Gov’t ramps up election security ahead of Akwatia by-election

The government has unveiled comprehensive security measures aimed at preventing chaos in the upcoming Akwatia by-election to prevent a repeat of the violence witnessed during the Ablekuma North parliamentary re-run.

This emerged from a high-level, closed-door meeting between Parliament’s Security and Intelligence, Defence, and Interior committees and top security brass.

The meeting convened key figures, including the Ministers for Defence and Interior, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP). It reflects a proactive approach by authorities to de-escalate tensions and safeguard Ghana’s democratic process.

The recent parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North on July 11, 2025, was marred by widespread violence, including physical assaults on at least three journalists – Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of EIB Network, Salomey Martey of the Multimedia Group, and Vida Wiafe of Amansan TV – as well as attacks on political figures.

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) condemned the attacks, noting that one police officer was interdicted following an assault on a journalist.

These incidents, widely condemned by civil society and political observers, highlighted lingering concerns about security lapses and impunity in Ghana’s elections.

Chairperson of the Security and Intelligence Committee, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, speaking to journalists after the meeting, affirmed the new measures.

“These interventions aim to reduce tensions around elections. We must learn from incidents like Ablekuma North to ensure they don’t recur,” she emphasised.

This statement underscores the commitment to applying lessons learnt from past failures to future electoral security operations.

The seat became vacant following the sudden death of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, in early July 2025.

This by-election will be a critical test for the new security protocols, especially given Ghana’s history of localised violence during such contests.

Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, appealed to the public for cooperation. “We must protect our democracy and ensure voters feel safe to cast their ballots without fear,” he stated, highlighting the importance of public confidence in the electoral system.

Ghana, often lauded as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, has nonetheless grappled with instances of electoral violence.

The 2020 general elections recorded eight fatalities, while the most recent December 2024 elections saw at least six deaths linked to political violence.

These figures, though relatively low compared to some other African nations, are a significant concern for a country that prides itself on peaceful transitions of power.

Experts and civil society organisations, including the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) and the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), have consistently called for improved accountability for perpetrators and enhanced professionalism from security agencies during elections.

The newly announced security measures and the ongoing commitment to addressing flashpoints like Akwatia and Bawku demonstrate a concerted effort by the government and security apparatus to mitigate threats to peace and ensure a secure environment for all citizens and democratic processes.

Read More