The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised serious concerns about the potential for voter intimidation and electoral malpractice in the upcoming Akwatia by-election, scheduled for September 2nd. Richard Ahiagbah, the NPP’s National Communications Director, has publicly accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating a plan to use national security operatives to create an atmosphere of fear and suppress voter turnout. This alleged strategy, according to Ahiagbah, involves deploying personnel disguised as national security agents to threaten residents and discourage participation in the electoral process, thereby unfairly influencing the outcome in favor of the NDC. The NPP claims to possess credible intelligence supporting these allegations and has specifically identified Richard Jakpa, the Director of Operations at National Security, as a key figure in this alleged operation, accusing him of leading soldiers through Akwatia and issuing threats to residents.
The NPP’s accusations come against the backdrop of a significant security deployment announced for the by-election. The police administration’s decision to deploy 5,000 officers has raised eyebrows within the NPP, particularly given the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) prior assurance that military support would not be necessary for maintaining law and order. This apparent discrepancy, combined with the alleged presence of national security operatives engaging in intimidation tactics, fuels the NPP’s suspicion that the NDC is attempting to manipulate the electoral process through extra-legal means. Ahiagbah has vehemently condemned these alleged actions, asserting that the NPP will actively resist any attempts to intimidate voters and compromise the integrity of the by-election. The party has called on the IGP to ensure a free and fair electoral process, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles and safeguarding the right of citizens to exercise their franchise without fear or coercion.
The by-election in Akwatia is being held following the untimely death of the incumbent NPP Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, in July 2025, just months after securing his victory in the general elections. This sudden vacancy has created a highly competitive political environment, with both the NPP and NDC vying for control of the parliamentary seat. The NPP’s accusations of planned voter intimidation underscore the high stakes of this by-election and the potential for political tensions to escalate in the lead-up to the vote. The allegations also highlight the delicate balance between maintaining security and ensuring a free and fair electoral process, particularly in a politically charged context.
The Electoral Commission (EC), responsible for overseeing the by-election, has sought to reassure the public, stating that adequate measures are in place to ensure a transparent and credible election. The EC’s commitment to upholding democratic standards and ensuring a level playing field for all participating parties is crucial in maintaining public trust in the electoral process. However, the NPP’s allegations raise questions about the effectiveness of these measures and the potential for external forces, such as national security operatives, to undermine the integrity of the vote.
The IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has also weighed in on the situation, issuing a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process. His cautionary statement underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are taking the potential for unrest and violence during the by-election. However, the NPP’s accusations against a high-ranking national security official raise concerns about the potential involvement of state actors in the alleged intimidation tactics. This raises further questions about the impartiality of the security apparatus and the need for independent oversight to ensure that all parties adhere to the principles of free and fair elections.
The situation in Akwatia highlights the challenges faced by emerging democracies in ensuring credible and peaceful elections. Accusations of voter intimidation, the deployment of a large security presence, and the alleged involvement of national security operatives raise serious concerns about the potential for political manipulation and the erosion of democratic principles. The by-election in Akwatia serves as a critical test of Ghana’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its electoral processes and ensuring that the voices of its citizens are heard without fear or coercion. The outcome of this by-election will likely have significant implications for the political landscape in the region and beyond, setting a precedent for future elections and the ongoing struggle to consolidate democratic values.
