Election Watch Ghana Raises Concerns Over Heavy Security Ahead of Akwatia By-Election
Pro-democracy group Election Watch Ghana (EWG) has voiced concern about the level of security deployment for the upcoming Akwatia Constituency by-election, slated for Tuesday, September 2.
In a statement released on Tuesday, August 26, the group cautioned that the heavy security presence could discourage voter turnout and undermine the democratic process.
“While we understand the importance of maintaining law and order, we strongly believe that this approach may inadvertently contribute to low voter turnout and undermine the electoral process,” EWG noted.
Concerns Over Election Violence
EWG highlighted that violence during by-elections is often triggered by inflammatory rhetoric from politicians ahead of the polls. It further stressed that victims of such incidents are usually targeted by mainstream politicians rather than local grassroots party loyalists.
Recommendations for a Peaceful Election
The group urged stakeholders to:
- Enforce strict accreditation protocols.
- Conduct thorough security screening.
- Prohibit the presence of unauthorized groups at polling stations.
“By adhering strictly to these rules, we can ensure a violence-free by-election that truly represents the will of the people of Akwatia. Elections are a celebration of democracy and a contest of ideas, not a battleground,” the group stated.
Call for Electoral Integrity
EWG further appealed to the Electoral Commission and all stakeholders to prioritize the credibility and integrity of the process, stressing that the Akwatia by-election should mark a turning point in Ghana’s electoral history.
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