The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has cautioned political parties, supporters, and the general public that the upcoming Akwatia by-election on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, will be a “no-go area for weapons.”
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Adam Bonaa, on Sunday, August 24, NACSA warned that anyone found carrying lethal or non-lethal weapons—including firearms, knives, machetes, pepper spray, or tasers—will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
Call for Peace
The Commission expressed concern over the increasing trend of politically motivated violence, often fueled by inflammatory rhetoric and the illegal possession of firearms. It stressed that the use of weapons or threats of violence to gain political advantage would not be tolerated.
“We urge political leaders and their supporters to express their choices peacefully and lawfully. Democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect,” the statement read.
NACSA reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ghana Police Service, the Electoral Commission, the National Security Council, and civil society organisations to ensure a safe and peaceful electoral process.
Recent Arrests in Akwatia
As part of security measures, police in the Eastern South Region have arrested six individuals, including a Chinese national, for unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition.
The suspects were identified as:
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Enoch Asiedu, 32
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Lu Youyan, 58
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Stephen Nkansah, 36
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Peterson Joseph, 42
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Bernard Kumi Ofosu, 33
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Joshua Amenuku
Police retrieved pump-action guns and cartridges (AAA and BB) during the operation, which took place at different locations on Friday and Saturday.
The arrests followed a high-level security meeting between the police and representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) aimed at ensuring a violence-free by-election.
Background
The Akwatia seat became vacant following the death of Ernest Kumi. Two candidates will contest the by-election:
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Solomon Kwame Asumadu (aka Owusu), a 40-year-old licensed small-scale miner, representing the NPP.
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Bernard Bediako, a legal practitioner, representing the NDC.
The contest is expected to be fiercely competitive as both major parties battle for control of the constituency.
Source: My News Ghana
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