The Ghana Police have once again found themselves at the center of an election-related debate as political parties prepare for the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed strong concerns about the ability of the Ghana Police to inspire trust among citizens and political stakeholders.
According to him, assurances alone are insufficient; they must be backed by decisive action to rebuild confidence in the institution.
Nana Boakye acknowledged that the recent meeting between the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and political parties ahead of the by-election was, in principle, a positive step.
He admitted that the dialogue created a platform for parties to raise crucial issues and for the police leadership to respond. However, he stressed that “assurances are built on confidence”—a quality he argued is currently lacking.
“We also expressed our dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Ghana police, especially in the recently held rerun of about 19 polling stations in the recent Ablekuma North election re-run. We said that thugs who were linked to the NDC, who caused mayhem, their images are all over.”
Henry Nana Boakye
The NPP leader pointed out that despite the widespread circulation of this evidence, the Ghana Police had failed to take decisive action against those responsible.
He noted that the police had earlier issued a statement announcing that “they have arrested two persons.” But weeks later, there is no clear update about whether those individuals have been prosecuted, remanded, or released.
“We don’t know what came up. We don’t have any updates,” Nana Boakye lamented, emphasizing that his party was “very strong on this particular point.”
Assurances From the Ghana Police
According to Nana Boakye, the IGP also assured the parties that the matter regarding the Ablekuma North violence was being taken seriously and that by the close of the day, further arrests could be expected.
He, however, argued that the credibility of such promises depends heavily on the Ghana Police demonstrating firm action in the Ablekuma North incident.
He explained that if the police fail to deal with that case, members of the NPP entering Akwatia would naturally assume they cannot rely on police protection. As a result, they might resort to what he described as lawful self-protection.
He warned that the memory of what happened to Hon. Hawa Koomson and other party officials during the Ablekuma disturbances still lingers, and without visible arrests, people are likely to prepare for their own safety instead of depending on state security.
“For the New Patriotic Party, we are going to protect ourselves. And self-protection is well stated within the laws of this country,” he declared, urging the police to restore confidence by taking concrete action.
The IGP reportedly gave assurances that over 5,000 officers would be deployed for the Akwatia by-election. He further clarified that there would be no need for military support, as the police are determined to ensure one of the most peaceful by-elections in Ghana’s history.
Nana Boakye welcomed the deployment plan but reiterated that unresolved issues in Ablekuma North continued to overshadow the credibility of these assurances.
A Test Of Credibility
The NPP official further pointed out inconsistencies in the way the Ghana Police handle arrests. He noted that in recent weeks, individuals accused of making threatening comments on social media were quickly picked up, processed, and later released.
By contrast, those accused of engaging in direct acts of violence during the Ablekuma North election rerun remain free.
“If you can make such quick arrests, how is it difficult for you to arrest people who’ve caused these problems over a month ago?” he asked, insisting that this selective approach undermines faith in the institution.
He emphasized that time was still available before the Akwatia polls for the police to correct course. With about two weeks remaining, the NPP expects arrests and prosecutions that will send a clear message to political actors and the public that no one is above the law.
Confidence Still Fragile
Despite the assurances of the IGP, Nana Boakye insisted that his party and many Ghanaians remain unconvinced.
“As we speak, we lack that requisite confidence in the Ghana police, especially because of what happened in Ablekumah North, where the people are, the images are all over, the people are seen.”
Henry Nana Boakye
He recalled how his deputy was attacked by a group of about 20 individuals during the by-election, with videos and images widely circulated on social media.
Yet, to date, no tangible progress has been made in bringing those attackers before a court of law. For him, the images remain a painful reminder of how justice has been delayed.
As the Akwatia by-election approaches, the credibility of the Ghana Police is under scrutiny. While the IGP’s words may signal good intentions, the NPP insists that only visible action—swift arrests, prosecutions, and deterrence—will guarantee confidence in the force.
Without it, Nana Boakye warned, political actors and ordinary voters alike will be left doubting whether the Ghana Police can truly safeguard Ghana’s democratic process.
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