Akwatia By-Election: Police presence is for peace, not intimidation

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has toured polling centres in the Akwatia Constituency to monitor the ongoing by-election and ensure calm.

Accompanied by senior officers, the IGP assessed the situation on the ground and expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of voting so far.

“Everything is going well, people are comporting themselves and the Electoral officials are also working without fear, and then the police are also giving the protection that they have to give,” COP Yohuno told reporters.

He reassured residents that the heavy police presence was intended to safeguard peace, not intimidate voters.

“The presence of police is for peace and not intimidation. Our issue is that anywhere people don’t have police, they say, bring police, and now we have brought police, so be peaceful and come out to vote,” he added.

Also observing the exercise was Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, a board member of the Peace Council, who appealed to the electorate to avoid violence.

“I am talking to all young people and electorates in this place. Don’t allow yours to be taken to the Black Maria. It is not a pleasant experience, and indeed you don’t also need it. This election is not do or die,” he cautioned.

Voting is underway across 119 polling stations, with over 50,000 registered voters expected to take part in the crucial contest between the NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo and the NPP’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu.

The by-election was triggered by the passing of the constituency’s MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi.

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