Calls for calm ahead of the upcoming Akwatia by-election have intensified, with former Ledzokuku Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mordecai Abusuayedom Quarshie, urging the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to begin immediate discussions to prevent any violence.
The call comes as tensions rise in the wake of the violent Ablekuma North parliamentary primaries rerun held two weeks ago. Speaking in reflection of recent events, Mr. Quarshie warned that lessons must be drawn from the scenes at Ablekuma North to avert a repeat during the Akwatia by-election.
“Both NPP and NDC should start conversations to avert any seeming violence ahead of the Akwatia by-election”
Mordecai Abusuayedom Quarshie, Former Ledzokuku MCE
Mr. Quarshie emphasized that proactive dialogue between the two major parties would show that they were acting in the national interest rather than for personal or partisan gain.
He expressed his expectation that party leaders would have already initiated quiet, strategic contacts across the political divide to de-escalate tensions and coordinate measures for a peaceful election process. “That is why leadership is called for at this point,” he added.
For Quarshie, such behind-the-scenes cooperation to find out “how both sides can come together and operate in order to avert any disaster” is not only critical but expected, given the recurring episodes of election violence and the fatigue it breeds among ordinary citizens.
He warned that failure by party leaders of the NPP and NDC to collaborate in time would amount to a betrayal of public trust, especially when the signals of potential unrest during the election exercise were clear.
“I’d be very disappointed if by the time we get to Akwatia, the back room contacts and the discussions haven’t been held by the key people on both sides of the political divide in order to ensure that whatever happens in Akwatia is acceptable”
Mordecai Abusuayedom Quarshie, Former Ledzokuku MCE
Mr. Quarshie said he believed the willingness to engage was present and that both NPP and NDC leaders should seize the moment to demonstrate responsible leadership.
Shared Commitment
The former MCE expressed his belief in the power of a strategic intervention by both political parties to avert any looming threat to a safe and peaceful by-election in Akwatia.
“I don’t think the police alone on their own can stop anything from happening. Both sides have to agree that Ghanaians are tired of this kind of nonsense, excuse my language, and Ghanaians want peace, decency, and dignity to prevail”
Mordecai Abusuayedom Quarshie, Former Ledzokuku MCE
“Why does a normal election have to involve such brute violence?” he asked, describing it as unacceptable that Ghanaian elections frequently descend into chaos, calling for a shift in political culture through direct engagement and focused discussions.
“It is my view that all serious actors on both sides, NPP, NDC, ought to by now be jaw-jawing in order to prevent war-warring” he charged.
His comments arrive as the Electoral Commission prepares for the Akwatia by-election, which follows the untimely passing of first time MP Hon. Ernest Kumi, and in a broader context of heightened political rivalry following the 2024 elections.
As the date for the by-election approaches, many observers will be watching closely to see whether party leaders heed the advice and initiate steps toward a peaceful, credible electoral process.
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