NPP alleges NDC plot to deploy fake security in Akwatia By-Election

Tensions are heightening in the Akwatia constituency as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of planning to instigate violence during the upcoming by-election scheduled for Tuesday, 2 September.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the NPP’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, claimed the party had obtained “very reliable information and intelligence” indicating that the NDC intends to deploy operatives disguised as national security personnel to intimidate voters ahead of the poll.

Mr Ahiagbah further alleged that Richard Jakpa, recently appointed Director of Operations at the National Security Secretariat, had been moving around Akwatia with soldiers and issuing threats to residents to vacate the area.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that any soldier involved in the Akwatia by-election will be considered and dealt with as a thug,” Ahiagbah declared. He urged President Akufo-Addo, as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to intervene and ensure that no soldiers interfere in the election.

The Ghana Police Service has announced plans to deploy more than 5,000 officers to secure the by-election, with the Inspector General of Police reiterating that the police do not require military assistance to maintain law and order.

The NPP’s accusations followed a warning earlier in the day from NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande, who stated that any acts of violence on election day would be met with “equal resistance.” While reaffirming that the NDC is committed to peace, Gbande cautioned that the party would not allow intimidation of its supporters.

National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, also expressed optimism that the by-election could be conducted peacefully, calling on all political actors to respect the democratic process.

The Akwatia contest, which has drawn nationwide attention due to its swing-seat status, will see the NPP’s constituency treasurer, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, face off against the NDC’s constituency secretary, Bernard Bediako.

With both major parties trading accusations and warnings, security agencies are under pressure to guarantee a peaceful and credible vote in one of Ghana’s most hotly contested constituencies.