Akwatia by-election: ‘NDC intends to use national security to intimidate voters’ — Ahiagbah

The National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has alleged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is planning to use national security operatives to intimidate voters in the upcoming Akwatia by-election scheduled for September 2.

According to him, the NPP has gathered intelligence that the NDC is hiding behind the guise of national security to instill fear in residents and voters in order to secure victory in the by-election.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, August 27, Mr. Ahiagbah accused Richard Jakpa, the Director of Operations at the National Security, of leading soldiers around Akwatia and allegedly issuing threats to residents.

“The New Patriotic Party has very reliable information and intelligence that the NDC intends to hide behind the guise of national security to terrorize some residents and voters in Akwatia during the by-election.

“It is instructive to note that the police administration has indicated the deployment of 5,000 service men for the Akwatia by-election, despite the IGP’s assurance that the Ghana Police Service does not need any military support to maintain law and order,” he said.

Mr. Ahiagbah stressed that the NPP would resist any attempt to intimidate voters, urging the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure a free and fair process.

The Akwatia by-election comes after the death of NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi in July 2025, just months after winning the seat.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has assured that adequate measures are in place to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election.

The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has also cautioned individuals against fomenting trouble during the polls.