The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed full confidence in state security ahead of the Akwatia by-election, stressing that it will rely entirely on the Ghana Police Service to maintain law and order.
The party declared that it will not deploy any form of private protection for its members and has urged all political stakeholders to respect the security measures put in place.
Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, Rashid Sofo Tanko-Computer, stated that the party had no doubts about the preparedness of the security agencies.
He explained that the police had briefed all parties, and the measures outlined demonstrated a commitment to protecting lives and property during the electoral process.
“We have full confidence in the state security. We were with them at the Kumawu by-election, we were with them at the Assin North by-election, and we saw what happened at Ablekuma North.
“We are satisfied with the briefing that the security gave us today. The setup they put out there clearly shows that they want to protect lives and property at Akwatia, and as a political party, we are ready to comply with all the processes they have put in place. We are not bringing anybody to come and protect us”
Rashid Sofo Tanko-Computer, NDC Deputy Director of Elections and IT
Tanko’s assurances came after the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, disclosed that his party intended to provide internal protection mechanisms for its members during the by-election.
Speaking earlier, he had cited the violence that marred the Ablekuma North election rerun as justification, arguing that self-protection was necessary to prevent future attacks.
Nana Boakye insisted that the measures were lawful, non-violent, and designed only to safeguard the safety of NPP supporters. However, the NDC deputy director expressed concern that such a move could heighten tensions rather than diffuse them.
“My brothers and sisters in the NPP must be clear to themselves – it takes two to tango. When you have a predetermined mind that ‘I am coming to do so and so,’ then expect a reprisal from your action”
Rashid Sofo Tanko-Computer, NDC Deputy Director of Elections and IT
Criticism and Call for Calm
In a separate reaction to events at the Ablekuma North polls, Tanko singled out former minister and lawmaker Hawa Koomson, accusing her of aggravating tensions with her conduct at the polling station.
“Arrest Hawah Koomson over pepper spray at Ablekuma North polls,” Tanko demanded, questioning why a former cabinet member would arrive at a polling centre with pepper spray. He argued that such behaviour reflected a plan for retaliation rather than self-defense.
He further remarked that “without police intervention, Hawah Koomson wouldn’t have survived,” at the Ablekuma North incident, underscoring the effectiveness of the service during the chaos.
According to him, the police were the reason she left the polling grounds unharmed, and instead of making accusations against the security service, she and the NPP ought to express gratitude for their intervention.
The NDC emphasized that the upcoming poll at Akwatia must be approached with discipline and a collective resolve to ensure peace. Tanko reiterated the party’s belief that the state security institutions are adequately prepared and capable of securing the electoral process.
“The Electoral Commission has also assured us of neutrality, and we trust that all parties will act responsibly to allow the people of Akwatia to vote in peace”
Rashid Sofo Tanko-Computer, NDC Deputy Director of Elections and IT
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has announced the date for the by-election in the constituency, confirming that voters in Akwatia will head to the polls on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The commission added that preparations are being finalized to ensure a credible and transparent process.
The NDC’s stance comes against the backdrop of heightened political rhetoric, particularly over the role of state security in previous by-elections.
As parties gear up for the polls, Tanko maintained that his party would not resort to parallel structures but instead place its trust in Ghana’s established security framework.
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