The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating a campaign of voter intimidation that it claims contributed to its defeat in the Akwatia by-election.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News on Wednesday, NPP Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah pointed to the actions of NDC National Vice Chairman Sofo Azorka, alleging that violent conduct by Azorka and his supporters created a climate of fear that suppressed voter turnout.
“Sofo Azorka… in a very violent way, accosted an individual who had not said anything to him except to give an interview, give his view or report on what is happening,” Mr. Ahiagbah said. “Then his people slapped him. And today, as we speak, he’s home, he’s probably watching us on TV, and we are wondering, what is this?”
Mr. Ahiagbah said the incident was not isolated, arguing that it reflected a broader strategy of intimidation employed by the NDC in the run-up to the vote. “The implication of that is that it heightens tension in the environment and, in most likely situations, creates fear and panic for most of the people who could have come out to vote,” he said.
The NPP maintains that its chances in the by-election hinged on voter turnout, which, it argues, was artificially suppressed through acts of aggression and fear-mongering. “We believe that our victory lay in turnout,” Mr. Ahiagbah added. “And if people had come out in the manner we anticipated, we would have won that election.”
The Akwatia by-election was triggered by the sudden death of sitting NPP Member of Parliament Ernest Kumi. The seat was won by the NDC’s Bernard Bediako.
While the NDC has not formally responded to the allegations, the accusations add to an already tense political atmosphere ahead of Ghana’s general elections next year. Electoral violence and voter suppression remain key concerns in the country’s democratic process, with both major parties frequently trading blame in tightly contested races.
Mr. Ahiagbah concluded by calling on Ghana’s electoral authorities and security agencies to investigate the incident and take steps to ensure the integrity of future polls.
