There were heated exchanges in the early hours of today (September 2) between supporters of the two political parties contesting the Akwatia by-election.

JoyNews cameras captured a brief moment of tension as supporters of the governing NDC and the opposition NPP faced off.

According to JoyNews' Blessed Sogah, the confrontation erupted after some supporters stormed past a restricted zone.

Police personnel at the scene swiftly intervened to restore calm.

Notably, prominent figures of the opposition NPP, including the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, were escorted to their vehicles under police protection following the scuffle.

Supporters on both sides were also seen exchanging heated words.

The by-election follows the death of Ernest Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, necessitating the election of a new representative for the constituency.

More than 50,000 registered voters are expected to participate in the hotly contested race between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Bernard Bediako Baidoo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Solomon Kwame Asumadu.

Both parties have run vigorous campaigns in recent weeks, supported by senior party officials and national executives who visited the constituency to rally support.

To safeguard the process, the Ghana Police Service has deployed over 5,500 officers across Akwatia, while the Electoral Commission has assured voters of a free, fair, and transparent election.

Residents have been urged to exercise their franchise responsibly and respect electoral rules.