Ahead of the next Akwatia by-election, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sent out a strong warning, stating that any military meddling in the voting process will be viewed as thuggery.
Richard Ahiagbah, the party’s director of communications, told reporters in Accra on Wednesday, August 27, that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) was planning to use national security agents to scare voters and sabotage the election.
According to Ahiagbah, the NPP has received credible intelligence indicating that the NDC plans to “hide behind the guise of national security to terrorise some residents and voters in Akwatia.”
He pointed out that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has stated unequivocally that the police do not need military assistance to uphold law and order, and that the Ghana Police Service has already committed to sending 5,000 personnel for the by-election.
Despite this, Ahiagbah claimed that Richard Jakpa, the National Security Secretariat’s freshly hired Director of Operations, had been spotted escorting soldiers around the Akwatia constituency and threatening locals.
“Richard Jakpa has reportedly been perambulating Akwatia with soldiers, threatening some indigenes and residents to leave the town before the by-election in their own interest,” he claimed.
Any soldier who participates in the election process will face criticism and consequences, Ahiagbah warned.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that any soldier involved in the Akwatia by-election will be considered and dealt with as a thug,” he declared.
In his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President John Dramani Mahama was urged by the NPP to immediately restrain Mr. Jakpa and make sure the military does not participate in the by-election.
“We urge the President, under whose watch national security falls, to call Richard Jakpa to order and ensure that no soldier meddles in the Akwatia by-election,” Ahiagbah said.
Tensions between the two major parties are increasing as the Akwatia by-election, which is set for Tuesday, September 2, becomes a national focus.
As the election approaches in the historically competitive constituency, the NPP and NDC have both accused one another of using intimidating techniques.
Mustapha Gbande, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) deputy general secretary, has issued a warning that any violent activities during the next Akwatia by-election will be confronted with equal resistance.
- Gbande has emphasised that the party will not permit intimidation to erode the democratic process.
