NDC Lawyers deploy to Akwatia ahead of by-election

Concern over threats and violence prompts legal action

The legal arm of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the immediate deployment of its lawyers to the Akwatia Constituency ahead of the upcoming by-election, citing rising threats of violence and intimidation allegedly orchestrated by elements within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In a strongly worded press statement dated August 30, 2025, the NDC Legal Directorate expressed deep concern over recent developments that, in their view, pose a grave threat to Ghana’s democratic process and constitutional order.

Upholding democracy and the Rule of Law

The statement emphasized that the right to vote, enshrined in Article 42 of the 1992 Constitution, must be protected at all costs. According to the NDC lawyers, any attempt to undermine this right through intimidation or violence constitutes an affront to the nation’s democratic principles.

“An atmosphere of intimidation, harassment, threats and violence during an election has the tendency to create voter apathy which denies legitimate voters the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights,” the statement read.

Alarming incidents in Akwatia

The legal team highlighted several incidents in and around Akwatia as evidence of the escalating tension. Of particular concern was an alleged attempt to attack the NDC’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, during the 40-day memorial for the late NPP parliamentary candidate, Hon. Ernest Kumi.

Further reports of the NDC’s parliamentary candidate, Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, being attacked have raised red flags for the party. Additionally, the team cited the arrest of individuals allegedly caught with firearms trying to enter the constituency.

Call for swift police action

The NDC legal team called on the Ghana Police Service to act with urgency in arresting and prosecuting all individuals responsible for the attacks, noting that such steps are crucial to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

“We humbly, and respectfully, request the Ghana Police Service to as a matter of urgency arrest the attackers and prosecute them to serve as deterrence,” the statement urged.

Full legal deployment for election oversight

To ensure a peaceful and lawful election, the NDC’s lawyers will assume multiple roles on election day — as polling agents, counting agents, collation agents, and monitors. The statement made it clear that their presence is intended to guarantee compliance with electoral laws and to provide legal oversight.

“Our lawyers will be playing different roles… and we will do this by collaborating and cooperating with all security agencies deployed for the elections at Akwatia as well as officers of the Electoral Commission,” it added.

Lessons from past elections

The statement also recalled “several electoral infractions” during the December 7, 2020, parliamentary elections in Akwatia, which led to legal action against both the Electoral Commission and the late NPP candidate, Hon. Ernest Kumi. The legal team insists that the upcoming by-election must be monitored with extra vigilance to avoid repeat irregularities.

To that end, all deployed lawyers are instructed to activate their body cameras for transparent monitoring of events on the ground.

Confidence in victory and development

The NDC lawyers expressed full support for their candidate, Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, who is also a member of the NDC Lawyers Association. They expressed confidence in his victory, asserting that a peaceful, fair election will deliver a much-needed change and development for the people of Akwatia.

“We wish all the candidates all the best but we know that once there’s a peaceful, free and fair elections, Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo will become the next Member of Parliament for the good people of Akwatia,” the statement concluded.

Closing words

The press release closed with a call for national unity and a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to peace, development, and the protection of democracy.

“God bless Akwatia, God bless Ghana and God bless the Great NDC,” it ended.