Leader of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, has suggested that a loss for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Akwatia would come as a “surprise”, given what he describes as the overwhelming presence and influence of state actors in the constituency.

Speaking on JoyNews during a panel discussion on the ongoing election on Tuesday, September 2, Mr Mornah claimed that top officials from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), as well as chief executives of numerous state institutions, had descended on Akwatia in the lead-up to the by-election, not only in their official capacities but also allegedly engaging in activities aimed at boosting voter turnout for the NDC.

“I think it will be a surprise that the NDC doesn’t win,” Mr Mornah remarked. “This is because everybody is there and once everybody is there, everybody is spending.”

Though he acknowledged widespread denials of vote buying, Mr Mornah said the evidence on the ground suggests otherwise.

“I have heard that there is no vote buying and what have you, but the AMA boss and all his people are there. They are supporting and tipping people to go out there and vote. That may not be the official party’s stance, but they are spending.”

According to the PNC leader, the level of state-sponsored mobilisation in Akwatia is unprecedented, with public officials allegedly playing covert campaign roles rather than focusing on their institutional mandates.

“CEOs of almost all the state institutions are there. They are spending. Will the NPP have the same steam?” he questioned.