Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has expressed confidence in the Electoral Commission’s (EC) ability to conduct a credible by-election in Akwatia, scheduled for September 2, 2025, following the death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.

Speaking with Sammi Wiafe on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, August 20, Haruna Mohammed said the Commission has a proven track record of successfully organising elections in Ghana.

“I have always had confidence in the Electoral Commission; they have conducted successful elections in Ghana since time immemorial. The processes leading to elections in Ghana have always been very open, transparent. I have no doubt that the EC will conduct a free and fair election in Akwatia,” he stated.

The by-election comes against a backdrop of heightened political tension in the country, especially after incidents during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, which saw isolated clashes and assaults on journalists.

In response, the EC has engaged with security agencies and civil society stakeholders to safeguard voters, election officials, and media personnel in the lead up to the polls.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh-Yohuno, has disclosed that eight people have been arrested in connection with disturbances that marred the Ablekuma North election rerun.

Speaking at a meeting with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Wednesday, August 20, the IGP reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to maintaining law and order during elections.

He said the suspects, currently in custody, are expected to be arraigned before court on Thursday, August 21.

“As of yesterday, we have eight suspects. Eight suspects have been arrested. They are being processed, and from the advice I had from the regional commander, tomorrow, they will be put before the court. Either tomorrow or Friday, all these suspects will be put before the court. So we are making progress. We will make sure that justice will be served to those people who, in one way or another did not do their work in a professional manner,” he stated.