The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct elections in the Bawku Central constituency and nearby areas, despite ongoing security challenges.
During an interview with Citinews, Upper East Regional Director of the EC, William Obeng Adarkwa, revealed that the Commission is actively coordinating with security agencies to ensure peaceful and smooth elections.
“We are fully ready. The situation in Bawku is primarily a security issue managed by the Ghana Police Service. We are in constant communication with them and have begun training our officials to handle the process effectively,” he said.
Further, he called on residents to create a peaceful atmosphere, emphasising that this would enable the Commission to safely deploy election officials and materials to designated locations.
The EC’s reassurances seek to address growing concerns that the unrest could prevent residents from voting in the December 7, 2024 elections.
BACKGROUND;
The elections are taking place against a backdrop of rising ethnic tensions in Bawku. On October 26, Seidu Abagre, a rival chief installed by the Nayiri, returned to the area after a Kumasi High Court quashed his February 2023 arrest warrant on October 17, 2024. His return reignited a longstanding chieftaincy conflict, triggering deadly clashes that have claimed at least two lives and injured several others.
The violence has severely disrupted essential services. Teachers and students have abandoned schools, while the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have suspended operations, leaving residents without access to water and electricity.
Authorities have imposed a 6 am to 6 pm curfew, enforced by security personnel, to maintain order.
SOURCE;Citinewsroom
