Minister for the Interior Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has pledged to ensure a peaceful and violence-free by-election in Akwatia, using lessons from the recent disturbances in Ablekuma North rerun as a guide for stronger security operations.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, July 14, the Interior Minister said the violence seen at just 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North was alarming but also served as a wake-up call for law enforcement.
“I know the challenge people will say is, coming events cast their shadow if we can go to only 19 polling stations and this happens, what will happen when we go to some of the rural places,” he said.
He added, “Well, the interesting thing is that I’m sure this serves as a wake-up call for our security agencies. Whether what happened was organised or spontaneous, it presents an opportunity for them to plan better and prepare more effectively for the Akwatia by-election.”
[embedded content]Assuring the people of Akwatia, the minister stated, “All I can assure the people of Akwatia is that we will use Ablekuma North as a case study to review how we will operate in Akwatia to make sure that the citizens are free to cast their votes and express their will without fear.”
He reminded all political actors of the provisions of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019. “Section 6 of the Act says that a political party shall not directly or indirectly form, organise, operate or engage or facilitate the formation, organisation, operation or activity of a vigilante group whether belonging to that political party or any other political party.
“A political party that contravenes section 1 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than 10,000 penalty units and not more than 25,000 penalty units….”
He issued a clear warning to all parties, “I want to remind all of us, including myself, that if anybody organises this, this is what awaits you.”
The Minister said he has full confidence in the Inspector General of Police to enforce the law without fear or favour.
“I believe in the professionalism of the IGP, that he is not going to spare any person and he can have my full support. And I am sure I also have the full support of the President that he must let the law guard anybody. Whether that person is a Muntaka or that person is for NPP or NDC, he must make the person face the law.”
“So that we can assure you, we will do our best and ensure that Akwatia is safer and the election will be more peaceful, he added.
The upcoming by-election in Akwatia has been triggered by the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi. His passing created a vacancy in the Akwatia constituency, prompting the Electoral Commission to schedule a by-election in accordance with Ghana’s electoral laws to fill the seat.
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