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NPP Slams Police Over Election Violence: Says Akwatia By-Election Security Is At Risk

2 weeks ago

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Akwatia by-election security – The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed deep concerns over the preparedness of the Ghana Police Service ahead of the much-anticipated Akwatia by-election scheduled for September 2, 2025.

According to the NPP, the deployment of thousands of officers will be meaningless if known thugs who perpetrated violence in the Ablekuma North election are not arrested and prosecuted.

The party is demanding swift and decisive action against perpetrators of electoral violence to restore public trust and ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election in Akwatia.

NPP Questions Police Commitment to Akwatia By-Election Security

Akwatia by-election security – The NPP’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, did not mince words when speaking to the media after a crucial security briefing between political parties and the Ghana Police Service.

He stressed that the public is rapidly losing confidence in the Police’s ability to handle violent incidents linked to elections, especially following the chaos witnessed in Ablekuma North.

“We made it very clear that thugs linked to the NDC who caused mayhem in Ablekuma North are still walking free. Their images and videos are all over, yet no decisive arrests have been made. We only saw a statement claiming that two persons were arrested, but till today, there is no update. Were they arraigned before court? Are they on remand? We do not know,” Boakye fumed.

According to him, merely announcing that security officers will be dispatched to Akwatia will not address the root problem if perpetrators of recent violence remain untouched.

Police Promises Action, But NPP Remains Skeptical

Akwatia by-election security – Boakye further disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) assured the NPP during the meeting that arrests would be made shortly. However, he noted that such assurances mean little without visible action.

“The IGP said they are very serious and that by the close of today, we should expect arrests. But if they want us to trust these assurances, then they must act on what happened in Ablekuma North. Only then can we believe that Akwatia by-election security is in safe hands,” he added.

The NPP insists that the Ghana Police Service must “demonstrate with action, not words” if it wants to gain the confidence of political parties, candidates, and voters in Akwatia.

NDC Calls for Stronger Security Measures

Akwatia by-election security – Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) also presented its concerns during the joint meeting. The party, through its Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Rashid Tanko-Computer, urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to take extra steps in managing polling stations.

The NDC emphasized that security must be tightened to prevent individuals without accreditation, including former Members of Parliament and ex-Ministers from gaining access to sensitive areas of polling centers.

Tanko-Computer reminded authorities of the chaos triggered in Ablekuma North when non-accredited persons interfered in the voting process.

“We are committed to the peace pact and ready to honor the security protocols. However, we remain mindful of the activities of our opponents who often enter polling stations with dangerous weapons. Recall what happened in Ablekuma North that created needless tension. One of their leaders, Hawa Koomson, was even found with pepper spray. That is unacceptable,” he explained.

The NDC therefore called on the EC and the Ghana Police to strictly enforce accreditation rules and prevent unauthorized individuals from interfering with the process.

The Bigger Picture: Why Akwatia By-Election Security Matters

The Akwatia by-election is shaping up to be one of the most contentious polls of the year. With both the NPP and NDC seeking to consolidate their support base, tensions are high, and the stakes are even higher.

Political analysts have cautioned that failure to guarantee security at the Akwatia by-election could erode public trust in Ghana’s democratic process. Citizens in Akwatia are already expressing fears that the poll may witness violence if urgent measures are not taken to clamp down on politically-sponsored thugs.

The Ghana Police Service, on its part, has pledged to ensure fairness, neutrality, and professionalism in the conduct of its duties. But as both the NPP and NDC point out, words alone will not be enough, action will determine whether Akwatia sets a positive precedent or becomes another flashpoint in Ghana’s electoral history.

Public Confidence at Stake

Akwatia by-election security – Civil society groups, election observers, and community leaders are also weighing in on the matter. Many agree that the ability of the police to decisively deal with Ablekuma North perpetrators will set the tone for Akwatia.

If those involved in violent disruptions are prosecuted, it will send a clear message that lawlessness will not be tolerated. On the other hand, if the suspects remain free, it will embolden others to replicate the violence.

For now, the spotlight remains on the Police and Electoral Commission. Ghanaians will be watching closely to see whether their assurances of safety and transparency will translate into real security on the ground come September 2.

Conclusion: NPP and NDC Demand Real Action, Not Empty Promises

Akwatia by-election security – As the countdown to the Akwatia by-election begins, both major parties—the NPP and NDC, are demanding credible and visible actions from security agencies.

The NPP insists that no number of police deployments will matter unless perpetrators of past violence are arrested. The NDC, on the other hand, is warning against the infiltration of polling stations by unauthorized individuals.

With just weeks to go, the credibility of Ghana’s security institutions will be tested once more. Whether they rise to the occasion or falter will determine not just the outcome in Akwatia, but also the confidence of Ghanaians in the electoral system.