The Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued a stern warning to political parties, independent candidates, and all political actors ahead of the upcoming Akwatia by-election in the Eastern Region.

Speaking at the first session of the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House, Mr Mohammed-Mubarak cautioned that the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999) remains in full force, and anyone who engages in political violence or thuggery will face the full rigours of the law.

“All I can assure the people of Akwatia is that we will use Ablekuma North as a case study to review how we will operate in Akwatia to make sure that the citizens are free to cast their vote and express their will without fear or favour,” the Minister said.

Political Actors Not Above the Law

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak specifically addressed political parties and independent aspirants, reading excerpts from the vigilantism law as a reminder of its consequences.

“For all the groups, whether you are in the NDC, whether you are in the NPP, whether you are independent, let me remind you of the Vigilante Act and what it says,” he stated.

He emphasised that no individual will be above the law, regardless of political affiliation or rank, adding that even he would not be spared if found culpable.

“I want to remind all of us, including myself, that if anybody organises this, this is what awaits you,” he warned.

The Minister reiterated his full backing for the security services, especially the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to enforce the law without fear or favour.

“I believe in the professionalism of the IGP, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, that he is not going to spare any person. He has my full support, and I am sure I also have the full support of the President that he must let the law grind anybody. Whether that person is Muntaka, or from the NPP, or NDC, the law must take its full course,” he said.

Vigilantism and Political Violence Condemned

Mr Muntaka described political violence as a shameful stain on Ghana’s democratic journey.

“It is a scar on all of our consciences that as a people who have practised democracy for over three decades, we can’t simply just go and have elections and it be violence-free,” he lamented.

He praised the current leadership for their united front in denouncing electoral violence. “Almost all of us at the top have condemned it. In the past, you would not get that. The Vice President has done that. The President is out of the country, and the Vice President is leading us, and she condemned it.”

Ablekuma North Violence Under Investigation

Touching on the recent Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, which was marred by violence, Mr Mohammed-Mubarak confirmed that video evidence has been submitted to the Inspector General of Police for immediate action.

“I have spoken to the IGP firmly on all the happenings of Ablekuma North, and the videos have been forwarded to him. We’ve instructed him to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.

“We are not going to condone wrongdoing, whether it involves people from within our party or from outside.”

Call for Peaceful Elections

The Interior Minister urged Ghanaians to uphold the principles of democracy and participate in the electoral process peacefully.

He concluded, “The Ministry is keen to seize every opportunity to ensure peace and security for the good people of Ghana. We must all contribute our quota to maintaining peace, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, or political affiliation.”