The Akwatia by-election has already attracted heightened attention from law enforcement agencies after a string of arrests and weapons seizures in the Eastern Region.
In a decisive move to prevent unrest and maintain order, the Ghana Police Service has announced that ten individuals have been arrested and nine weapons retrieved in a series of coordinated operations.
The Eastern South Regional Police Command, which has been leading these operations, confirmed that the seized weapons included eight pump-action guns and one locally manufactured single-barreled gun.
According to officials, the clampdown reflects intensified security measures to discourage the unlawful possession and potential misuse of weapons as the by-election approaches.
Police sources explained that the operations are not only about disarming individuals but also about creating deterrence.
By making these arrests public, the service hopes to send a strong warning to others who might attempt to interfere in the democratic process through intimidation or violence.
“On 22nd August 2025, near St. Dominic Hospital in Akwatia, Police intercepted a vehicle driven by suspect Bernard Kumi Ofosu, and a search led to the discovery of one Tulpar double-barrel pump-action gun, four AAA live cartridges, and two FTB blank cartridges.
“The suspect admitted ownership of the firearm and produced a valid license. He is currently in custody assisting investigations, with the exhibits retained for verification.”
Ghana Police Service
In a separate incident on the same day, at the Akwatia Y-Junction snap check, police arrested suspect Joshua Amenuku. Officers retrieved 15 live BB cartridges from his possession.
A subsequent search of his residence led to the discovery of one ADLER TULPA pump-action gun and five more live BB cartridges. He was taken into custody to assist investigations.
Later that evening, another interception was made at the Boadua Livingstone snap check point.
This time, officers arrested two individuals — suspect Enoch Asiedu and a Chinese national, Lu Youyan — who were traveling in a Toyota Hilux pick-up. Four live BB cartridges were discovered inside the vehicle.
Preliminary interrogations suggested that the ammunition belonged to their employer, identified as Mohammed, who also owns the vehicle.
Police have since launched efforts to track down and arrest Mohammed for questioning. Meanwhile, both Asiedu and Youyan remain in custody.
Police Intensify Akwatia By-Election Security
The operations did not end there. On 23rd August 2025, officers at the same Boadua Livingstone Junction snap check point stopped another vehicle.
This time, suspect Pieterson Joseph was found in possession of one ADLER TULPAR pump-action gun along with a large cache of ammunition — 46 AAA and BB cartridges. He admitted ownership of the weapon and was immediately arrested.
On the same day, officers conducting snap-checks at Staff Village Boadua intercepted a Toyota Tundra pick-up with registration number WR 5535-13.
The vehicle was traveling from Asamankese towards Boadua. Upon inspection, police discovered three pump-action guns inside, including a Pardus pump-action, a Hulglu Atroe pump-action, and one additional pump-action weapon.
“Stephen Nkansah [the driver] claimed ownership of two of the pump-action guns and stated that the third pump-action gun belongs to his chief. Meanwhile, suspect Stephen Nkansah has been arrested and detained for investigation.”
Ghana Police Service
Police officials highlighted that each of these incidents underscores the critical importance of constant vigilance during election periods.
The discovery of such a high number of firearms in the hands of individuals raises significant concerns about potential violence or disturbances if such weapons were left unchecked.
The Ghana Police Service emphasized that these actions are part of a wider strategy aimed at safeguarding law and order in the Eastern Region.
By maintaining tight control over arms and ammunition, the service hopes to create an atmosphere of safety and trust ahead of the polls.
Law enforcement authorities have reassured the public and all stakeholders that their commitment to maintaining peace in Akwatia is unwavering.
The Eastern South Regional Police Command has pledged to intensify these operations in the days leading up to the by-election, during the vote, and in its aftermath.
The broader objective, police stressed, is to protect democracy itself. Elections are meant to be contests of ideas, not clashes of weapons.
By keeping firearms out of circulation and ensuring that only lawful processes prevail, the police believe they are not only preserving security but also strengthening Ghana’s democratic culture.
As Akwatia prepares for its by-election, the police made it clear that they will remain proactive. They urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with officers at snap-check points, and report suspicious activities.
The unfolding series of arrests serves as a reminder that law enforcement is closely monitoring events, determined to prevent violence from disrupting the electoral process.
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