The Deputy Director of Elections and IT of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rashid Tanko-Computer, has alleged that individuals arrested in Akwatia over the weekend for possessing weapons are members and supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Police in the Eastern South Region confirmed the arrest of 10 individuals and the seizure of nine firearms during targeted operations in Akwatia as part of heightened security measures ahead of the upcoming by-election. The recovered weapons included eight pump-action shotguns and one locally manufactured single-barreled gun.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Monday, Mr. Tanko-Computer claimed the circumstances surrounding the arrests suggest NPP involvement.

According to him, while the NDC leadership agreed at a recent meeting with police to rely solely on state security during the by-election, the NPP opted to make their own arrangements for protection.

“You see, the people they have arrested, they are NPP people, they are their people. They don’t want the general public to know, but I am telling you because they want to test the ground,” he alleged.

“Is it not the NPP who says they will go and protect themselves? We (NDC) will rely on the state security, so we are not bringing anybody to protect us. We have confidence in the police, but they (NPP) said they will protect themselves,” he added.

Mr. Tanko-Computer thanked the Police Service for what he described as proactive efforts to maintain order in the constituency.

The Akwatia by-election, scheduled for Wednesday, September 3, follows the death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi of the NPP. Although traditionally an NPP stronghold, the seat has become fiercely contested in recent years.