As Akwatia braces for its highly anticipated by-election on Tuesday September 2, 2025, security and peacebuilding efforts have taken centre stage, wit
As Akwatia braces for its highly anticipated by-election on Tuesday September 2, 2025, security and peacebuilding efforts have taken centre stage, with the Ghana Police Service deploying a massive 5,500 officers to the constituency and the National Peace Council (NPC) convening urgent talks with the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The by-election, triggered by the death of the NPP’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, has ignited fierce political campaigns and heightened tensions in the Eastern Region constituency, which has long been regarded as one of Ghana’s electoral flashpoints.
Police Roll Out Tough Security Measures
At a high-level security briefing on Friday, August 29, 2025, the Director-General of Police Operations, COP Vance Baba Gariba, announced that strict measures had been put in place to ensure peace before, during, and after the polls.
Among the directives is a total ban on weapons at polling stations, including firearms carried by Very Very Important Persons’ (VVIPs) bodyguards.
All such weapons must be surrendered to police stations before principals are escorted to the polls.
“What it means is that even VVIP bodyguards will not be allowed to carry their side arms or weapons into the polling stations. This is to guarantee that no voter feels intimidated,” COP Gariba explained.
In addition, restrictions have been imposed on motorbike use—an activity often associated with ballot snatching and violent disruptions in past elections.
Motorbikes will be prohibited within 100 metres of polling centres, and pillion riding will be discouraged.
While 5,500 police officers will take full charge of security operations, the military has been placed on standby.
COP Gariba stressed that troops would only be deployed as a last resort.
“I want to reassure the people of Akwatia that the Police Service is fully prepared. We will protect every voter and ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election,” he said.
National Peace Council Steps In
As part of preventive diplomacy, the National Peace Council (NPC) has invited both the NDC and NPP leadership to an emergency meeting scheduled for Monday, September 1, 2025, in Akwatia.
In a letter signed by its Executive Secretary, Dr. George Amoh, the NPC emphasized that the dialogue was intended to reduce tension and foster political tolerance ahead of voting day.
“The Board respectfully requests a short meeting with the leadership of both the NDC and NPP in fulfilment of our pledge to engage you ahead of the Akwatia by-election,” the letter stated.
The meeting follows earlier engagements held with both parties in July, underscoring the Council’s determination to avoid a repeat of violent electoral episodes that have stained Akwatia’s history.
Akwatia’s Troubled Electoral Past
The Akwatia constituency has gained notoriety as one of Ghana’s most politically volatile areas.
In 2008, the constituency became the focus of national attention after allegations of ballot stuffing and violent clashes led to a court-ordered rerun in six polling stations.
The rerun was marred by chaos, further cementing Akwatia’s reputation as an electoral hotspot.
Since then, security deployments during elections in Akwatia have always been heavy, with each cycle testing the resilience of Ghana’s democratic process.
Rising Political Tensions
The upcoming by-election has been fiercely contested, with both the NDC and NPP pouring significant resources into their campaigns.
High-profile visits by national executives have added to the charged political atmosphere.
Just last week, tensions nearly esalated into confrontation when NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah’s presence at the 40-day observance of the late Ernest Kumi sparked heated exchanges with some NPP supporters.
Observers warn that such incidents point to a volatile contest, making the heavy security deployment and peace council intervention critical to safeguarding the integrity of the polls.
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