By Aaron 
A political storm is brewing in Akwatia ahead of the upcoming by-election, triggered by the untimely death of the Member of Parliament, Hon. Ernest Kumi, who passed away earlier this month.
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In what has become a growing concern for political stakeholders, the General Secretary of the NPP Blue Army, a known grassroots wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued a stern and controversial warning to rival factions.
Speaking during a gathering in Akwatia over the weekend, the NPP Blue Army General Secretary declared, “If you kill one person in Akwatia, we will kill ten of your thugs. If you assault one person, we will assault ten of your thugs.” The fiery speech was met with cheers from the crowd but has since sparked mixed reactions across social media and in political circles nationwide.
Akwatia by-election: Triggered by the death of Hon. Ernest Kumi
The Akwatia constituency, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, has been thrown into political uncertainty following the sudden death of its MP, Hon. Ernest Kumi, a rising star within the New Patriotic Party. His unexpected passing earlier this July left a vacuum in leadership and representation, prompting the Electoral Commission to prepare for a by-election to fill the vacant parliamentary seat.
Ernest Kumi, who was widely known for his engagement with the youth and infrastructure initiatives within the constituency, died under circumstances that are still being officially clarified. His death has not only shocked constituents but has also heightened political tensions as parties prepare for a fiercely contested by-election.
Blue Army vows ‘boot-for-boot’ ahead of the polls
With preparations underway, the atmosphere in Akwatia has become increasingly charged. The Blue Army, a loyalist youth faction of the NPP, has vowed to match any act of violence or provocation “boot-for-boot” in response to what they perceive as threats from political opponents.
The General Secretary’s remarks reflect the growing anxiety over potential disturbances during the by-election period. His bold statement was aimed at cautioning other parties and so-called “imported thugs” against intimidating or attacking NPP supporters during campaign events or on election day.
While some party faithful support the idea of self-defense, civil society groups and political observers are urging restraint and the maintenance of peace. The Electoral Commission, National Peace Council, and other monitoring bodies are expected to step in to mediate and ensure a violence-free process.
Akwatia: A constituency with a history of political heat
Akwatia is no stranger to hotly contested elections. With a history of close races and political rivalry between the NPP and NDC, the constituency is often viewed as a key swing seat in the Eastern Region. The upcoming by-election is expected to draw significant attention from national party figures and campaign teams looking to assert dominance and retain—or capture—the parliamentary seat.
Given the high stakes, tensions have been escalating as party bases mobilize their grassroots to campaign hard. The rhetoric from both sides has intensified, but the recent threats by the Blue Army General Secretary have pushed the debate beyond ordinary political strategy into concerns about voter intimidation and election-related violence.
Calls for peace and maturity ahead of the polls
As the political climate in Akwatia becomes increasingly volatile, several civil society organizations and election monitoring bodies have called for calm. The Ghana Police Service is reportedly deploying additional forces to the area to maintain law and order throughout the campaign and election periods.
Religious leaders and traditional authorities in the constituency are also being encouraged to play a mediating role, promoting dialogue and peace among political actors and supporters.
In response to the threats, various groups—including some within the NPP—have urged their leaders and members to refrain from inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions or incite violence.
A test of Ghana’s democracy
The Akwatia by-election has now become more than just a race to replace the late Hon. Ernest Kumi—it has evolved into a litmus test for Ghana’s commitment to peaceful democratic processes. With the eyes of the nation fixed on the constituency, political actors must ensure that their actions do not undermine the peace and stability that Ghana is known for.
Voters in Akwatia deserve the right to choose their next MP in a peaceful, transparent, and safe environment. All political parties, particularly the NPP and its grassroots wings like the Blue Army, must show leadership, maturity, and respect for the rule of law as the by-election approaches.
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