Accra, May 4, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings on Wednesday called for a thorough investigation into the interception of additional and unauthorised ballot boxes as well as assault weapons, including an AK47, in the possession of New Patriotic Party activists during the Asawase by-election in the Ashanti Region.

He said those who witnessed the malpractices should take up the matter and "insist on a thorough investigation into the matter."

A statement signed by the Special Assistant to the former President, Mr. Victor Smith in Accra said, Mr. Rawlings commended personnel of the Electoral Commission, the military, the police as well as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party faithful who defied attempts by "unscrupulous politicians and activists" to rig the by-election.

He said, "Thwarting the attempts by those politicians who chose to use thuggery and other underhand methods to deny the good people of Ghana their right of choice was exemplary and patriotic and they deserve commendation from all who genuinely believe in democracy and the rule of law."

Former President Rawlings described the alleged acts of cheating, during the registration exercise as well as during the election itself as the very things he tried to forestall by writing letters to the international community in the run-up to the 2004 elections. It urged all who are committed to seeing social justice, in the spirit of true democracy and for it to thrive in Ghana to stand firm. He said that would "ensure the sanctity of choice whenever and wherever we go to the polls.

"We must recognise that it was the quality of the supervision and monitoring that ensured the victory and success of the Asawase by-election", he added.