All set for Akwatia by-election - EC assures

BY: Kelvin Adu- Twum Peprah
Head, Public Relations Electoral Commission , Mr. Christian Owusu Parry, has denied reports that the election scheduled for Tuesday in Akwatia has been suspended.

Speaking on JOY FM, Mr. Parry hinted that all the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful election at the six polling stations in Akwatia.

… “the elections cant be halted because of some disturbances in the town; then of course why will the security apparatus be deployed to provide serene atmosphere for the polls,” said Mr Owusu Parry.

Meanshile, Nana Ohene Ntow, NPP's General Secretary noted that the attitude of the security personnel in providing security has been unprofessional. He said the security agencies stood aloof and did not do anything when members of his party were attacked. He noted that the conduct of the personnel indicates clearly that they are in league with the NDC government.

According to the NPP General Secretary, the polls in Akwatia ought to be conducted in only six polling stations, and anything short of that would not be accepted by his party. He said by conducting elections in six polling stations sets a bad precedent for future elections in the country.

He described the kind of violence that have preceded the polls as unparalleled and stressed that if adequate and necessary measures are not put in place the consequences would be very grave for the country.

But Mr. Asiedu Nketia , the General Secretary of the NDC has asked for an independent enquiry into the Akwatia disturbances and the perpetrators punished regardless their party affiliations.

Mr. Nketia believes that the violence has intensified because of some lackluster attitudes displayed on the part of the security personnel deployed to maintain peace in the area.

Meanwhile the two main political parties have kicked against any move aimed at having the polls suspended, describing any such move as a step in the wrong direction for Ghana's future elections.