The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for the immediate arrest and investigation of two senior officials from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), citing allegations of physical assault and death threats during the Akwatia by-election.
In a statement released Wednesday, the NPP accused NDC First National Vice Chairman Chief Sofo Azorka and Abuakwa North Constituency Communications Officer Alhaji Abdul Wahab Amadu of threatening to kill three prominent NPP figures: Minority Leader Osahene Alexander Afenyo-Markin, NPP National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye, and Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
The NPP also alleged that its own 3rd National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, was physically assaulted by Azorka and what the party described as a group of “notorious hoodlums.”
“This violent conduct by no mean persons than national and constituency officers of the opposition party undermines democratic progress and threatens public safety,” the statement read. The party linked the incident to Ghana’s recent decline in the Global Peace Index rankings.
Signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the statement indicated that formal complaints would be lodged with the Ghana Police Service. The party also called on Inspector General of Police George Akuffo Dampare to urgently investigate the matter, including reviewing video evidence circulating on social media that allegedly captures the altercations.
“The recklessness of the actions of Chief Sofo Azorka and Alhaji Abdul Wahab ought to be properly investigated and punished,” the NPP said.
The accusations come at a politically sensitive time, as tensions surrounding the by-election continue to draw national attention. Neither the NDC nor the individuals named in the statement had issued a public response as of press time.
