The Minister for Interior, Mubarak Muntaka, has described the violent incidents that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun as a critical wake-up call for Ghana’s security agencies ahead of the Akwatia by-election.
Speaking in the aftermath of the July 11 electoral violence, during the government’s accountability series on Monday, July 14, the Interior Minister said the disturbances in Ablekuma North offer an opportunity for security forces to reassess and improve their strategies to ensure voter safety and electoral integrity in Akwatia.
“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,” he stated.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to peaceful and transparent elections, the Interior Minister assured residents of Akwatia that authorities will learn from the past and strengthen security measures.
“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.
The Ablekuma North rerun was marred by chaos after armed men stormed polling centers, attacking political actors, party agents, and journalists. The violence prompted widespread criticism and calls for improved electoral security.
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