The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised serious concerns regarding the upcoming Akwatia by-election, accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and specifically, Richard Jakpa, Director of Operations at the National Security Secretariat, of employing military intimidation tactics. The NPP, through its Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, alleges that the NDC is orchestrating a plan to use national security as a pretext to instill fear among Akwatia residents and manipulate the electoral process. This accusation underscores the escalating political tension surrounding the by-election, scheduled for Tuesday, September 2nd. The NPP claims to possess credible intelligence pointing to this alleged plot, emphasizing their concern over the potential disruption of a free and fair election.
The NPP’s accusations center on the presence of military personnel in the Akwatia constituency, allegedly under the command of Richard Jakpa. Ahiagbah claims that Jakpa has been observed moving around the constituency with soldiers, allegedly issuing threats to residents, urging them to leave town before the by-election. This alleged military presence contradicts assurances given by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that the Ghana Police Service is fully equipped to manage security during the by-election without military intervention. The police have reportedly committed to deploying 5,000 officers for this purpose, raising questions about the necessity and intent behind the alleged military presence. The NPP argues that this deployment is not only superfluous but also serves as a deliberate provocation, escalating tensions in the already volatile political climate.
The NPP is particularly concerned about the potential for violence and disruption of the electoral process if the military becomes involved. They have issued a strong warning, stating that any soldier participating in the Akwatia by-election will be treated as a “thug.” This stern declaration underscores the party’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and transparent election, free from military interference. The NPP views the alleged military presence as a blatant attempt to intimidate voters and undermine the democratic process, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the authority of the civilian police force in managing electoral security.
The NPP has directly appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to intervene and restrain Richard Jakpa. The party emphasizes the President’s responsibility for national security, urging him to ensure that the military does not interfere in the Akwatia by-election. This call for presidential intervention highlights the gravity of the situation and underscores the NPP’s belief that Jakpa’s actions are not only unauthorized but also pose a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process. The NPP is essentially requesting the President to uphold the principle of civilian control over the military and prevent the armed forces from being used for political purposes.
The Akwatia by-election has become a highly contested political arena, with both the NPP and NDC engaging in a war of words and accusations of voter intimidation. The unfolding events highlight the deep political divisions and the high stakes involved in this by-election. The accusations of military intimidation further complicate the situation, raising concerns about the potential for violence and the need for a robust and impartial security apparatus to ensure a free and fair election. The police, for their part, have attempted to reassure the public, stating that specially trained officers will be deployed to secure the polls. However, the NPP’s allegations cast a shadow over these assurances, creating an atmosphere of distrust and apprehension.
The situation in Akwatia underscores the fragility of democratic processes in the face of political maneuvering and potential abuse of power. The allegations leveled by the NPP, if proven true, represent a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral system. The involvement of the military in civilian electoral processes raises fundamental questions about the balance of power and the respect for democratic principles. The outcome of the Akwatia by-election will not only determine the political representation of the constituency but also serve as a litmus test for the strength and resilience of Ghana’s democratic institutions. The international community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether the electoral process is allowed to proceed free from intimidation and undue influence.
