The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that the printing of ballot papers for the upcoming Akwatia parliamentary by-election will begin today, Wednesday, August 20.

This was disclosed at a meeting convened by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) with political representatives to discuss security measures and strategies to curb electoral violence. The Commission's Director of Electoral Services, Benjamin Bano-Bioh, told the media that, "as of now (August 19), we are going to start the printing of ballots from tomorrow (which is today)."

"Procurement has already been done. We have procured all the materials required for the election, so we are already," he stated. Benjamin Bano-Bioh further explained that his outfit is "poised to deliver on our mandate in a professional way. We call on political parties to play by the rules," he added.

The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, also briefed political parties, outlining critical security arrangements for the election.

Following the death of the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, the by-election has been scheduled to elect his successor. The Electoral Commission (EC) is expected to hold the by-election in the Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region on Tuesday, September 2.

The election became necessary after the death of the constituency’s representative, Ernest Yaw Kumi, who was reported dead on Monday, July 7. On Monday, August 4, the Electoral Commission will conduct balloting to ensure fairness in the order in which candidates appear on the ballot paper.

The two major political parties are preparing vigorously for the contest. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected legal practitioner Bernard Bediako Baidoo as its candidate for the upcoming by-election in Akwatia, Eastern Region, scheduled for Tuesday, September 2.

This follows an internal election conducted by the party on Monday, August 4, to select a representative for the by-election. The competition was between former Member of Parliament Henry Boakye, the current NDC Akwatia Constituency Secretary Bernard Bediako Baidoo, and Erasmus Koney Ali.

Bernard Bediako Baidoo polled 380 votes, Erasmus Ali Korney secured 366 votes, and Yiadom garnered 232 votes. On the other hand, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has selected the Chief Executive of Owuo Mining Company, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, as its parliamentary candidate for the upcoming by-election.

According to the Eastern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Jeff Konadu Addo, the decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders.

He explained, “The National Council of the party set up a committee and we were tasked to find out who could be our candidate or whether we will do primaries or not.

"So, the team went to Akwatia in the constituency, had a lot of engagement with the grassroots, electoral area coordinators, polling station officers, chiefs, opinion leaders, and the majority of the people said that for primaries, we should take it out. We shouldn’t conduct primaries in Akwatia. And that’s exactly what we followed."

Earlier, reports suggested that the widow of the late Member of Parliament, Mrs. Mavis Kumi, had expressed interest in contesting the seat. However, the Eastern Regional NPP Chairman, Jeff Konadu Addo, on Tuesday, July 15, dismissed such reports, emphasizing that campaign flyers making such claims were false.

“We wish to categorically state that this information is false, misleading, and should be treated with the utmost contempt it deserves,” Jeff Konadu Addo said.

He further clarified that Mrs. Mavis Kumi had no interest in contesting the position but was focused on mourning her husband.

“She has unequivocally communicated that she has no interest in contesting the seat or participating in active politics at this time. Her current focus is to mourn her husband with dignity and in peace,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Muntaka, has urged security personnel who will be deployed to oversee the by-election in the Akwatia constituency to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties.

He reminded them to reflect on the recent violence that occurred during the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency and to work proactively to prevent a recurrence.

According to him, the government will ensure that such incidents are not repeated in future elections. The minister made these remarks at the government’s accountability series in Accra on Monday, July 14.

“This is also a wake-up call for our security agencies to know that probably what happened [in Ablekuma North]…gives our security agencies the opportunity to even plan better towards Akwatia.

“All I can assure the people of Akwatia is that 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,” Muntaka added.

In a related development, the country will soon prepare for another by-election in the Tamale Central constituency following the death of its legislator, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. He was among the eight individuals who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident on August 10. He was laid to rest on the same day.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has, however, declared its intention not to participate in the by-election expected to be conducted in the Tamale Central constituency on September 30.

According to a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the decision follows extensive consultations with stakeholders. He explained that the decision is a gesture of respect for the late MP and the other victims of the helicopter crash.

“The New Patriotic Party is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed Member of Parliament. The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided,” parts of the statement read.