Akwatia by-election: AEI lauds police’s swift handling of incidents with professionalism 

The African Electoral Institute (AEI) has stated that police professionalism during the Akwatia by-election in the Eastern region ensured peace, order, and credibility of the process.

The AEI’s observation mission, which monitored the Akwatia by-election on September 2, 2025, reported that police professionalism was evident across the polling stations it visited.

In a statement signed by the Head of Electoral Research Department for the Institute, Seyram Mankra explained that the officers were well-equipped, carried identification tags, and conducted themselves with neutrality, ensuring voters could cast their ballots without intimidation.

“At Akim Wenchi, a minor disturbance occurred when a group of unofficial individuals (“thugs”) appeared at Wenchi Presby Park. The incident caused tension but was swiftly managed by the police,” Madam Seyram Mankra stated.

According to the Institute, security arrangements for the Akwatia by-election were both adequate and professional. Police officers complied with restrictions on masks and dark shades and avoided interference in the electoral process. The AEI stressed that such police professionalism contributed significantly to building trust in the election outcome.

Observers further highlighted that even in moments of tension, such as at Akim Wenchi, where unidentified individuals disrupted proceedings, police professionalism stood out. Officers swiftly restored calm without interfering with the voting process, an approach that the AEI described as exemplary.

The report concluded that the visible presence of disciplined security personnel was vital for voter confidence. “The professionalism of the police throughout the Akwatia by-election reassured both voters and party agents that the process was being conducted fairly,” the AEI noted.

Beyond security, the AEI observed that police professionalism also extended to cooperation with party agents and electoral officials. Security personnel were seen facilitating order at polling centres, ensuring queues were respected, and supporting the Electoral Commission staff when required.

While commending the police, the Institute urged that future elections replicate this model of professionalism nationwide. It noted that Ghana’s democratic journey will be strengthened if security services continue to act with impartiality, restraint, and responsibility during elections.

The AEI concluded that the Akwatia by-election was largely peaceful and credible, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) securing 54.3% of the votes, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) obtaining 45.5%, and the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) gaining 0.2%.