The Ministry of Interior is moving swiftly to bolster security preparedness ahead of the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
Interior Minister Mubarak Muntaka, speaking during the government’s Accountability Series on Monday, described the July 11 violence in Ablekuma North as a critical lesson, and said government is determined to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
According to the minister, the chaos that unfolded—where armed men disrupted voting processes and attacked party agents, political actors, and journalists—has underscored the urgent need for improved operational coordination among security agencies.
“This is also a wake-up call,” Muntaka said. “It gives our security agencies the opportunity to plan better towards Akwatia.”
The Minister reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to peaceful and transparent elections, emphasizing that the Ablekuma episode will be used as a blueprint for a stronger, more efficient electoral security plan.
“All I can assure the people of Akwatia is that we will use Ablekuma North as a case study to review how we operate—to make sure that the citizens are free to cast their votes and express their will without fear or favour,” he assured.
With Akwatia set to go to the polls in the coming weeks, the ministry has hinted at a possible multi-agency security taskforce, enhanced surveillance, and early threat detection systems to secure polling stations and deter violence.
The minister’s remarks come as public concern grows over political violence and its potential to undermine Ghana’s democratic credentials. Civil society organisations, the Electoral Commission, and the media have all called for urgent reforms to guarantee voter safety and uphold electoral credibility.
The Ablekuma North violence is now being reviewed by national security operatives, and findings are expected to shape both policy and tactical deployment for Akwatia.
As preparations intensify, the Ministry of Interior says it is not only preparing for an election—but also for public trust in the democratic process.
