The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reiterated its commitment to a peaceful Akwatia by-election and pledged to take firm action if any supporters come under threat.

The Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, had cautioned that any acts of violence during the upcoming Akwatia by-election will be met with equal resistance, stressing that the party will not allow intimidation to undermine the democratic process.

Addressing party supporters on the campaign trail in Akwatia on Wednesday, August 27, Gbande reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to peace but warned that the party will not remain passive if attacked on election day.

Speaking in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday August 27, he clarified the party’s position, following his earlier warning to opponents considering violence.

“The conversation we are having was to the extent that at no point will the NDC encourage any of our supporters… violence will not be part of the election but just in case anybody foments violence, we will not watch for members to be victims.

“We will descend, protect any single member of the NDC that will participate in this election. We will protect the vote… that is what my statement means.”

This statement echoes the sentiments of NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who also pledged a fair contest and a violence-free election.

The Akwatia by-election, scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, has evolved into a closely contested affair between the NPP’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu and the NDC’s Bernard Bediako. Given the constituency’s swing-seat importance, security has become a central concern.

In response, the Ghana Police Service has committed trained officers to ensure order, both before and during the polls.