By-election: We have dealt with incidents in Akwatia – Police

The police say that any pockets of incidents at Akwatia have been dealt with promptly to ensure a smooth by-election process.

ACP Grace Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, told GTV on Tuesday that any pocket of incidents at Akwatia has been addressed immediately by officers on the ground.

She explained that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has visited several polling centers, and all reported issues have been resolved quickly.

She added that police have been deployed across all polling stations to maintain security and respond to any potential problems.

“Our rapid response teams are standing by to manage any situation that might arise. Considering how the process has gone so far, we are confident that it will conclude peacefully,” ACP Akrofi said.

Addressing concerns about potential reprisal attacks or gatherings to foment trouble, ACP Akrofi stated, “We haven’t come across any such concern yet, but we have deployed officers extensively to contain any incident that might occur.”

On questions about specific incidents involving party supporters, she emphasized that the police remain committed to ensuring voter safety. “We want to assure everyone that all who wish to vote can do so freely and confidently. We also call on all stakeholders to cooperate with the police to ensure that the elections conclude peacefully,” she added.

The Akwatia by-election is being held across 119 polling stations, with over 50,000 registered voters expected to participate. Security personnel and the Electoral Commission continue to monitor the process closely to maintain calm and order throughout the constituency.

Residents of Akwatia have begun casting their ballots in a key by-election to elect a new Member of Parliament following the death of former MP Ernest Kumi.

Voting is underway in Akwatia, where over 50,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots. The by-election has drawn national attention as a key contest between the country’s two main political parties.

Election officials report that polling is proceeding smoothly in Akwatia, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) fielding Bernard Bediako Baidoo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) represented by Solomon Kwame Asumadu. Both candidates have conducted intensive campaigns in recent weeks, hosting rallies and receiving visits from party leaders and national executives.

Voting in Akwatia is taking place under heightened security measures. The Ghana Police Service has deployed more than 5,500 officers across the constituency to maintain law and order, safeguard voters, and prevent any acts of intimidation or disruption during polling.