The Ghana Police Service has deployed a total of 5,500 police officers to the Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region to maintain law and order during the upcoming parliamentary by-election.
The deployment has been hailed by the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS).
According to the Executive Director of BPS, Dr. Nana Yaw Akwada, the heavy deployment of police ahead of the by-election on Sept 2, 2025 will not lead to voter intimidation.
There have been concerns raised about the deployment.
But Dr. Akwada says he believed it would not interfere with the electoral process.
According to him, “I am hoping that it does not cause any voter intimidation.”
He added that “I am hoping that if we are going to have this kind of ratio on the grounds, this to be our best by-election in history.”
The by-election in Akwatia became necessary following the death of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.
5500 Police deployment for Akwatia by-election won’t intimidate voters – BPS
The Executive Director of the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS), Dr. Nana Yaw Akwada, has expressed confidence that the heavy security deployment in the Akwatia constituency ahead of the September 2 by-election will not lead to voter intimidation.
A total of 5,500 police officers have been deployed to the constituency to maintain peace and order during the polls. While some concerns have been raised about the impact of such a large police presence, Dr. Akwada said he believed it would not interfere with the electoral process.
“I am hoping that it does not cause any voter intimidation,” he said. “I am hoping that if we are going to have this kind of ratio on the grounds, this is to be our best by-election in history.”
He explained that the ratio of police officers to civilians—estimated at between 20,000 and 30,000 voters—should remain manageable and ensure adequate protection without disrupting voter turnout.
The Akwatia by-election was triggered by the death of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled the poll for September 2, with security agencies assuring residents of a peaceful, free, and fair process.
Source:Africa Publicity