The Akwatia constituency in the Eastern Region witnessed early morning drama on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, as police arrested one person accused of t
The Akwatia constituency in the Eastern Region witnessed early morning drama on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, as police arrested one person accused of tearing down campaign posters at a polling station during the much-anticipated by-election.
According to election officials, the incident occurred shortly after polls opened.
Eyewitnesses said the suspect was seen removing campaign materials belonging to one of the candidates. Security personnel quickly intervened, restoring calm and allowing the voting process to continue smoothly. Police have since warned that any attempt to disrupt the election through intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, or violence will attract swift punishment.
The by-election was necessitated by the sudden death of the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, who passed away few months ago.
His death left the seat vacant, triggering one of the most fiercely contested political battles in recent memory.
The race pits Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). With over 50,000 registered voters expected to cast their ballots, the stakes are high for both major political parties.
In the weeks leading up to the election, Akwatia became the center of national attention as senior party leaders, including national executives, descended on the constituency to whip up support.
Both campaigns have been characterized by intense rallies, house-to-house engagements, and promises aimed at swaying undecided voters.
Given Akwatia’s history as a politically sensitive constituency, the Ghana Police Service deployed over 5,500 officers to provide security throughout the constituency.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has also assured the public of its commitment to delivering a free, fair, and transparent process, calling on residents to exercise their civic responsibility without fear.
This is not the first time Akwatia has made headlines during elections. The constituency has, in the past, witnessed fierce contests between the NDC and NPP, with allegations of intimidation, vote-buying, and clashes between party supporters.
The latest developments, therefore, have heightened anxieties over the possibility of renewed tensions.
Despite these concerns, many voters turned out early to participate, determined to choose a new representative.
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