Akwatia by-election: heavy police presence sparks mixed reactions among residents

Some residents of Akwatia in the Eastern Region have expressed unease over the heavy police deployment ahead of the September 2, 2025, by-election.

The Ghana Police Service has stationed over 600 personnel in the constituency, with some officers recently completing a five-day intensive training to maintain order during the polls. Police have also arrested 10 people found in possession of firearms in the area.

While the security operation is meant to ensure peace, some residents say the sheer number of officers is unsettling.

“Looking at the number of police officers coming here, I am getting a little bit scared… I thought it was going to be a peaceful something, a normal election, but with the number of Police here, it’s scary,” resident Francis Agbeko told reporters.

Others, however, remain optimistic about a peaceful process. “I believe the Police will do their work and make sure there’s no violence. For me, I trust the process will be calm,” another resident, Otu, said.

The by-election follows the passing of Akwatia’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi. Preparations are already underway, with the Electoral Commission commencing the printing of ballot papers on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The contest is expected to be keenly fought between Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

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