World Peace Volunteers (WPV) has decried "wasteful spending" in the just-ended Akwatia by-election.

In a statement dated September 3, 2025, signed by Seth Osei Acheampong, President, WPV said as an accredited observer of the by-election, "what we witnessed on the ground was deeply concerning".

"The level of resource deployment was excessive and, in our opinion, a misuse of public funds," it explained, citing, "Over 5,000 police personnel, along with police vehicles, school buses, Metro Mass Transit buses, and other state resources, were committed to a single by-election."

"This, in our view, is neither sustainable nor prudent," WPV emphasised.

Way Forward 

WPV, in view of the above, urged "government and relevant authorities to consider alternative approaches to by-elections that are more cost-effective".

"One such suggestion is that in cases where a parliamentary seat becomes vacant, the party that previously held the seat could be allowed to nominate a replacement without the need for a full by-election. This could significantly reduce costs, especially in times of economic hardship," the group proffered. 

WPV called on all political stakeholders, "particularly the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to put the national interest above partisan gain and support reforms that promote peace, unity, and responsible governance".

The governing National Democratic Congress's Bernard Bediako carried the day with 54.30% during the by-election.

About World Peace Volunteers 

The World Peace Volunteers (WPV) is a registered civil society organisation based in Ghana, committed to promoting global peace through human rights advocacy, the rule of law, democratic governance, climate change awareness, plastic pollution control, sustainable agriculture, and conflict resolution.

Over the years, WPV has actively participated in international election observation missions across several countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Bulgaria, Malta, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The organisation is accredited by the Electoral Commission of the United Kingdom to observe all elections in the UK and holds ECOSOC consultative status with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).