approach by the police is aimed at reassuring voters and encouraging them to exercise their democratic rights without fear.
Director of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, COP Vans Baba Gariba, emphasized that the primary objective of the security personnel is to protect voters, not intimidate them. The extensive presence of police officers at polling stations and electoral areas, along with stringent access controls at the collation center, is designed to ensure a peaceful and transparent voting process.
By implementing these measures, the authorities hope to prevent any potential disruptions during the vote counting process and guarantee the integrity of the election results. This deployment is a proactive step to avoid the electoral violence that has marred previous by-elections, where a lack of adequate security presence led to clashes between rival party supporters.
The upcoming Akwatia by-election will serve as a litmus test for the effectiveness of a robust and visible security posture in safeguarding the democratic process. It sends a strong message that electoral violence will not be tolerated, and that every citizen has the right to participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.
As the nation prepares for this crucial electoral event, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth and peaceful voting process that upholds the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
