By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
At a stakeholders’ debate and community engagement ahead of the Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election, ASP Asong Ayrakwa, Nima District Police Commander, stated that the Ghana Police Service will deploy about 80 officers to each electoral area to safeguard voters, candidates, and electoral officials.
The deployment is part of broader preparations to ensure a peaceful and credible election on March 3, 2026. Officers will be stationed at all polling centres to maintain law and order and allow residents to vote freely without intimidation.
ASP Ayrakwa said the police will engage residents across the constituency, educating them on the need to uphold peace before, during, and after voting. “All eyes of Ghana are on Ayawaso East. We want to prove to the country that we are a peaceful constituency,” he noted.
He cautioned against violence, insults, and provocation during the electoral period. “Allow people to vote freely.
Elections are about opinions and ideas. There should be no insults, no provocation, and no violence before, during, and after voting,” he said.
The Police Commander also issued a direct message to the youth, urging them not to allow themselves to be used to cause disturbances and to respect the rule of law.
He further warned that individuals who flout electoral laws, engage in violence, or spread misinformation will face punitive measures in accordance with Ghanaian law.
Community leaders welcomed the security plan and the Police’s engagement, urging unity and responsible behaviour throughout the electoral period. They also called on residents to verify information before sharing it to prevent the spread of misinformation that could create tensions.
With approximately 80 officers deployed per electoral area, along with ongoing community sensitisation, the Ghana Police Service aims to ensure that the Ayawaso East by-election is conducted peacefully and credibly.
