Akwatia By-Election: IGP Assures Peaceful Poll With Full Police Preparedness

IGP Confident About Security Ahead of Akwatia By-Election

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has given a strong assurance to the Electoral Commission (EC) and the people of Akwatia that the Ghana Police Service is fully prepared to provide security for the upcoming Akwatia by-election.

Speaking on Monday, September 1, 2025, during an inspection tour of the Collation Centre in Akwatia, the IGP emphasized that the police have made all the necessary arrangements to ensure a peaceful and smooth election process on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

He interacted with senior officials of the Electoral Commission, including Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the National Director of Training, and John Appiah Baffoe, the Eastern Regional EC Director. The IGP assured them of the police’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

“We are all with you, and it will be fine. We’re strong on the ground, we’re fully prepared. And we will give you the support,” he stated with confidence.

Why the Akwatia By-Election Matters

The Akwatia by-election was necessitated by the unfortunate passing of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi. His death created a vacuum in parliamentary representation for the people of Akwatia, making this by-election critical for both local governance and national politics.

As one of the most closely watched constituencies in the Eastern Region, Akwatia has traditionally been a hotbed of competitive politics between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). This makes the upcoming vote not only significant for the residents but also symbolic for the broader political landscape in Ghana.

Police Preparedness to Ensure a Peaceful Election

Security remains a top concern in every election, and the IGP’s assurance is aimed at calming any anxieties among voters and political stakeholders. According to the police chief, adequate personnel have been deployed across the constituency, including at polling stations, the collation centre, and key flashpoints identified by intelligence reports.

The police have also strengthened collaboration with local traditional leaders, civil society groups, and community watchdog committees to ensure that law and order is maintained throughout the election period.

By reaffirming the readiness of the Ghana Police Service, the IGP hopes to boost public confidence and encourage high voter turnout on election day.

NDC’s Bernard Baidoo Bediako Leads in Polls

With the by-election just hours away, attention has also shifted to who is most likely to win. Two separate independent polls have placed the NDC candidate, Bernard Baidoo Bediako, as the frontrunner.

A recent survey conducted by Sanity Africa between August 1 and 27 showed Bediako with 52.3% support, compared to 47.7% for his closest rival, Solomon Asumadu of the NPP. The results suggest a slim margin of just 4.6 percentage points, highlighting the competitive nature of the race.

Political observers believe the NDC candidate’s lead stems from his strong grassroots mobilization and his ability to connect with the electorate on pressing local issues such as unemployment, infrastructure, and healthcare. However, the NPP’s Solomon Asumadu still remains a formidable contender with a strong base in parts of the constituency.

Electoral Commission Confident in a Transparent Process

The Electoral Commission has also reassured the public of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and transparent by-election in Akwatia. Officials have confirmed that all election materials have been delivered and that presiding officers and polling staff have been fully trained.

Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, speaking during the inspection with the IGP, emphasized that the Commission is determined to uphold credibility and integrity. He called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to respect the rules of the game and allow the process to unfold peacefully.

Voter Expectations and Community Hopes

For many residents of Akwatia, this by-election is more than just a political event, it represents hope for better representation and stronger advocacy in parliament. Locals are eager to elect someone who will not only continue the legacy of the late Ernest Kumi but also push for policies that address the constituency’s development challenges.

With unemployment, inadequate road networks, and limited healthcare facilities being major concerns, voters are keenly watching how each candidate positions themselves to address these issues.

Conclusion: Akwatia Poised for a Decisive Election

As the people of Akwatia head to the polls, the assurance of full police preparedness from IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno provides a sense of security and calm. The Akwatia by-election is set to be a defining moment for the constituency, with both the NDC and NPP pulling out all the stops to secure victory.

With the polls predicting a tight contest, the final outcome will depend heavily on voter turnout and the ability of electoral officials and security agencies to ensure fairness and transparency. For now, one thing is clear, Akwatia is ready to make its voice heard, and Ghana is watching closely.

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