The Center for Civic Engagement and Governance (CCEG) has raised red flags over the upcoming Akwatia by-election, warning that violence similar to what occurred during the recent Ablekuma North parliamentary re-run could erupt if urgent steps are not taken.
Speaking to Adom News, CCEG’s Public Relations Officer, Nana Nyarko Owusu, described the Ablekuma North incidents—including the assault on the NPP Deputy National Organizer and attacks on journalists, including a Multimedia Group reporter—as deeply troubling.
“The violence we saw in Ablekuma North could very well repeat itself in Akwatia if we do not act now,” Mr. Owusu cautioned. “We are seeing a disturbing trend, and it is time for government and security agencies to take proactive steps before things get out of hand.”
Mr. Owusu stressed the critical role of the police and urged President John Dramani Mahama to task the current Inspector General of Police, COP Tetteh Yohonu, and the Interior Minister, just as he previously directed then-IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to investigate election-related violence.
“If we continue to ignore these signs, electoral violence will become normalised, and that poses a serious threat to our democracy.”
He also condemned the continued use of political vigilantes and “machomen” at polling stations.
“Why should politicians go to the polls with machomen? Election-related vigilantism must be treated as a criminal offense. Offenders should be prosecuted to deter others.”
While acknowledging the overall professionalism of the Ghana Police Service, Mr. Owusu expressed concern over their perceived inaction during the Ablekuma North re-run.
“The Ghana Police is a very effective institution, but their failure to act in Ablekuma suggests there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed.”
He further criticised the policy of disallowing armed police officers at polling stations, describing it as a serious security lapse.
“One of the serious problems we have is the policy of not allowing police officers to be armed at polling stations. This is a bad decision and needs to be reconsidered if we truly want to protect voters and election officials.”
Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom
