Ghana Police Seize Weapons, Arrest 12 Before Tense Akwatia Vote

JHNews || Akwatia, August 25, 2025 – Ghanaian security agencies have stepped up operations in the Eastern Region town of Akwatia ahead of the September 2 parliamentary by-election, arresting 12 suspects and confiscating nine weapons, including pump-action guns and live ammunition.

The Eastern South Regional Police Command carried out the raids as part of a pre-emptive crackdown to deter political violence, following heightened tensions between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno described the security measures as necessary to ensure a peaceful vote in the constituency, which has a history of electoral unrest. He cautioned individuals and groups against fomenting trouble, stressing that the Police Service “will not hesitate to act swiftly” against offenders.

Additional security deployments are expected in the coming days to safeguard voters, electoral officials, and ballot materials. Authorities say their priority is to maintain law and order and protect the integrity of the polls.