Associate Professor in International Trade and Director of the Trade Growth Network, Professor Evans Akwasi Gyasi, has described as alarming the decision by the Ghana Police Service to deploy 5,000 officers for the upcoming Akwatia by-election.

Speaking on JoyPrime's Prime Morning on Thursday, Prof Gyasi argued that the figure is excessive, stressing that elections should be free, fair and devoid of violence. "I like the fact that the Ghana Police Service has given us the firm assurance that in the unlikely event that any destruction happens they are well prepared. But why should we deploy 5,000 people? are we in a war front?."

Drawing from his experience as a UK resident, he noted that elections there are conducted without such heavy security presence. "In UK when we are voting nobody campaigns, nobody raise billboards, you just go cast your vote and leave we dont care who sees you."

He questioned why a parliamentary election should necessitate the threat of violence, adding that until Ghanaians fully appreciate that elections are merely an opportunity to contest ideas and leadership, the cycle of fear and hostility during polls will persist.

"Why should we kill ourselves because of one seat in parliament? why should we kill ourselves because somebody wants to be a member of parliament? Ghana is neither for the NDC or NPP, it is for Ghanaians and not until we the populace come to that understanding that there is not need to kill ourselves, it is a choice or a chance for us to decide on who lead us in Akwatia."