A total of 52,328 registered voters in Akwatia Constituency in Eastern Region will today decide who represents them in Parliament as they head to the polls in a crucial by-election.
Voting is taking place across 119 polling stations in 21 electoral areas, with the Electoral Commission deploying 484 temporary officials, including returning officers, presiding officers, verification officers and ballot issuers, to supervise the exercise.
The Akwatia by-election follows the death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi. The contest is between Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the NDC, Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the NPP, and Owusu Patrick of the Liberal People’s Party.
The Eastern Regional Director of the EC, John Appiah Barfour, says all materials—including ballot papers, registers and Biometric Verification Devices—have been distributed to ensure polls open at 7 a.m. in accordance with electoral laws.
“We have trained and deployed all election officers. Everything is ready for a smooth process,” he assured.
Security is also tight, with the Ghana Police Service deploying 5,500 personnel across the constituency. The police say they are deploying advanced security technology—including CCTV surveillance, body cameras, and drones—to monitor the polls and prevent violence.
But the build-up to the election has not been without tension.
The opposition NPP last night raised concerns, alleging that the NDC has brought in armed thugs to cause mayhem.
The Deputy Director of Election and IT for the NDC Rashid Tanko Computer says the alleged thugs are being housed in nearby communities, but insists the security agencies have been alerted.
Despite these concerns, both the Electoral Commission and the police are assuring voters of a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
Residents of Akwatia are being urged to turn out in their numbers and exercise their civic responsibility without fear.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
