Ghana’s Police Service has sought to allay public concern over the potential deployment of military forces during the upcoming Akwatia by-election, stating that soldiers will be called in only if security conditions warrant it.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the vote, the Director General of Operations, Commissioner of Police Vance Baba Gariba, said the military would remain on standby and would not be engaged unless the situation escalates beyond the capacity of law enforcement.
“The military will be only on standby. As and when we need them, then we will deploy them,” COP Gariba said. “But if we don’t need the military, then we will not request for their deployment.”
The announcement comes amid heightened attention to security arrangements following past concerns over military presence at political events. Officials are aiming to strike a balance between readiness and restraint in order to maintain public confidence.
The police chief urged residents of Akwatia to remain calm and participate in the electoral process, assuring them of adequate security throughout.
“I want to reassure all the good people of Akwatia that they should come out in their numbers and exercise their franchise,” he said. “The Ghana Police Service will continue to guarantee their safety and security during this period.”
Authorities say they are coordinating with other security agencies to ensure the by-election is conducted peacefully, with an emphasis on transparency and public order.
