The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged the Ghana Police Service to arrest and prosecute anyone who attempts to disrupt the upcoming Akwatia by-election—regardless of their political allegiance.
This comes amid rising concerns over political vigilantism following reports of violence during the Ablekuma North by-election rerun. Some political factions have hinted at deploying their own security personnel due to alleged attacks on their members.
Speaking during the vetting and balloting of parliamentary aspirants in Koforidua, NDC’s Director of Protocol, Ludwig Hlodze, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a peaceful electoral process and emphasized the need for state security to remain neutral and firm.
“We are going there with an open mind and we also call on the IGP and the Minister for Interior and Minister of Defence to make sure that every citizen is protected at the Akwatia by- election,” he stated.
“We’ve spoken to our supporters that anybody who fell foul of the law will be handed over to the police and we’ve given the police all the powers.”
Hlodze, however, stressed that such actions risk undermining national security.
Meanwhile, the Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka, and National Security authorities have moved to assure the public of adequate security arrangements for the by-election, promising that lessons have been learned from recent electoral disturbances.
