Heavy security deployment not enough to prevent violence– Elvis Darko
The Managing Editor of Newscenta newspaper, Elvis Darko, has cautioned that the deployment of over 5,500 police officers to Akwatia ahead of the September 2 by-election does not automatically ensure a violence-free process.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Monday, September 1, Mr. Darko stressed that while a visible security presence is expected during such elections, mere numbers do not guarantee effectiveness.
“The heavy police presence in Akwatia is expected, but I don’t see it as intimidation. However, their numbers also don’t mean they will necessarily do their work. We saw it in Ablekuma North when police were near the violence but were running away,” he said.
Mr. Darko warned that if officers on the ground fail to act decisively, the risk of election-related violence remains high.
“Deploying 5,500 officers means little if they’re not prepared to act. If they run away again like they did in“The fact that 5,500 have been deployed does not mean much if they run away again, as they did in Ablekuma North. If incidents happen and they fail to swiftly intervene, then violence is certain,” he said.
Despite concerns over potential unrest, Mr. Darko downplayed the political implications of the by-election, noting that the outcome will not alter the balance of power in Parliament.
“In this election, there is nothing at stake. The NDC already has more numbers than the NPP, and whoever wins will not tilt the power balance in Parliament,” he explained.
The Akwatia by-election is set for Tuesday, September 2, 2025, following the death of the constituency’s MP.
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