Akwatia By-Election to Establish Strong Precedent for Future Polls, Says Inspector General of Police

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has expressed confidence in the ongoing Akwatia by-election, stating that the exercise is proceeding smoothly and will serve as a benchmark for future elections in Ghana.

Speaking during a visit to the constituency to assess security operations, the IGP praised the conduct of both security personnel and voters, describing the atmosphere as peaceful and orderly.

“Everything is going on smoothly as planned, and that is what we expect to do — to make sure that at the end of the day, we have a very smooth and peaceful election,” IGP Yohuno told Citi News‘ Charles Owusu Kumi on Tuesday September 2.

He commended the performance of the police on the ground, revealing that top-ranking officers, including all regional commanders and members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), are actively deployed and working alongside field personnel.

“I am very satisfied with the performance of my men on the ground. This election is such that we have all regional commanders, all POMAB members taking part on the ground. They are all on the field and working with the personnel. Everything is going on very well,” he stated.

Yohuno assured the public that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to maintaining law and order throughout the electoral process, vowing to avoid any repeat of past election-related violence.

“Ablekuma North violence is a thing of the past. We are moving forward. As I assure you, this one will be an election that will set a tone for future elections.”

The Akwatia by-election, which was triggered by the passing of the sitting Member of Parliament, is being held across 119 polling stations with over 50,000 eligible voters. So far, the process has been generally calm despite isolated incidents reported earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, tensions arose earlier following an altercation which ensued between some members of the ruling National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party. The National Vice Chairman of the NDC, Chief Sofo Azorka, openly expressed anger over an unannounced visit by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to the NDC party office.

He described the move as “highly disrespectful” and “provocative,” accusing the NPP of attempting to intimidate NDC supporters in the constituency.

A confrontation also broke out between Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the third National Vice Chairman of the NPP and the escort of the NDC’s Vice Chairman, Chief Sofo Azorka.

Narrating the incident, Alhaji Masawudu said the altercation occurred while he was speaking to the media near the Akwatia Zongo area, where he had been deployed to monitor the polls.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the altercation escalated quickly, with a member of Azorka’s escort reportedly slapping Masawudu before police intervened to restore order. No arrests have been confirmed so far.