A key suspect in the violence that marred the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, Ernest Akomea, alias “Double”, remains at large, with security agencies intensifying efforts to arrest him and bring him before the courts.

Speaking during the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency, the Minister provided an update on investigations, arrests and prosecutions linked to electoral violence during the 2020 and 2024 elections.

According to the Minister, police investigations have identified Akomea as a key suspect in the Ayawaso West Wuogon violence, and operational efforts are continuing to locate and arrest him.

“A key suspect identified by police investigation, Ernest Akomea, alias Double, is still at large and intensive operational steps are underway to apprehend and prosecute him,” Mr Muntaka said.

He assured the public that the police would continue to pursue suspects who remain at large while supporting the prosecution of those already before the courts.

The Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, held on January 31, 2019, was marred by violence at the La Bawaleshie Presby polling station.

Masked men, reportedly linked to national security, assaulted voters, election officials and other persons at the polling station. Several people were also shot during the disturbances.

The incident triggered widespread public concern and calls for accountability over the conduct of security personnel during elections.

The Minister also provided an update on investigations into deaths linked to the 2020 general election in the Techiman South constituency.

He said autopsy reports on the deaths of Mohammed Tahiru Addy Al-Hassan and Abdallah Ayarik had been obtained from the medical officer who conducted the examinations.

“The written autopsy report in respect of the deceased Mohammed Tahiru Addy Al-Hassan and Abdallah Ayarik has been obtained from the medical officer who conducted the autopsy,” he said.

He added that a duplicate docket was being prepared for submission to the Attorney General’s Office for further review and advice.

“A duplicate docket is being prepared to be forwarded to the Attorney General's office for study and advice,” the Minister said.

On the electoral violence case involving the Odododiodioo constituency, the Interior Minister said the trial of the three accused persons is continuing before the High Court 1 in Accra.

“The trial of the three accused persons is ongoing before the High Court 1, Accra,” he said.

He said the next court date has been set for October 12, 2026.

The Interior Minister also disclosed developments in the investigation into an incident in the Awutu Senya East constituency, Kasoa.

Member of Parliament for the constituency, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, and her sister, Gift Akonor, have submitted written statements to the Special Investigation Task Force, according to the Minister.

“Member of Parliament Honorable Phyllis Naa Koryo Akonor and her sister Gift Akonor have submitted their written statement to the Special Investigation Task Force,” he said.

Investigators are also continuing efforts to locate Mustafa Mohammed, the driver of a Black Hawk Mahindra pickup linked to another election-related death.

The Minister said efforts to locate the driver, who was reportedly in charge of the vehicle when the deceased, Iddrisu Lari Yusif, was shot, remain ongoing.

“Investigative efforts to locate Mustafa Mohammed, the driver in charge of the Black Hawk Mahindra pickup on which the deceased victim Iddrisu Lari Yusif was shot, are still ongoing,” he said.