The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed worry over developments it believes could undermine the credibility of the ongoing Akwatia by-election.
Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the party, Rashid Tanko-Computer, speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk on Tuesday, September 1, alleged that some activities by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) risked creating needless tension at polling centres.
Among his concerns was the removal of NDC campaign posters from a polling station, which he claimed had been in place for over three weeks without incident. According to him, the alleged action — involving Majority Leader and MP for Effutu, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin — was unnecessary and could be interpreted as an attempt to provoke confusion.
“Campaign posters don’t cast votes,” Tanko-Computer argued. “Taking them down on election day sends the wrong signal and creates needless panic. Both parties have posters across the constituency, and ours had been there without any challenge.”
The NDC official also questioned the Electoral Commission’s handling of polling station arrangements, citing what he described as a last-minute re-designation of a venue previously used by the party for training agents. “Suddenly, that place became a polling station today, forcing us to vacate,” he said, adding that such changes undermine transparency.
He stressed that while the NDC remains committed to a peaceful election, it is important for the EC and security agencies to ensure that polling processes are conducted fairly and without interference.
The by-election, triggered by a vacant parliamentary seat, has already seen reports of early morning disturbances, with at least one arrest made. Both the NPP and NDC are under pressure to secure victory in what is viewed as a key test of grassroots support.
