Ensuring security in Akwatia by-election: A pressing concern

As Ghana prepares for the Akwatia by-election on September 2, 2025, concerns about security atop the mind of citizens and stakeholders alike. 

Consequently, the Ghana Police Service has deployed 600 personnel to ensure a safe and secure environment for voters, but some have raised questions about whether this number is sufficient given the constituency's history of electoral violence.

Recent incidents in by-elections have highlighted the need for robust security measures.

In Ablekuma North in the Greater Accra Region, violent attacks marred the partial election rerun, prompting calls for perpetrators to be brought to justice. 

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed concern about the police's ability to maintain order, citing the Ablekuma North incident as an example of security lapses.

Over the weekend the Eastern South Regional Police Command took a major step in ensuring the safety and security of the people of Akwatia by arresting six suspects in separate incidents of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

These arrests, made between August 22 and 23, demonstrate the police's commitment to intensifying security measures ahead of the Akwatia by-election.

The first incident occurred on August 22, 2025, when Police intercepted a vehicle driven by suspect Bernard Kumi Ofosu, near St. Dominic Hospital in Akwatia.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of one Tulpar double-barrel pump-action gun, four AAA live cartridges and two FTB blank cartridges.

Although the suspect produced a valid licence for the firearm, the exhibits were retained for verification, and as such he is currently assisting investigations.

In a separate operation at the Akwatia Y-Junction snap check, Police arrested suspect Joshua Amenuku after retrieving 15 live BB cartridges from him.

A subsequent search at his residence uncovered one ADLER TULPA pump-action gun and five additional live BB cartridges.

These incidents highlight the need for continued vigilance in the fight against unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Later that evening, Police intercepted a Toyota Hilux pick-up at the Boadua Livingstone snap check point and arrested suspects Enoch Asiedu and Lu Youyan, a Chinese national, after four live BB cartridges were retrieved from the vehicle.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the ammunition allegedly belonged to their employer, one Mohammed, identified as the owner of the vehicle.

Efforts are underway to trace and arrest suspect Mohammed for interrogation.

On August 23, police officers on duty at the Boadua Livingstone Junction snap check point arrested suspect Pieterson Joseph after retrieving one ADLER TULPAR pump-action gun and 46 AAA and BB cartridges from his vehicle. The suspect admitted ownership of the firearm.

In another incident, officers on snap-check duty at Staff Village Boadua intercepted a Toyota Tundra pick-up with registration no WR 5535-13 from the direction of Asamankese towards Boadua.

A search conducted in the Tundra pick-up revealed three pump-action guns, including a Pardus pump-action gun, a Hulglu Atroe pump-action gun and another pump-action gun.

These incidents demonstrate the police’s commitment to ensuring security, law and order before, during, and after the Akwatia by-election.

The Police Command's efforts to combat unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition are commendable.

These arrests send a strong message to would-be offenders that the law will take its course.

The police's commitment to ensuring security and safety is crucial in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

As the Akwatia by-election approaches, it is essential that the Police Service continues to work tirelessly to prevent any form of violence or insecurity.

Its efforts to intensify security measures are a welcome development, and we urge all stakeholders to cooperate with the Police to ensure a peaceful and secure election.

The Eastern South Regional Police Command's decisive action against unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition is a step in the right direction.

The Daily Graphic commends the police's efforts and  we urge them to continue working tirelessly to ensure security and safety in the region.

The public's cooperation and support are crucial in this endeavour, and we call on all stakeholders to work together to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Together, we can ensure a peaceful and secure election that reflects the will of the people.