Pro-democracy group Election Watch Ghana has expressed concern about the security deployment for the by-election scheduled for the Akwatia constituency on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
The group says the move will lead to low voter turnout, which does not bode well for Ghana’s democracy.
“While we understand the importance of maintaining law and order, we strongly believe that this approach may inadvertently contribute to low voter turnout and undermine the electoral process,” EWG said in a statement on Tuesday, August 26.
It diagnosed that the violence recorded during by-elections are often as a result of “inflammatory rhetoric employed by some politicians prior to the by-elections”, urging that concerns should be geared towards them rather than creating a security-influx atmosphere that may lead to low voter-turnout.
“We wish to emphasize that victims of violence during by-elections are often orchestrated by mainstream politicians rather than grassroots party loyalists in the constituency.”
EWG is, therefore, recommending, inter alia, strict adherence to accreditation, thorough security screening, and prohibition of unauthorized groups.
“By adhering strictly to these rules, we can ensure a violence-free by-election that truly represents the will of the people of Akwatia.
“It is crucial to recognize that elections are a celebration of democracy and a display of ideas, not a battleground.”
The group urged all stakeholders, particularly the Electoral Commission (EC), to prioritize the integrity of the electoral process.
“We call for a return to the principles of democracy, where elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.”
It said the Akwatia by-elections should serve as a turning point in the country’s electoral history.
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