NPP accuses NDC of plotting violence ahead of Akwatia by-election
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of planning to incite violence under the guise of national security during the upcoming Akwatia by-election scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, NPP Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah claimed the party had received “reliable intelligence” indicating that the NDC intends to deploy operatives disguised as national security officers to intimidate voters and disrupt the polls.
Mr. Ahiagbah further alleged that Richard Jakpa, newly appointed Director of Operations at the National Security Secretariat, has been moving through Akwatia with military personnel, threatening residents to vacate the constituency before the vote.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that any soldier involved in the Akwatia by-election will be considered and dealt with as a thug,” Ahiagbah warned. “We therefore call on the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to call Richard Jakpa to order and ensure that no soldier meddles in the Akwatia by-election,” he said.
He noted that the Ghana Police Service has pledged to deploy over 5,000 officers to maintain order, with the Inspector General of Police affirming that military support is unnecessary.
Earlier, NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande issued a strong warning during a campaign rally, stating that any attempt to intimidate or harm NDC supporters would be met with “equal resistance.”
“NDC is not a violent party, but on the 2nd of September, if anybody decides to come to the town or the voting grounds with violence, they will come, but they will not know how to leave,” he stated.
He emphasised the NDC’s commitment to peace but said the party would not tolerate intimidation or aggression aimed at its supporters.
NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has also urged calm, expressing confidence that the by-election can proceed peacefully if all parties respect democratic norms.
The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its preparedness to ensure a peaceful voting environment in the constituency, which is known as a swing seat and has a history of close electoral contests.
The by-election was triggered by the recent death of sitting MP Ernest Kumi. It features NPP’s constituency treasurer Solomon Kwame Asumadu facing off against NDC constituency secretary Bernard Bediako.
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