Editorial: Let Akwatia By-Election Be Safe, As We Learn From Mistakes Of Ablekuma North

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has confirmed that eight people have been arrested in connection with violent incidents recorded during the Ablekuma North by-election. Speaking at a meeting with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the IGP said the suspects are being processed and will soon face court. He assured that justice would be served and emphasised the need for professionalism in election security.

IGP Yohuno also addressed the assault on a journalist during the election, clarifying that the officer involved was interdicted, not transferred, contrary to circulating rumours. Investigations have been completed and disciplinary action is expected soon. According to the IGP, the Police Professional Standards Bureau has submitted its report, paving the way for sanctions.

These developments are encouraging to The Chronicle, but they must not end at mere arrests or promises of disciplinary action.

The Ablekuma North by-election was marred by violence, an unfortunate trend that is creeping into the fabric of Ghana’s democratic process. The confirmation that eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the disturbances is commendable. It shows that the police are determined to hold perpetrators of violence accountable.

However, as we have always said, these arrests are only the first step without prosecutions. The Chronicle urges the Police to follow up swiftly and decisively with prosecution to its logical conclusion. Anything short of this risks emboldening those who thrive on political thuggery.

The lessons of the past should serve as a reminder that deterrence comes not from press statements or assurances, but from concrete legal action. Political violence undermines the credibility of elections and erodes public confidence in the democratic process. To prevent history from repeating itself, the police must be proactive, not reactive in the upcoming Akwatia by-election.

In a story carried on page two of today’s edition of The Chronicle, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has issued a stern warning to individuals planning to cause violence or disrupt the upcoming Akwatia by-election, scheduled for September 2, 2025. He emphasised that the Ghana Police Service will respond decisively to any acts of lawlessness.

As part of security preparations, more than 5,000 police personnel are being deployed to Akwatia. This includes 600 specially trained officers who recently completed a five-day intensive training program at the High-Risk Operations Training Centre (HROT-C) in the Eastern Region.

IGP Yohuno stated that while the 600 specially trained officers will be armed on the ground, the police’s ultimate goal is to ensure a peaceful and successful election.  “We are very confident in our preparations and aim for this to be one of the most peaceful elections in our history,” he said. The Chronicle is happy for the assurances coming from IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno and we hope they would not remain as mere promises.

This means deploying intelligence-led strategies before election day, monitoring hotspots and swiftly neutralising groups known for disrupting polls. Security agencies must also resist political pressure and uphold their professional duty to protect voters, journalists and electoral officers alike.

Going forward, election-related violence should not be treated as an inevitable occurrence. It is preventable if the police remain vigilant, impartial and proactive. Citizens must also demand accountability from political parties whose supporters resort to violence in the name of politics.

Ghana’s democracy is bigger than any party or candidate. As the nation prepares for future elections, we must insist on zero tolerance for political violence. The police have taken a good first step by making arrests and initiating disciplinary processes.

The challenge now is to follow through with firm prosecutions and sustained vigilance. Only then can we assure citizens that elections will be determined by ballots, not bullets.

 

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