Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka has assured the public of enhanced security measures ahead of the upcoming by-election in the Akwatia constituency, following the violence that disrupted the recent rerun in Ablekuma North.
Speaking on Monday, July 14, during Day One of the Government Accountability Series, Mr. Muntaka stated that the Ablekuma North incident has prompted a renewed commitment from the country’s security agencies to ensure peaceful elections moving forward.
He said, “I’m sure this is also a wake up call for our security agencies know that probably what happened [in Ablekuma North], maybe you could say that it was not an organised thing, it was a spontaneous thing, it gives our security agencies the opportunity to even plan better towards Akwatia,” he stated.
He further assured, “We will use Ablekuma North as a case study to review how we operate in Akwatia, to make sure that the citizens are free to cast their votes and express their will without fear or favour.”
The Electoral Commission (EC) held the Ablekuma North rerun on July 11 across 19 polling stations after the December 2024 general elections failed to produce conclusive results due to verification issues.
The rerun, initially challenged by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), proceeded after the courts dismissed the party’s injunction attempt.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, was declared winner.
However, the exercise was marred by violent incidents, including an altercation at the Odorkor Methodist Church polling station where Hawa Koomson allegedly discharged pepper spray.
Later at the St. Peter’s polling station, suspected thugs attacked party agents and journalists, leaving NPP candidate Nana Akua Afriyie and a female polling agent with injuries.
Voting was briefly halted after Hawa Koomson was also reportedly assaulted.
With Akwatia set for its by-election, the Interior Minister emphasized that all necessary precautions will be taken to prevent a repeat of such scenes.
