The Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has toured polling centres in Akwatia as voting continues in the by-election to choose a new Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency.
The election, which follows the death of the late MP Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, has drawn intense national attention as a hotly contested race between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The IGP, accompanied by senior officers, moved across polling centres to observe proceedings and assure residents of security. His visit was intended to both monitor the process and calm public nerves as political party supporters clashed in parts of the constituency.
Speaking after his inspection, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of voting so far and made clear the intent behind the heavy police presence. “Everything is going well. People are comporting themselves, Electoral officials are working without fear, and the police are also giving protection,” he stated.
He emphasized that security deployment was meant to safeguard the democratic process, not to intimidate voters.
“Our issue is that anywhere and anytime people don’t have the police, they say ‘bring the police,’ so now we have brought the police to ensure things are peaceful and secure, so come out and vote”
COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Inspector General of Police
Alongside the police leadership, members of the National Peace Council also arrived in Akwatia to encourage restraint among party supporters. Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, a board member of the council, appealed directly to young people not to risk violence during the vote.
“I am talking to all the young people and electorate in this place. Don’t allow yourself to be taken to the Black Maria (a police van for transporting prisoners). It is not a pleasant experience – you don’t need it. This election is not a do or die affair”
Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, Board Member of the Peace Council
The Peace Council’s involvement underscores the high stakes of the by-election, which has been described as a test of Ghana’s political stability amid a fiercely competitive political climate.
Chaos at NDC Office
Despite the relatively calm atmosphere at polling stations, tensions flared at the NDC constituency office where a clash erupted over the removal of campaign posters.
The Ghana Police Service confirmed that one individual was arrested and taken away after NPP supporters were accused of tearing down posters of the NDC candidate. The Police later issued a warning, stressing that any interference with the electoral process, including acts of intimidation or violence, would be met with strict enforcement.
Their intervention ensured that the scuffle did not escalate into wider unrest, and voting in nearby polling stations proceeded uninterrupted. The Akwatia by-election has brought heightened security measures, with the Ghana Police Service deploying more than 5,500 officers across the constituency.
The deployment, according to the Service, forms part of broader measures to “guarantee peace, safety, and fairness during the polls.” The Electoral Commission has also assured both parties and voters of a transparent and credible process, reinforcing the need for public confidence in the electoral outcome.
Hon. Sammy Awuku, MP for Akuapem North, monitoring the election, urged the media to contribute to security efforts by highlighting incidents that may escape police attention. His remarks pointed to the important role of journalists in ensuring accountability and preventing violence during tense contests.
Over 50,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 119 polling stations in Akwatia. The race pits NDC candidate Bernard Bediako Baidoo against NPP’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu, both of whom have mounted vigorous campaigns backed by senior party executives.
All stakeholders are closely watching the development, with security institutions under pressure to ensure Ghana’s democratic reputation remains intact. The outcome in Akwatia is therefore not only about electing a new MP but also about preserving public trust in Ghana’s ability to manage competitive politics without sliding into chaos.
As the by-election progresses, the message from both the Ghana Police Service and the Peace Council remains consistent: the people of Akwatia must vote in peace, exercise restraint, and allow the process to conclude without violence or intimidation.
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