The Ghana Police Service says it has put in place the necessary measures to ensure the safety of voters while maintaining law and order in the Kumawu Constituency before, during and after Tuesday’s by-election.
In a statement issued on May 22, the police noted that ahead of the election on Tuesday, May 23, security personnel have been deployed to the constituency and neighbouring communities.
“As part of the security arrangement, the Police this [Monday] morning engaged the parties contesting the election including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and one of the Independent candidates to enhance collaboration among all stakeholders towards a peaceful election,” parts of the statement read.
The Police Service added that “the other independent candidate in the election, was however unable to honour the invitation for the meeting. The NPP team was led by its National Chairman and General Secretary, whiles the NDC team was led by its General Secretary and National Organiser. The other Independent candidate represented himself at the meeting.”
The service urged residents of Kumawu to go about their normal activities freely and encouraged them to cast their votes as well.
“We would also like to urge the general public, especially the people of the Kumawu Constituency to work with us to deliver a peaceful election and ensure the safety and security of all.
The by-election in Kumawu became necessary following the death of the NPP MP, Philip Basoah.
He died at the age of 53 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Following his death, Parliament notified the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct a by-election in the Kumawu Constituency.
In accordance with Article 112 (5) of the Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Commission (EC) set May 23, 2023, for the election.
The Notice of Poll published by the Electoral Commission ahead of the election indicates that there are four candidates contesting for the vacant position.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Ernest Yaw Anim, is the number one on the ballot paper; the National Democratic Congress candidate, Kwasi Amankwa, takes the second spot, while the third and fourth positions are for two independent candidates who bear the same name, Kwaku Duah.
Notable personalities including NDC flagbearer John Mahama, Vice President Dr Mahmudu Bawumia and Alan Kyerematen were all in the Kumawu constituency over the weekend to support their candidates ahead of the poll.
