Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka has assured residents of Akwatia of enhanced security measures ahead of the upcoming by-election, promising that lessons from the recent Ablekuma North rerun will guide preparations to ensure a peaceful and credible process.
Speaking during Day One of the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 14, Mr. Muntaka described the disturbances that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun as a wake-up call for security agencies.
According to him, the State would not allow a repeat of such chaos.
He said, “I’m sure this is also a wake up call for our security agencies know that probably what happened [in Ablekuma North], maybe you could say that it was not an organised thing, it was a spontaneous thing, it gives our security agencies the opportunity to even plan better towards Akwatia,” he stated.
Mr. Muntaka further assured, “We will use Ablekuma North as a case study to review how we operate in Akwatia, to make sure that the citizens are free to cast their votes and express their will without fear or favour.”
The Ablekuma North rerun, held on July 11, was necessitated by irregularities in 37 polling stations during the December 2024 general elections.
The Electoral Commission certified results in 18 of those centres but ordered fresh voting in 19 others to conclude the parliamentary contest.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, was declared winner following the rerun, which was marred by violence.
Despite these disturbances, Mr. Muntaka emphasized that the government was committed to preventing such incidents in future elections, particularly in Akwatia where tensions are expected to be high.
The Interior Minister also reaffirmed that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, efforts are underway to reinforce professionalism within the security services and ensure strict adherence to law and order during all electoral exercises.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
