Police Detain Individual in Akwatia By-Election for Alleged Campaign Poster Vandalism
Police in Akwatia have arrested one person for allegedly tearing down a candidate’s posters at a polling station as voting in the constituency’s by-election got underway today (2 September).
The swift intervention by security officers ensured that voting continued without disruption. Authorities have since cautioned that any acts of intimidation, violence, or interference with the electoral process will be met with strict action.
The by-election was triggered by the death of Ernest Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akwatia, creating the need to elect a new representative for the constituency.
More than 50,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots in what is shaping up to be a closely fought contest between Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the NPP.
Both parties have waged vigorous campaigns in recent weeks, with national executives and senior party figures making frequent trips to Akwatia to drum up support for their candidates.
To safeguard the polls, the Ghana Police Service has deployed over 5,500 officers across the constituency. The Electoral Commission has also reassured voters of a free, fair, and transparent process.
Residents have been urged to turn out in their numbers, exercise their franchise responsibly, and comply with electoral rules to ensure a peaceful and credible outcome.
