By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has assured Ghanaians that the ongoing Akwatia by-election will be peaceful and free of disruptions.
Speaking to the media after touring polling centres, COP Yohuno said the Ghana Police Service had learned from previous incidents and was fully prepared to maintain law and order. He cited the recent Ablekuma North rerun, which was marred by violence, stressing that such events would not be repeated.
“Ablekuma North violence is a thing of the past. We are moving forward, and as I assured you, this will be an election that will set the tone for future elections,” the IGP said.
He explained that officers deployed for the by-election had undergone rigorous training to ensure neutrality and professionalism in handling security situations.
“Other elections may have ended with some skirmishes, but I assure you that this one with God on our side, with our preparations, training, and men ready to discharge their duties without fear or favour, will be different,” COP Yohuno emphasised.
Responding to concerns that the heavy police presence might intimidate voters, the IGP rejected the claim, insisting that the deployment was intended to reassure the electorate.
“With our presence, voters can feel safe to come and cast their ballots, and they are happy with the deployment,” he noted.
He added that additional police reinforcements would be deployed during the vote-counting process to guarantee peace until the declaration of results.
