IGP vows tough measures against any election offender in Akwatia

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.

These officers underwent rigorous training in tactical operations such as repelling, precision shooting, handcuffing, vehicle search and seizure, crowd control and human rights protocols. The remaining personnel are currently undergoing training in public order management.

The IGP, together with the Police Management Board (POMAB), oversaw the closing ceremony of the training, which featured a comprehensive simulation exercise designed to assess the preparedness of the force.

Mr 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.

He issued a clear message to potential troublemakers: “If you come quietly to vote, we will welcome you. But if you come to disrupt the process or carry arms, we will meet you with equal force.

“We are ready. If you climb a mountain to enter Akwatia, we will climb that same mountain to arrest you.”

The IGP urged all stakeholders, including political parties, supporters, and the general public, to adhere to electoral guidelines and cooperate fully with security personnel.

He commended the officers for their dedication and assuring the public that the police are fully prepared to protect the integrity of the election.

Simulation Exercise Demonstrates Readiness

During the simulation, plainclothes officers portrayed civilians queuing peacefully to vote. Drones were used to monitor activities from the air, ensuring real-time surveillance and rapid response capabilities.

The drill escalated when a simulated attack occurred: a group of heavily built men attempted to snatch ballot boxes.

Officers swiftly responded by forming a linear extended formation to neutralize the threat, successfully arresting the suspects and transporting them in a police Black Maria.

The exercise also featured a live-fire precision shooting demonstration, where officers targeted balloons and bottles to exhibit their ability to neutralize threats with minimal collateral damage. This task was completed in under 30 seconds by 10 officers operating in pairs.

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