NPP Accuses Security Official of Military Intimidation Ahead of Akwatia By-Election
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the Director of Operations at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa, of deploying soldiers to intimidate residents ahead of the upcoming Akwatia by-election. At a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, August 27, NPP Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah alleged that Jakpa was seen in Akwatia with armed soldiers. According to Ahiagbah, Jakpa reportedly told residents to leave town before the polls. “This action is provocative,” Ahiagbah said, stressing that the Ghana Police Service—already set to deploy 5,000 officers for election security—was capable of maintaining peace without military involvement. He further warned, “Any soldier involved in the Akwatia by-election will be considered and dealt with as a thug.” The NPP has appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama, in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to ensure that no military interference […]