Tensions marred the Akwatia by-election when a confrontation broke out between NPP’s third Vice Chairman Alhaji Osman Masawudu and NDC National Vice Chairman Sofo Azorka.
The incident occurred at the Akwatia Lorry Station where Alhaji Masawudu was granting an interview with the media.
While Masawudu was granting interview Sofo Azorka and his men appeared.
Upon seeing Sofo Azorka, Masawudu mentioned his name in a friendly manner.
Sofo Azorka upon hearing his name became incensed and violently accosted him.
The situation escalated when another alleged member of the group slapped the NPP executive from behind before security personnel stepped in to restore order.
Before the altercation, Alhaji Masawudu had commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Ghana Police Service for their visible presence across the polling centers.
He urged the police to remain vigilant in ensuring a peaceful process, stressing that “the whole world is watching Ghana Police, and if peace does not prevail, their credibility will be at stake.”
He further encouraged constituents to come out and vote without fear of intimidation. “Nobody can intimidate anyone here. If that were the case, I wouldn’t have come to Akwatia myself. For the NPP, we are confident that by the end of this election, our candidate will win, and the NDC knows it,” he stated.
The NPP Vice Chairman also criticized the NDC for contesting the Akwatia seat despite the recent Tamale Central tragedy. He explained that the NPP chose to boycott a by-election in Tamale Central out of respect for families grieving the victims of a plane crash. “It is not because we feared losing,” he noted, “but out of consideration for the pain of the deceased families. The NDC should have shown the same respect by stepping aside in Akwatia.”
In a lighter comment during his address, Alhaji Masawudu pointed at the Azoka leader, saying he was surprised to see him in Akwatia, given that he himself had decided not to travel to Tamale. However, the remark appeared to anger the Azoka leader, who struck him in retaliation, leading to the scuffle.
Police officers on duty quickly intervened to calm tempers and restore peace at the polling station, preventing the clash from escalating further.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
