The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has alleged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is scheming to foment violence under the guise of national security during the forthcoming Akwatia by-election,
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, the NPP’s Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah, stated that the party’s claim is strongly backed by a “very reliable information and intelligence” information gathered.
He furthered alleged that the NDC intends to send operatives posing as national security officers to intimidate voters and residents of Akwatia before and during the polls, scheduled for Tuesday, September 2.
Mr. Ahiagbah expressed concerns over the development noting that the Ghana Police Service had already pledged to deploy more than 5,000 officers to oversee security in the constituency without military involvement.
Nonetheless, his allegations pointed out to Richard Jakpa – Director of Operations at the National Security Secretariat who has been moving around the constituency with soldiers, allegedly threatening residents to leave the area ahead of the election.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that any soldier involved in the Akwatia by-election will be considered and dealt with as a thug,” Ahiagbah cautioned.
He further urged President John Mahama to step in and restrain his appointee to prevent any potential disturbances during the election.
“We therefore call on the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to call Richard Jakpa to order and ensure that no soldier meddles in the Akwatia by-election.”
