“Akwatia Will Turn Green, But No Pepper Spray This Time” – Theophilus Dzimega Jnr

Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, Theophilus Dzimega Jnr. Esq., has expressed confidence in his party’s chances in the upcoming Akwatia by-election, declaring that the constituency “will turn green” in favour of the NDC.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Dzimega added a pointed prayer:

“My only prayer is that no one comes there with pepper spray.”

The remark was a clear dig at former Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, who was reported to have deployed pepper spray during the tumultuous Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun held on Friday, July 11, 2025. The incident drew widespread criticism and raised concerns over voter intimidation and electoral violence.

The Akwatia by-election is scheduled for September 2, 2025, following the untimely passing of the incumbent MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, who died after a short illness.

With tensions rising and political stakes high, Dzimega’s comments underline growing fears over potential unrest during the by-election, as well as broader calls for peaceful and fair electoral processes.

The Akwatia seat is seen as a battleground, and both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition NDC are expected to campaign vigorously in the lead-up to the poll.

Electoral observers, civil society groups, and security agencies are being urged to maintain vigilance and ensure that the election is violence-free and credible.