By:Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Akwatia by-election is currently underway, and it has taken center stage in Ghana’s political discourse, with both ruling and opposition party figures trading accusations and raising concerns about the conduct of the polls.
While development issues remain in focus, security arrangements and alleged inducements have dominated discussions as voting continues.
Kwadwo Poku, a member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed reservations about the involvement of security agencies, cautioning against unilateral decisions by the police. “There should be a communication channel. The police can’t decide on their own that they are bringing the military,” he stated. He further noted that compared to the Ablekuma North re-run election, a “fire wall” of protection appears to have been created around the Akwatia by-election, a move he suggested raises questions about transparency.
Meanwhile, the Kumasi Mayor, King Zuba, has accused the NPP of engaging in vote-buying tactics. According to him, cash inducements are being used to sway voters. “They’re sharing broke money!” he alleged, claiming that GHS50 notes were being distributed in parts of the constituency.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Security Analyst Dr. Ishmael Norman has raised concerns about the financial burden of the election’s security measures. He estimated that the arrangements could cost the nation up to GHS 96 million, questioning whether such expenditure is sustainable for a single by-election.
The allegations of inducements, questions over security deployment, and the financial implications have added to an already tense political climate. Critics argue that such actions could undermine public trust in the electoral process, while party representatives continue to assure voters of their commitment to a free and fair contest.
The Akwatia by-election is widely seen as a litmus test for both the ruling NPP and opposition NDC, with the outcome expected to carry significant political weight ahead of the 2028 general elections.
