As Ghana heads into the Akwatia by-election, the nation once again finds itself staring down a dangerous path—one where violence, intimidation, and fear threaten to replace free choice and fair competition. From the bloody scenes of Ayawaso West Wuogon in 2019 to the recent chaotic rerun in Ablekuma North, political vigilantism is no longer a fringe issue; it is now a national emergency.
We cannot forget what happened at Ayawaso. Armed men in masks, supposedly operating under the banner of national security, descended on polling stations and assaulted voters in broad daylight. The uproar led to the establishment of the Emile Short Commission, which laid out clear recommendations: dismantle vigilante groups, restore professionalism in security deployments, and prosecute those who abuse power.
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) responded in good faith by disbanding its affiliated vigilante units like the Delta Force and Invincible Forces. It was a bold step—difficult, perhaps unpopular in some quarters—but necessary for peace. Yet, while one party has stepped back, another appears to be stepping forward.
The recent rerun in 19 polling stations in Ablekuma Northsaw a disturbing return to violence. This time, the aggression came from NDC-aligned thugs, who unleashed brutal attacks on known NPP figures. Hon. Hawa Koomson, former Minister for Fisheries, and Chris Lloyd, Deputy National Organizer of the NPP, were mercilessly beaten nearly to death. These were not just political actors, they are human beings, mothers, fathers, leaders with families who watched them rushed to hospital beds instead of standing on campaign platforms.
The implications of this go far beyond political rivalry. Every act of political violence chips away at the trust Ghanaians have in our democracy. But it also sends a chilling signal to the world. Investors are watching. Development partners are taking notes. Multinational companies thrive in environments of peace, not chaos. When elections become battlegrounds, we don’t just lose lives, we lose jobs, we lose investment, we lose the moral authority to call ourselves a beacon of African democracy.
The stakes in Akwatia are high, and the temptation for revenge is real. But must we always meet violence with violence? If the NPP chooses to respond in kind, what then becomes of Akwatia? What becomes of the women, the children, the market women, the young first-time voters who simply want to cast their ballots in peace?
Ghana is bigger than any political party. The Electoral Commission must step up to ensure a secure and fair process. The Ghana Police Service must act swiftly and impartially to protect every citizen, not just people in power. And both major political parties must draw a line in the sand and say: “No more.”
Let Akwatia be a turning point, not another headline.
By Opeimu Woyome (Development/policy Analyst)
