Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has moved to reassure the public of the Ghana Police Service’s preparedness to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Speaking Wednesday during a visit by the Police Management Board (POMAB) to the High-Risk Operation Training Centre in Akyerematen, the IGP emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on political violence. The tour, which showcased the tactical readiness of security personnel, is part of broader pre-election measures aimed at safeguarding voters, election officials, political actors, and the media.
“We have brought men here, and they are trained on how to handle arms,” Mr. Yohuno stated. “We decided to come and sharpen our skills for the by-election. Today, they will move to Akwatia to assess all threats. All the threats we hear from social media have given us room to prepare, and to assure the electorate that no one can come here to cause trouble.”
The IGP’s remarks follow a closed-door meeting held Tuesday between the police service and representatives of major political parties to review election security arrangements. That meeting comes against a backdrop of recent electoral unrest in the Ablekuma North constituency, where allegations of politically motivated violence have stoked concerns about the integrity and safety of Ghana’s electoral process.
Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), challenged the police to act more decisively. “Thugs who were linked to the NDC caused mayhem—videos and images are all over. Yet, there has been no clear update on arrests. If the police want us to rely on their assurances, they must deal with what happened in Ablekuma North,” he said.
While police claim two individuals have been arrested in connection with the Ablekuma disturbances, opposition parties remain skeptical about the transparency of law enforcement efforts.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), for its part, has focused its demands on the Electoral Commission (EC). Rashid Tanko-Computer, Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, called on the EC to impose tighter security protocols at polling stations. He cited concerns about unauthorized individuals—including former government officials—gaining access to sensitive areas.
“We are committed to peace, but we are also wary of our opponents bringing dangerous weapons. Recall that one of the leaders, Hawa Koomson, was caught with pepper spray in her bag,” Mr. Tanko-Computer said. “Being a former MP or Minister doesn’t entitle you to be in the polling area without accreditation.”
The Akwatia by-election is being closely watched as a bellwether for broader political sentiment ahead of national elections in 2028. With both major parties sharpening their rhetoric, and security forces on high alert, the stakes—political and otherwise—are rising rapidly in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
