Akwatia By-Election Under Scrutiny as Political Tensions Escalate.

Political tensions in Ghana have reached a boiling point ahead of the Akwatia by-election, following a viral video in which a man claiming to be the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “Blue Army” issued chilling threats of violent retaliation. The video has triggered widespread condemnation and calls for immediate police intervention to prevent electoral violence.

In the video, the man warns that any attack on his group will be met with disproportionate force. “If they assault one person, we will assault ten of their attackers. If they kill one person, we will kill ten of their attackers. Boot for boot. It will be worse.”

He directly addressed President Mahama, demanding a free and fair election and vowing that the NPP would reclaim the seat. The remarks were allegedly in response to threats from individuals affiliated with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The video has sparked outrage across social media, with citizens demanding the man's arrest for inciting violence. Civil society groups and peace advocates have condemned the rhetoric, warning that such threats undermine Ghana’s democratic principles.

The Akwatia constituency has a history of electoral volatility, and the current climate—fueled by partisan threats—raises fears of a repeat of the violence seen during the Ablekuma North rerun earlier this month.

Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno has responded firmly:

1.A technical team has been deployed to oversee security operations.

2.Footage from recent elections is under review, and offenders will be prosecuted.

3.Police misconduct will not be tolerated; one officer has already been interdicted for assaulting a journalist during the Ablekuma North rerun.

The government has also convened a high-level security meeting involving Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committees, pledging to prevent chaos and safeguard the democratic process.

The by-election was triggered by the sudden death of NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi. Parliament declared the seat vacant on July 17, setting the stage for a fiercely contested race. With both major parties mobilizing aggressively, the stakes are high—not just for Akwatia, but for Ghana’s electoral integrity.

Election observers, including CODEO and IMANI Africa, have urged:

Deployment of trained marshals at volatile polling stations.

Enforcement of exclusion zones to prevent clashes.

Civic education campaigns to counter misinformation and promote peaceful participation. “Violence has no place in Ghana’s democracy,” said Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings. “We must learn from Ablekuma North and ensure Akwatia does not become another flashpoint.”