Tension is mounting in Akwatia ahead of the much-anticipated by-election as fresh allegations have surfaced against the New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to a man identified as Mustapha, several retired police officers aligned with the ruling party have been caught and identified in the constituency on the eve of the polls.
Mustapha, who raised the alarm, alleged that the presence of these retired security officers was not coincidental but part of a grand scheme to influence the outcome of the by-election. He insisted that their sudden appearance in the community has fueled suspicion among residents and opposition members, who fear intimidation and possible manipulation of the electoral process.
“These men are not here for nothing. They are retired police officers and we know they were brought in to create fear and panic so that people will not come out to vote freely,” Mustapha claimed.
The allegation has quickly spread across Akwatia, sparking debates and raising concerns about the credibility of tomorrow’s by-election. Supporters of the opposition argue that such tactics, if true, undermine Ghana’s democracy and compromise the fairness of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, some residents who claim to have seen the identified officers say they are worried about safety, especially with memories of past election-related clashes in the constituency still fresh in their minds.
Neither the NPP leadership nor the Electoral Commission has officially responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report. However, security has been visibly tightened in Akwatia, with police patrols seen in strategic areas to maintain law and order ahead of the polls.
The Akwatia by-election has already been described as a highly contested one, with both major parties putting their full weight behind their candidates. The latest allegation adds another layer of tension to what is expected to be a decisive and closely watched electoral battle.
