The Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Tanko Rashid Computer, has addressed concerns about the presence of the military in Akwatia ahead of the up-coming by elections on September 2.
According to him, the Military as well as the Director of Operations at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa, are in Akwatia rather because of Galamsey.
His comments follow growing concern and debate surrounding security presence in the area ahead of the by-elections, as many believe this will be intimidating to the electorates.
Speaking on JoyNews on Saturday, Tanko Computer explained, “Mr. Jakpa is a director of operations in charge of special duties at the national security secretariat. That is his work.”
He added, “Jakpa does operations special duty. And so, his special duty has nothing to do with our elections.”
Tanko Computer clarified that the military have been in the area for some time engaging in anti-galamsey operations.
“They also have another operation in the constituency because there is galamsey ongoing in that constituency. The military had been there long since before even the death of the MP, fighting the galamsey.”
“When I went there and we met them, we saw that they were so dirty coming from the forest. That shows that they are just there for different operation not for the election,” he added.
He made reference to earlier assurances from the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Ghana Police who have assured citizens that they are fully prepared, and the military will not be deployed unless it becomes necessary.
“The IGP told us that he has not invited any military for now, so for now if you see military there then they might be doing different thing,” he said.
A by-election in Akwatia will take place on September 2, 2025 and is as a result of the passing of former Member of Parliament for the area, Ernest Kumi, who died in July 2025.
