Voting in the Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region has concluded, with over 52,000 registered voters casting their ballots to elect a new Member of Parliament following the death of the late MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
A total of 52,328 voters turned out across 119 polling stations in 21 electoral areas.
The Electoral Commission (EC) deployed 484 temporary election officers, including returning officers, presiding officers, technicians, verification officers, and ballot issuers, to oversee the process.
Security was significantly reinforced, with over 5,500 Ghana Police Service personnel deployed across the constituency, including a mobile prison van, to maintain peace and prevent voter intimidation or breaches of electoral regulations.
Despite a generally peaceful process, isolated incidents earlier in the day created tension.
Notable confrontations included clashes between NPP and NDC party executives at polling centers and the Akwatia lorry station, where heated arguments and alleged threats temporarily disrupted voting. Police intervened to restore order, ensuring that the situation did not escalate further.
The by-election, which attracted national attention, primarily features the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Bernard Bediako Baidoo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Solomon Kwame Asumadu, with Owusu Patrick of the Liberal People’s Party also contesting.
Both major parties expressed optimism of winning, even amid claims of intimidation and chaos.
With polls now closed, counting has begun at the various polling centers under the supervision of EC officials.
However, there was a low voter turnout, with many attributing it to today being a market day in Akwatia.
The EC continues to assure stakeholders of a transparent and credible process, emphasizing that all procedural safeguards are in place for the accurate collation and announcement of results.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
