The Police in Akwatia have opened a formal investigation into an alleged assault on Alhaji Masawudu Osman, Third Vice Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), during a by-election in the Eastern Region town of Akwatia.
The incident, which reportedly took place on Tuesday, September 2, at the Akwatia Lorry Station in the Vawaso Electoral Area, occurred amid heightened political tensions between supporters of the NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). According to Mr. Masawudu, the confrontation unfolded as he was addressing members of the press near the Zongo area, where he had been assigned to monitor polling activities.
Mr. Masawudu alleges he was accosted by individuals accompanying Chief Sofo Azorka, the NDC’s Vice Chairman, leading to a physical altercation. The precise details of the confrontation remain under investigation.
In a statement issued Thursday by the Eastern South Regional Police Command, officials confirmed that Mr. Masawudu was provided a medical form to seek treatment at a local hospital. The completed form is expected to be returned to assist with the ongoing probe.
The matter has since been escalated to regional authorities. “The case has been referred to the Eastern South Regional Police Command for further investigation,” said DSP David Fianko Okyere of the Public Affairs Unit. “We are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial inquiry.”
The by-election in Akwatia has drawn national attention, not only for its political implications but also for the security challenges that have emerged during its conduct. No arrests have been made as of Thursday evening, and both parties have yet to issue detailed official accounts of the incident beyond initial statements.
