Akwatia by-election: One suspected arrested over early morning chaos

Police have arrested one person for allegedly removing a candidate’s posters at a polling station in Akwatia as the by-election takes place today.

The swift intervention ensured that voting continued without disruption, and authorities warned that any interference with the electoral process, including acts of intimidation or violence, would be met with strict action.

The by-election follows the death of Ernest Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, necessitating the election of a new representative for the constituency.

More than 50,000 registered voters are expected to participate in the hotly contested race between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Bernard Bediako Baidoo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Solomon Kwame Asumadu.

Both parties have run vigorous campaigns in recent weeks, supported by senior party officials and national executives who visited the constituency to rally support.

To safeguard the process, the Ghana Police Service has deployed over 5,500 officers across Akwatia, while the Electoral Commission has assured voters of a free, fair, and transparent election.

Residents have been urged to exercise their franchise responsibly and respect electoral rules.