The Inspector-General of Police said Tuesday that the country’s high-stakes Akwatia by-election will conclude without incident, describing the vote as a potential bellwether for future national polls.
Christian Tetteh Yohuno, speaking during a tour of polling centers in the Eastern Region town, said police forces had received enhanced training and were fully equipped to ensure a secure electoral process.
“This election will set the tone for future elections,” COP Yohuno said, pointing to past episodes of political violence as cautionary tales. “The chaos of Ablekuma North is behind us.”
The Ablekuma North constituency, located in Accra, was the scene of unrest during a recent rerun, raising concerns over electoral security. In contrast, Yohuno projected a more orderly outcome for Akwatia, crediting months of preparation and what he called a "new approach to law enforcement around elections."
Roughly 50,000 registered voters are expected to cast ballots across 119 polling stations in what has become a closely watched contest between Ghana’s two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The vote follows the death of incumbent MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.
In response to suggestions that the heavy police presence could deter voters, Yohuno said the force’s deployment was welcomed by locals. “With our presence, voters feel secure and are coming out to cast their ballots,” he told reporters.
He added that additional reinforcements would be stationed during the vote-counting process to prevent any disruptions.
While tensions remain high due to the political significance of the constituency, authorities say they are determined to deliver a clean, peaceful election — one that could serve as a template for the 2026 general elections.
