Madam Awatey, who chairs the Eastern Regional Security Council, said adequate police personnel had been deployed alongside other security measures to maintain law and order.

Speaking to journalists after touring some polling stations, the Minister expressed delight at the early turnout.

“I have been to a number of polling stations this morning and the numbers are encouraging… Akwatia is safe,” she said.

Mr Evans Nimako, the Director of Elections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the polls and the security arrangements.

He said his team had not recorded any irregularities and was optimistic the process would remain smooth, free, and fair.

Voting began at 0700 hours in all 119 polling stations across the constituency, where about 52,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots.

The by-election follows the passing of Mr Ernest Yaw Kumi, the NPP Member of Parliament, who won the seat in the 2024 general election.

The GNA observed that election materials were deployed as early as 0400 hours, with polling stations within the Akwatia Township completely set-up by 0600 hours.

At the Boadua Lorry Station Polling Centre, 15 people had already voted by 0720 hours.

Security remains tight, with 5,500 police officers deployed across the constituency.

All vehicles entering Akwatia Township are being searched as part of the security operation.

The contest is between Mr Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the NPP, a licensed small-scale miner and graduate of All Nations University, and Mr Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a lawyer and the party’s constituency secretary.

Akwatia, a traditional swing seat, has alternated between the NPP and NDC since 1992, making Tuesday’s by-election a crucial test of strength for both parties.