Civil Society Organization (CSO), Election Watch Ghana, has issued a strong call for enhanced security measures and strict enforcement of accreditation protocols ahead of the upcoming Akwatia by-election, citing a disturbing pattern of violence and intimidation in previous by-elections across the country.
In a press statement, the group emphasized the need for urgent and coordinated efforts by the Ghana Police Service and the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process.
This followed a recent violent incidents during a re-run of 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North elections, which have raised national concerns about the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
Violent clashes erupted at polling stations, including the use of pepper spray by Hon. Hawa Koomson and a subsequent attack on her.
A police officer assaulted a journalist with GHOne Television, drawing widespread condemnation.
Election Watch Ghana also referenced the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in January 2019 as an instance of serious political violence, where party-affiliated militants reportedly assaulted Hon. Sam George, MP for Ningo Prampram, underscoring the dangers posed by security lapses and political interference.
“The incidents mentioned above highlight the need for enhanced security measures to prevent violence and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Furthermore, the EC’s guidelines and regulations provide a framework for ensuring the security and transparency of elections,” the statement said.
The group, in their statement, demanded that thorough searches be conducted on all individuals entering polling stations to prevent the presence of weapons or other prohibited items. They also called for public figures who are not accredited as observers or party agents to be restricted from entering polling stations to prevent interference with the electoral process.
Ahead of the Akwatia by-election, the group further recommended the provision of adequate security personnel on the day of the election.
They also called for collaboration with stakeholders, mainly political parties and the media, to ensure a peaceful and transparent process, and the setting up of an Anti-Vigilantism Taskforce by the police to operate before, during, and after the Akwatia by-election.
