Ejisu by-election: 'We'll resist any attempt to rig the election' - Aduomi warns

The independent candidate in the Ejisu by-election, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, has threatened severe consequences if any group attempts to compromise the integrity of the election through violence.

Speaking at a mini-rally at the Ejisu Zongo lorry station on Sunday, Mr Aduomi criticized the alleged importation of vigilante groups affiliated with the NPP into the Ejisu constituency.

"I am confident they will not dare employ their violent tactics here at the Ejisu Zongo polling station. They have planned to rig the election by snatching ballot boxes, among other methods, by bringing in vigilante boys from outside the Ejisu constituency. But they cannot attempt their violent rigging actions here in Zongo, where men are in charge," he stated.

He warned, "Anyone who dares to undermine the integrity of the election through violence will not go unpunished."

He further cautioned, "I have already stated that Ejisu is the hometown of Yaa Asantewaa. We, the descendants of Yaa Asantewaa, do not fear blood. We do not condone violence, but we insist on holding free and fair elections.

"It brings no honour to anyone who intends to cheat in the election. It is, to say the least, village talk. Let the will of the electorate prevail in choosing their representative.," he stressed.

While campaigning with a large crowd, he urged the constituents to vote overwhelmingly for him to continue the good work he began in the constituency, which has been stalled since his rejection in the 2020 New Patriotic Party parliamentary primary.

He addressed the claims that he was aligned with the NDC, saying, "In the Ejisu Constituency, everyone knows that I am an NPP member. I am contesting as an independent candidate due to Nana Addo's leadership failure to promote fairness within the party."

Responding to President Nana Akufo-Addo's claim that Aduomi has lost his identity because he is uncertain of his allegiance to either the NPP or the NDC, Mr Aduomi said, "I am favoured by the NDC because I represented their interests fairly when I served as the Ejisu Member of Parliament. That is why I have won their hearts.

"NDC supporters are also human; I will not distance myself from them. When you serve well as an MP, your constituents will support you in all endeavours, and that is the support I am currently enjoying."

He also praised the national chairman, Stephen Ayensu Ntim, for demonstrating excellent leadership in his public statements regarding the Ejisu by-election and other internal party matters in the constituency.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service is expected to deploy over 7,000 officers to the Ejisu constituency to ensure security before, during, and after the elections.