The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Bernard Bediako, for the upcoming Akwatia constituency by-election, has urged the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to refrain from pronouncements he claims are designed to create fear and panic ahead of the polls.

The call comes in direct response to recent comments made by a NPP official.

The IGP says about 600 trained police officers have already moved to Akwatia ahead of the election, with simulations already underway.

Yesterday, the National Organizer of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye, stated that despite the police service's security preparations, party members were prepared to "protect themselves" on election day.

Speaking on Joy FM's Top Story, Mr Bediako explained that such rhetoric is unnecessary and dangerous.

The politician and lawyer insisted that the party must place its trust in the Ghana Police Service, which has given firm assurances of providing effective and impartial security to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.

Questioning the rationale behind the NPP's self-protection claims, the NDC candidate argued that the security apparatus remains the same institution it was when the NPP was in power.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has set Tuesday, September 2, as the date for a by-election in the Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region following the death of the Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.

The Commission explained that the seat has officially become vacant in line with Article 112(5) of the Constitution, which mandates a by-election when a parliamentary seat becomes vacant.