The Center for Civic Engagement and Governance (CCEG) has expressed concern over the potential for electoral violence in the upcoming Akwatia by-election, warning that the unrest witnessed in Ablekuma North could repeat itself if urgent measures are not taken.
CCEG’s Public Relations Officer, Nana Nyarko Owusu, in an interview with the media, cited the recent assault on the NPP Deputy National Organizer and attacks on journalists as evidence of an escalating trend of political violence.
“The violence we saw in Ablekuma North could repeat itself in Akwatia if we do not act swiftly,” he warned.
“We are seeing a disturbing trend, and it is time for the government and security agencies to take proactive measures before matters escalate.”
Mr. Owusu called on President John Dramani Mahama to instruct the Inspector General of Police and the Minister for the Interior to launch thorough investigations into incidents of election-related violence.
“If we continue to lose sight of these signs, electoral violence will become normalized, and that poses a serious threat to our democracy,” he cautioned.
He also condemned the continued use of political vigilantes and “machomen” at polling stations, urging authorities to prosecute individuals involved in such activities.
Additionally, CCEG criticized the Ghana Police Service for what it described as inaction during the Ablekuma North re-run and slammed the policy of disallowing armed police officers at polling stations.
“This is a bad decision and needs to be reconsidered if we truly want to protect voters and election officials,” Mr. Owusu stressed.
