The by-election in the Akwatia Constituency which was held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 has been hailed as one of the most peaceful electoral exercises in recent memory. The Akwatia Constituency, once considered a flashpoint during elections, witnessed a calm and incident-free process this time around.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board and the National Peace Council, commended residents for cooperating fully with the security services to maintain order. More than 5,500 police personnel, supported by all 25 Regional Commanders, were deployed to monitor proceedings and ensure that voters, party agents and election observers could perform their duties without intimidation.
Officials from both the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) were also present, a sign of the high stakes attached to this contest. Both the IGP and the Peace Council praised the logistics and professionalism of the security services and urged the people to sustain the spirit of peace during and after the counting of votes.
This successful exercise deserves more than mere applause; it is a clear statement about the resilience of Ghana’s democracy. The ability of the security services, political parties and the electorate to work hand in hand demonstrates that violence is not and should never be the price of political competition.
We are reminded, however, of the events of the Ablekuma North by-election, where tensions spilled into violence and marred the exercise. That unfortunate incident raised legitimate concerns about the creeping normalisation of violence in Ghana’s politics.
It is, therefore, heartening that the police, learning from those mistakes, took proactive steps in Akwatia to ensure there was no repeat of Ablekuma. The heavy security presence, logistical preparedness and timely interventions no doubt prevented minor disturbances from escalating into full-blown chaos. For this, the Police Administration deserves commendation.
That said, it would be naïve to assume that the occasional flashes of violence during elections are inevitable. They are not. They often result from two factors: irresponsible behavior by a few political actors and inadequate policing strategies. The Akwatia by-election has proven that with firm leadership from the IGP, the right deployment of personnel and the commitment of the Peace Council, Ghana can hold elections without fear or intimidation.
It is also important to commend the political parties involved, particularly the NDC and NPP. Their leaders restrained their supporters and respected the electoral process, a departure from the toxic rhetoric and posturing that often stoke tensions at the grassroots. The residents of the Akwatia Constituency must also be praised for choosing dialogue and cooperation over violence. Democracy thrives when ordinary citizens decide that their votes, not their fists, are the ultimate instrument of change.
Yet, the little sparks of violence that surfaced cannot be brushed aside. They should be treated as reminders that Ghana must remain vigilant. Going forward, political parties must intensify civic education among their supporters, reinforcing the message that violence undermines the very victories they seek. The Electoral Commission and the Peace Council should also continue to expand platforms for dialogue, where parties can air grievances before they spiral into conflict.
Above all, the police must institutionalise the strategies that worked in Akwatia. It should not take a by-election for security agencies to mobilise fully and act decisively.
It has reaffirmed that peaceful elections are possible when all stakeholders rise above partisanship and put the nation first. Let us ensure that Akwatia becomes the rule, not the exception.
