The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has issued a warning to political actors, party leaders, supporters, and the general public to refrain from using or displaying any form of weapon during the upcoming Akwatia Constituency by-election scheduled for September 2, 2025.

The Commission in a statement dated Sunday, August 24, 2025, declared Akwatia a "no-go area" for lethal and non-lethal weapons, including firearms, improvised weapons, tasers, pepper spray, knives, machetes, or any instrument capable of causing harm.

"The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) wishes to caution all political actors, party leaders, supporters and the general public ahead of the forthcoming Akwatia Constituency by-elections to refrain from any actions that may incite or promote violence; especially the display and use of lethal or non-lethal weapons including firearms, improvised weapons, tasers, pepper spray, knives, machetes or any instrument capable of causing harm," the statement said.

In the statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Dr Adam A A Bonaa, NACSA emphasised that Ghana’s democracy, a beacon of peace and stability in the sub-region, could be undermined by politically motivated violence fueled by inflammatory rhetoric and the unlawful use of weapons during elections.

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The Commission urged political stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and promote peaceful conduct, warning that the use of arms or threats of violence to gain political advantage will not be tolerated.

The Commission further called on politicians and party leaders to set a positive example by encouraging their supporters to express their political choices lawfully.

NACSA assured the public of its collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, the Electoral Commission, the National Security Council, Civil Society Organisations, and other partners to monitor the by-election and maintain peace.

The Commission urged all stakeholders to prioritise peace and respect the rule of law to ensure Ghana remains a safe and secure nation before, during, and after the Akwatia by-election.

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The commission warned that it will ensure a swift arrest and prosecution of individuals who flout the directive.

“Anyone found with any form of weapon will be promptly arrested and prosecuted.

“NACSA reiterates its commitment to supporting a peaceful electoral process and will continue to work in close collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, the Electoral Commission, National Security Council, Civil Society Organisations, and other partners to monitor the by-elections,” the Commission said.

The by-election follows the vacancy of the Akwatia parliamentary seat occasioned by the passing of the Member of Parliament for the area, Ernest Yaw Kumi.



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