The Electoral Commission (EC) has reiterated its readiness to deliver a credible and transparent by-election in Akwatia on September 2, following the passing of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.
Deputy Director of Research at the EC, Fred Tetteh, speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, August 20, assured voters that all measures have been put in place for a smooth and peaceful exercise.
“Be assured that the Commission will do its utmost best in providing the logistics, arrangements, training and what it takes to have the election smooth and peaceful,” he said.
He added that logistics and nomination processes have been completed, with training for EC staff currently underway ahead of the polls.
The announcement comes amid heightened concerns over security, following clashes and reported assaults on journalists during the recent Ablekuma North rerun. The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised alarm over potential violence and the safety of voters, calling on security agencies to ensure law and order during the Akwatia polls.
The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), however, has urged the public and political stakeholders to avoid politicising security arrangements, insisting that Ghana’s electoral institutions and security forces are capable of managing a free, fair, and peaceful election.